GSAM to buy Imprint Capital to broaden its ESG offering
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) is acquiring Imprint Capital Advisors, a leading impact investing firm, and innovator in developing investment solutions to generate measurable environmental, social and effective governance (ESG). The deal will enrich GSAM's ability to deliver market-leading ESG and impact investment opportunities.
Client Description A $2 billion Minnesota-based family foundation. The client’s mission is to improve the quality of life for present and future generations by dedicating its resources to support, unite, and empower those it serves. Client Objective In 2013, the board embarked on a process to discover how the endowment could be restructured to further its mission. After committing in 2014 to investing 10% of its endowment to mission-aligned strategies, the client sought specific investments that would generate financial return, meet its fiduciary duty and drive program learning.

GSAM Solution We worked with the client to source, diligence, recommend and manage mission-aligned investments, including public and private funds, direct investments and some program-related investments (PRIs). Following the Investment Committee’s designation of an additional $100 million to a carbon efficiency strategy, we worked with the client to help design a less-carbon intensive Russell 3000 strategy. This resulted in relationship-building between the Foundation and CEOs of carbon-conscious companies. The client has committed more than $150 million of capital and we have a dedicated annual review of the portfolio to identify opportunities to further refine impact alignment.