Information on GRESB
GRESB, established in 2009, is a premier global provider of sustainability standards and benchmarks for real assets, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the transparency and accountability of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. The organization delivers standardized and validated ESG data to support asset-level decision-making, empowering investors and managers to improve their sustainability ratings. GRESB’s annual assessments cover a wide array of real estate portfolios and infrastructure assets, collectively valued at USD 8.8 trillion.
Industry Overview in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is recognized for its progressive approach towards sustainability and climate action, positioning itself as a leader in the European Union's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The real estate sector in the country has increasingly prioritized ESG investments, making strides towards achieving net-zero emissions in accordance with international climate agreements. This heightened focus on sustainability has catalyzed the demand for reliable data and benchmarking, which organizations like GRESB are uniquely equipped to provide.
With real estate and buildings contributing about 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the need for standardized benchmarking and transparency has never been more crucial. The Dutch government has implemented various policy frameworks and incentives to encourage sustainable practices in the real estate sector, amplifying the importance of firms like GRESB in the development of metrics and tools that guide investment decisions.
In response to these trends, the Dutch market has witnessed substantial growth in ESG-themed investments over recent years, leading to a notable increase in interest from various institutional investors. As asset managers seek to enhance their ESG profiles, access to high-quality and comprehensive benchmarking data remains essential.
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The Rationale Behind the Deal
The majority investment by General Atlantic aims to accelerate GRESB's growth trajectory through strategic expansion and product innovation. This partnership will facilitate GRESB's efforts in enhancing its product offerings while further entrenching its role as a key player in the global transition towards sustainable real assets. By leveraging General Atlantic’s expertise in climate solutions, GRESB can deepen its capabilities in transition finance and the development of actionable insights for the investment community.
Information About General Atlantic
General Atlantic is a prominent global growth equity firm with over 40 years of experience in investing and scaling innovative companies. The firm specializes in partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to create lasting impact, focusing on sector-specific expertise and a long-term investment horizon. In addition to its commitment to growth equity, General Atlantic operates the BeyondNetZero climate growth fund, which seeks to invest in companies committed to delivering innovative solutions for climate challenges, thus supporting the multinational goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
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GRESB's partnership with General Atlantic presents a promising investment opportunity, given the latter's robust track record and deep understanding of the climate-focused market landscape. As the shift toward sustainable investment practices accelerates, GRESB's established position as a leader in ESG benchmarking positions it well for future growth. The ongoing commitment from both GRESB and General Atlantic to innovate and enhance ESG transparency could drive significant long-term value.
Additionally, the involvement of existing shareholder Summit Partners retaining a minority stake underscores confidence in GRESB's strategic direction and future potential. The shared vision between the companies enhances the likelihood that GRESB will effectively execute its growth plan while maintaining its independence as a Benefit Corporation.
Moreover, the increasing regulatory pressures and demand for ESG data among investors and asset managers serve as a tailwind for GRESB's operations. As more institutional investors embrace sustainable portfolio management practices, the essential role of robust benchmarking provided by GRESB is likely to strengthen, thereby solidifying its market position.
Overall, this deal reflects a sound investment strategy in alignment with global sustainability goals, promising not only financial returns but also meaningful contributions towards the clean energy transition.
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