About IMB Partners
Founded in 2010, IMB Partners (“IMB”) is a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing attractive middle market companies with a focus on:
» Businesses that support the U.S. utilities and energy sector
» Niche government contractors (“GovCon”) that support federal, state and local government agencies
IMB takes an entrepreneurial approach where partnership and people are prioritized first, and relationships matter.
Core Values
IMB was founded under the principle that responsible investing practices are drivers in generating top quartile returns, which is evident in the Firm’s motto, “relationships are an asset”, as well as its core values:
» Partnership and People First – We do what we say and treat others like we want to be treated. We partner with management teams rather than forcing our own agenda.
» Relationships are an Asset – Through our existing relationships with suppliers, investors and partners, they help us to be better leaders. We look forward to developing our future relationships to help us stay current and build better and stronger businesses.
» An Entrepreneurial Approach – We value creativity, initiative, and flexibility and are a nimble organization. We understand taking calculated risks and having an ownership mindset to drive positive momentum.
Scope of Policy
This policy applies to current and future assets in which IMB has a controlling interest, as well as IMB as a firm. IMB is committing to upholding the highest standards and leading by example.
Roles and Responsibilities
Accountability and implementation of this policy lie with the IMB Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Committee. Senior executive-level staff, including the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Fundraising Managing Director, and CEO have oversight of this policy to ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to IMB’s commitments.
Policy Management
We believe Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) goals are ever evolving, and we aim to update this policy accordingly as we learn and grow. This policy is updated and reviewed at least annually by IMB’s Investment Committee. This policy was last updated on December 20, 2023.
Responsible Investing Approach
The ESG Integration & Investment Process below outlines IMB’s systematic approach for screening, assessing, and managing ESG risks and opportunities through the investment lifecycle by utilizing tools such as an Exclusions List, ESG Due Diligence Questionnaire, and a monitoring framework.
Sourcing (Exclusions List)
Pre-Investment
(ESG Due Diligence Checklists)
Ownership
(Materiality Data Collection & Reporting)
Exit
(Comprehensive Materiality Reporting)
IMB actively excludes investments that breach our Exclusions List, upholding strict standards.
IMB utilizes an
ESG due diligence
framework to identify
potential risks and
opportunities,
focusing on long-term
investment value.
IMB ensures
the transfer of
comprehensive ESG
performance data
upon investment
exit, reflecting our
commitment to
transparency and
responsible investing.
IMB Exclusions List
IMB maintains an exclusion list of investments we will not consider. We will not invest in companies directly involved in:
1. the manufacturing or sale of tobacco products
2. the generation of revenue from gambling
3. check cashing/payday loans
4. the prison industrial complex
IMB ESG Due Diligence Checklists
IMB incorporates ESG diligence review into various stages of the investment due diligence process. These diligence checks cover the materiality topics listed in the Materiality Data Collection and Reporting section below.
Materiality Data Collection and Reporting
The notion of ESG materiality is in a state of flux. We characterize ESG materiality as the primary environmental, social, and governance topics that have the potential to influence a company’s revenue, cost centers, or access to capital. IMB annually evaluates portfolio companies’ ESG performance on material topics via a digital questionnaire, providing insight for continuous improvement in ESG practices.
A. Demographics
B. Data Security
C. GHG Emissions
D. Business Ethics
E. Energy Management
F. Employee Health & Safety
G. Systematic Risk Management
Selection of Material Topics
To identify key topics for our portfolio, we combined analytical methods and stakeholder feedback. Engaging selected portfolio companies and limited partners, we focused on diverse insights. Financial impacts were assessed using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidelines. Additionally, we incorporated market analysis to align with evolving trends in ESG reporting in private markets.
Our Commitment
We are committed to integrating ESG principles, with a special focus on diversity and inclusion, as
key drivers for realizing tangible value in our portfolio, underscoring their importance as fundamental
aspects of our core values.
For our 2023 Responsible Investing Report, click here:
For a printable version of our Responsible Investment Policy, click here: