Client
Sedex
Industry
Technology
Our role
Financial consultation
Client territory
United Kingdom
Chapter 1 Setting the scene
Sedex is a market-leading sustainability data and technology provider. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in London, they now employ over 200 people across offices in the UK, Australia, Chile, China, India and the US. Its 75,000-strong membership network spans 180 countries and includes leading companies such as Reckitt, Sainsbury’s, KFC, Nestlé, Japan Airlines, John Lewis Partnership and Unilever.
Sedex operates in a high growth market, with ESG monitoring and reporting requirements increasing exponentially for businesses of all sizes. Their longstanding experience in developing robust, site-level tools, including the world-renowned SMETA audit, make it well-positioned to help companies meet these sustainability-related demands, and embed responsible practices deeper into supply chains.
Sedex’s technology platform, tools and consultancy services enable organisations to assess, manage and report on ESG risks and impacts across their supply chains. They help businesses globally navigate a rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability-related demands, from new regulation to comprehensive reporting balanced alongside operational pressures.
Chapter 2 PwC approach
After a competitive pitch process, PwC was selected to provide Corporate Finance sell side services and Management Advisory services.
The transaction process attracted significant interest from a broad pool of global investors (impact funds, US bulge bracket PE, family offices and growth investors), with the high number of first round offers received clearly indicating the excitement for investment into Sedex. Due to the fixed capital funding requirement of the business, investors had to compete on equity terms, ESG credentials, deliverability and control rights in order to differentiate themselves. LDC emerged as the front runner on the aforementioned criteria and therefore were chosen as the preferred party after round 2.
The transaction enabled Sedex to establish a separate Special Purpose Trust to maintain the company’s founding purpose and stated mission.
“The PwC Lead Advisory team understood the purpose and ambition of Sedex very quickly and worked tirelessly to deliver an amazing outcome for Sedex. Their hands-on approach along with deep knowledge of the sector and the investor community was vital in helping Sedex find the right partner. PwC navigated Sedex expertly through the complexities of the transaction and it was a pleasure to work with the team on this transaction.”
Chapter 3 PwC impact
Sedex achieved the investment to support organic growth and product development to drive sustainability in supply chains globally and enable it to meet its target to deliver more effectively and at scale. With LDC’s input, Sedex is looking to further invest in developing its platform, tools and professional services, leveraging the power of data and technology for its members’ benefit and fuelling its international expansion plans.
The new structure enabled Sedex and its members to create a Special Purpose Trust, enabling the organisation to look after the integrity of Sedex's mission and continue promoting responsible business practises alongside global innovation in the supply chain.
“Sedex's vision to be a leader in making global supply chains more socially and environmentally sustainable puts them at the forefront for investing in the future. As Lead Advisor to Sedex, we've had the privilege of witnessing their dedication to their increasingly critical mission to support businesses to rapidly evolve the sustainability of supply chains. I am proud to have been part of this journey and look forward to their continued success.”
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