How ESG Is Changing the M&A Landscape

Understanding the growing importance of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) in the world of mergers and acquisitions requires looking no further than social media.

Countless posts on these social platforms demonstrate society’s rising concerns around sustainability standards and corporate accountability. In fact, Elon Musk’s recent attempt to acquire Twitter is the perfect example of the reach that ESG has in today’s M&A market and the broader business world.

Twitter is the most high-profile acquisition on the rocks right now. While the primary reason Musk has cited for backing away from the deal is his allegation that the social media platform is infected with bots that impact fake news and, ultimately, the company’s valuation, he has pointed to diversity concerns.

“Musk has tweeted frequently about Twitter employing workers who are insufficiently diverse in embracing a wide variety of viewpoints and perspectives,” says Dr. Michael Kraten, an ESG expert and professor of accounting at Houston Baptist University. “Ironically, the lack of diversity that he mentions involves a lack of conservative and libertarian representation.” He suggests Musk’s concerns represent issues around the G in ESG.