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The move builds on the firm's 20-year track record of investing behind sustainable themes in PE and can be seen in the context of the growing global thirst by institutional investors for carbon solutions, as they work to achieve their net zero goals. Privately owned companies are in many ways the "last frontier" for decarbonization focus, in contrast to businesses that are publicly listed.

Stafford's clients will co-invest alongside private equity firms, with the strategy specifically designed to help both LPs and GPs achieve their carbon emission reduction targets. For investors looking at these strategies, Stafford will source and facilitate the partnerships with GPs, and manage all aspects of the transaction of these co-investments.

There are three core elements to the program:

Bespoke Solution - Stafford will assist institutional investors in understanding the emission profile of their current PE investments and design and execute tailored plans for new investments that align with their decarbonization objectives.

Maximising Risk-Adjusted Returns and Climate Impact - Stafford will seek to maximise risk-adjusted returns while meeting climate objectives through co-investments in companies and drive the decarbonization agenda.

Engagement & Reporting - Stafford will report on portfolio progress and advocate on behalf of its clients for the adoption of decarbonization measures.

The program will focus on investments in expansion (scale-up) and buyout-stage companies recognised for their maturity, profitability, established technology, and predictable cash flows. Stafford believes that this approach offers an attractive risk/return profile and the potential for high climate impact. With Stafford typically holding a controlling stake in conjunction with other private equity firms, Stafford will exercise greater influence in shaping the company's decarbonization agenda.

Depending on individual client requirements there are three eligible investment categories across which the portfolio will be strategically allocated to:

Carbon Transitioners: Companies committed to implementing significant and measurable carbon emission reduction targets.

Decarbonization Enablers (also known as Climate Solutions): Companies offering solutions that facilitate the decarbonization process and support the transition to a net zero economy.

Low-Carbon Businesses: Investments in companies with a proven track record of maintaining a best-in-class low-carbon footprint. By including these businesses in the portfolio, clients benefit immediately from their low-carbon footprint.

Stafford has developed a proprietary database in which it tracks carbon emission data and decarbonization progress of the private equity-owned companies in its portfolios. This unique data set allows for a detailed analysis of the three eligible investment categories and can help investors to further define targets and develop the most optimal strategic investment settings.

Commenting on the launch of the program Stafford's CEO Angus Whiteley said: "This program demonstrates our unwavering commitment to driving transformative change and leveraging the power of private equity as a catalyst for innovation and growth. As a committed member of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, we believe that addressing the challenges of climate change is paramount in today's world. Our strategic focus on decarbonization strategies reflects not just a business decision, but also a conscious decision to systematically pushing decarbonization efforts into the private equity asset class.

"With over 20 years of experience working with specialist managers in the sector on sustainability investing and ESG integration, coupled with a proven track record of delivering a 17.8% net IRR on realised co-investments, Stafford is uniquely positioned to guide our clients on this critical pathway to a more sustainable and prosperous future."

Commenting further, Stafford Capital Private Equity Partner Jesse De Klerk said: "This is a great opportunity for us to closely work with our private equity clients to support them and their portfolio companies to realistically achieve their decarbonization targets. Through this programme, we will be able to help our clients to develop the right investment strategy, set targets, and take action to achieve real decarbonization.

"By partnering with Stafford Capital Partners, investors can align their portfolios with sustainability objectives, drive impactful change, and capitalise on the evolving energy landscape".