ESG resources and skills are in high demand, spurred on by the EU, which now requires large companies to report on environment, climate, social justice and governance. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG).

It's news to many, but not to Sustainable Business Solutions ApS. The 15 employees have been advising companies on climate accounting and ESG strategy, execution and reporting since the company was established in 2019. They have also run an academy and have built up competencies at customer sites through training.

Attractive skills for buyers

Therefore, the company was attractive to the auditing and consulting firm Beierholm, which has acquired Sustainable Business Solutions from founder Thue Birk Svenningsen as of January 2, 2025. The plan is to integrate the employees into Beierholm's Sustainability Division.

"Audit firms need to build competencies and capacity at their clients to enable them to report on ESG. With this acquisition, they get a fully integrated and well-functioning department that can do just that," says Thue Birk Svenningsen.

His own future plans are the main reason he sold Sustainable Business Solutions. The sale gives him both time and capital to develop his latest business project with software for managing ESG processes in companies.

As early as 2023, he hired a CEO at Sustainable Business Solutions and was only involved in operations through his role as Chairman of the Board.

Business Broker himself with the specific ESG subject matter

Thue Birk Svenningsen wanted to find a broker who was not among the largest in Denmark, but still had experience. The choice fell on Business Broker, and he has been very satisfied with that decision.

"They had never tried to sell an ESG company like ours before, so initially, extra work was required to enter the ESG field. Sustainable Business Solutions is in a relatively new industry that is changing rapidly, and many people find it difficult to understand our field. But Business Broker a genuine willingness to learn about it, and they succeeded," says Thue Birk Svenningsen. 

A good and constructive team steered the sale

Business Broker two advisors, Klaus Termansen and Michael Vadgaard Jørgensen.

"They were a great team. Business Broker things really well together with our lawyer, and there was good dialogue with Beierholm and a willingness to find solutions. I myself was only involved when necessary. I could sense the good atmosphere, regardless of whether there were challenges," says the founder.

The two advisors from Business Broker that this is a highly sought-after industry, and the structured sales process went well, with considerable interest from a number of potential buyers.

"The timing is perfect. The EU requirements have really pushed the business community, which is sorely lacking resources and skills," says Klaus Termansen, and Michael Vadgaard Jørgensen adds: "Sustainable Business Solutions has positioned itself really well in this industry. It affected the value positively and gave the seller the opportunity to choose between several interested buyers."

Beierholm had the right attitude towards ESG

The price was just one of several reasons why Thue Birk Svenningsen chose to sell to Beierholm.

"Beierholm fits well with our values, culture and ambitions. They have a real desire to create positive change for people and the environment. They have a pioneering spirit with a desire to collaborate and invest in employees and develop the profession. All things that I myself have worked hard for," he says.

He is also pleased that Beierholm will keep the office in Ry west of Aarhus, so employees - including his own wife - can continue to clock in where they usually do. At the same time, they will be able to clock in at any of the 42 other branches across the country.