Environmental disclosure platform CDP has announced plans to split into two separate entities, as part of a major operational restructuring.
Following the split, the two organisations will include CDP, a commercial organisation focused on delivering environmental disclosure, data and reporting services backed by investment firm Permira, and the CDP Foundation, a charitable organisation responsible for driving the scientific principles underpinning environmental disclosure.
In a statement, CDP said that both organisations will be ‘united in a shared ambition – to surface new information, enabling Earth-positive decisions to protect future generations’.
The two organisations will remain closely linked, with the CDP Foundation set to remain a shareholder in CDP, and have board representation.
‘A transformative moment’
“This is a transformative moment, marking the next chapter of CDP’s evolution in service of global markets,” commented Sherry Madera, chief executive officer of CDP. “We are deepening our priorities – enabling CDP to deliver stronger science-led, disclosure and leverage new technologies to simplify the disclosure experience.”
“CDP and CDP Foundation will be united in shared ambition. Together they will uphold a pioneering disclosure system that will help unlock greater decision-useful insights to shape an Earth-positive economy. This partnership with Permira will chart a clear path for the future, enabling CDP’s environmental data and insights to deliver greater value to disclosers, companies, financial institutions and wider CDP data users, accelerating meaningful, real-world impact.”
CDP said that the move will enable it to sharpen its focus, facilitating stronger science-led disclosure and greater investment in the technology required to optimise the disclosure process and garner actionable insights. It added that its products, services and 2026 disclosure cycle will continue as planned during the transition.
“Innovation and science have been at the heart of CDP since its founding, and it will continue to guide our work – through both the CDP Foundation and CDP,” added Katherine Garrett-Cox, chair, CDP Board of Trustees. “As we embark on this next chapter, alongside our long-standing supporters and new partners, this new model will enable CDP to enhance the vital role its data plays in the world: to drive impact, advance sustainable markets, and protect future generations.”
Permira investment
Permira, which manages approximately €90 billion in committed capital globally, will support the commercial entity through investment in people, technology and product development.
“As environmental risk reshapes global supply chains and investment decisions, the need for trusted data has never been greater, and CDP fulfils that role,” said Anish Patel, partner and co-head, and Gabriel Andrews, managing director – energy transition, at Permira,
Completion of the transition, which is expected in the next six months, is subject to regulatory approval and certain closing conditions. Bates Wells and Baker & McKenzie LLP served as legal counsel to CDP, CDP North America and CDP Japan. Rothschild & Co and Alvarez & Marshal served as financial advisors. Read more here.
