Ethical M&A advisor CapEQ has notched up an industry first by becoming Europe’s only accredited B-Corporation corporate finance firm.
The London and Thames Valley boutique advisor secured the ethical business ‘kitemark’ this week, joining the ranks of 700+ accredited UK companies, including Coutts Bank, Jojo Maman Bébé, and The Body Shop.
B-Corporations meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose, as part of a global movement to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
CapEQ co-founding director James Pugh commented: “We became a B-Corp not only to reassure business owners that we always work in their interests and to the highest ethical standards, but to lead the way for our sector, especially around transparency and accountability.
“B-Corps are a new kind of business which balance purpose with profit. We’ve had to look at our business from all angles, from staff, governance and clients to our local communities and the environment.”
“We became a B-Corp not only to reassure business owners that we always work in their interests and to the highest ethical standards, but to lead the way for our sector, especially around transparency and accountability.” – James Pugh, CapEQ
Fellow CapEQ co-founder Mark Sapsford added: “It’s a rigorous process, and has taken us 18 months to get here, so we’re delighted to have achieved this industry first. We are now focused on building new partnerships with like-minded firms and hiring more staff who share our vision and values.”
B-Corp assessors reviewed the impacts of initiatives including CapEQ’s ‘digital-first’ M&A processes designed to speed up transactions while reducing unnecessary paperwork, its employee profit-share scheme, and evidence of 700 trees planted in Mozambique and Madagascar – where rapid deforestation threatens the lives of millions of people.
CapEQ was established in 2020 by M&A veterans James Pugh and Mark Sapsford, advising PLCs and private business owners on business acquisitions, divestments, capital-raising, business sales and scaling up. The firm also leads an international network to offer the same ethical approach in Europe, Africa and Australia.
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK said: “We are delighted to welcome CapEQ to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that CapEQ is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”.
“We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community – from start-ups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that you can do good in any sector.
“Welcoming CapEQ to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit”.
