UK firm follows Adelaide Oracle M&A with another Aussie purchase

UK sustainability consultancy ERM has signed a deal to acquire Sydney-headquartered climate risk and energy transition consultancy Energetics for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1984, Energetics provides climate resilience, net zero, clean energy transition as well as data and analytics services. 

ERM said Energetics will join its climate change and corporate sustainability practice and “add significant strength and depth” to its decarbonisation strategy and reporting, climate risk assessment and adaptation planning services.

The acquisition also brings capabilities in energy markets and services to help de-risk businesses and investors engaging in Australia’s energy transition, the company said.

“Bringing together Energetics and ERM creates Australia’s most comprehensive sustainability and climate change advisory firm. This acquisition is critical to the growth of ERM in the region and is in direct response to Australia’s plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Matt Klein, ERM’s global co-head corporate sustainability and climate change.

“In addition to the services already offered by ERM, the acquisition of Energetics enables us to offer a broader suite of services to our clients, and more expertise to address key sustainability challenges. For the people at Energetics, becoming part of ERM means they can access and become part of our unparalleled network of sustainability experts worldwide.”

In March 2024, ERM acquired Adelaide sister companies The Big Middle and The Big Zero. 

The company had previously purchased Melbourne sustainability consultancy Point Advisory in 2022, which ERM said expanded its sustainability economics, energy, procurement, strategy and
human rights capabilities in Australia.

“Energetics first opened its doors for business 40 years ago. Since then, we’ve worked across every sector of Australia’s economy and developed longstanding relationships advising some of the country’s largest businesses,” said Mary Stewart, CEO of Energetics.

“Energetics’ alumni can be found leading sustainability, climate and energy risk management teams here and overseas. We are proud of what we have achieved, and today, we are ready to scale our work.”

“Throughout this sale process, we were determined to find a buyer whose ambitions for sustainability, addressing climate risks and supporting the clean energy transition align with our own. In ERM, we have a great match.”