Acquisition expands EY's climate and sustainability services

EY has expanded its assurance practice via the acquisition of the Australian arm of community investment solutions company Karrikins Group, a provider of outsourced community investment and education solutions for corporations, governments and not-for-profits.

Karrikins Group co-founder Dominic Thurbon and CEO Andie Dalziell will join EY as partners, bringing with them 97 staff across Australia and New Zealand. The team will sit within EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice.

EY Oceania CEO and Managing Partner Tony Johnson said, “Our research shows that 97% of investors look at environmental, social and governance information, as well as financial information when making their investment decisions, up from 52% in 2015. It has never been more important for corporations to ensure they are meeting their social obligations. This acquisition is an example of EY strategically adding the right people and services to support our clients in the areas they need now or will need in the future.”

Dalziell commented, “We are thrilled to join the EY Climate Change and Sustainability Services team, who are on the forefront of transforming the way companies think about sustainability and their impact on the world. As a company founded with the simple purpose to inspire positive change, we can think of no better or more aligned partnership in which to expand our impact and drive the trust agenda.”

EY Oceania Assurance Leader Glenn Carmody said, “With increasing community focus on a company’s corporate conduct, it has never been more important to get this right. This is a difficult new paradigm for organisations, and one that keeps many executives awake at night. Increasingly the value of a company is not just measured by short-term financial outcomes, but by the long-term impact they have on society and the environment.

“Dominic, Andie and the team have a wealth of experience and diverse skills perfect for delivering programs that have a strong social impact. Crucially, these programs produce tangible outcomes that benefit communities and individuals,” Carmody explained.

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