A PEOPLE-CENTERED, SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTOR
purpose
SOFIOUEST furthers the positive influence of the
SIPA OUEST-FRANCE Group through people-centered,
socially responsible investment
Manifesto
Because we are an investment company originally associated with the Association for the Support of the Principles of Humanist Democracy, we keep alive the forces leading to a society based on sincerity, respect, responsibility and mutual support.
Because we believe that entrepreneurs have the power to transform the world, we are committed to people who work for the thriving of the individual, for social cohesion, and for preservation of the planet.
Because we consider ourselves responsible for future generations, we believe that a sustainable approach creates value for all and accelerates our financial profitability.
Because we demand good will and respect for women, men and their projects, we are able to take a long-term view of our actions.
Because we are convinced that investing and being invested go hand-in-hand, we provide both human and financial support to the entrepreneurs who place their trust in us. We create communication and strong ties between the members of our ecosystem.
Because a diversified portfolio allows us to combine ambition and prudence, we invest in technological innovation, growth capital and real estate, either directly or through investment funds.
Because the independence and sustainability of our main shareholder are important for freedom of the press, we must succeed.
You can also download the text of our Manifesto by clicking here
Values
On a daily basis, in its investment activities, SOFIOUEST cultivates and puts into action the values of sincerity, respect, responsibility and mutual support.
RESPECTFUL
To be a committed investor alongside the entrepreneurs, while respecting their plans, their personality, and their individual strategy.
RESPONSIBLE
More than anything else, being responsible means accepting all the consequences of our work as investors. Beyond the profitability of the funds invested, it means taking into account non-financial performance indicators, and promoting this sense of responsibility throughout our ecosystem.
supportive
To support and care about companies in good times and bad. Facilitate the sharing and pooling of solutions in our ecosystem to become more effective and efficient.
sincere
Sincere commitment: A key component of all our relationships. Our approach goes well beyond words, to a necessary alignment of our positions, decisions, and actions with our values.
SOFIOUEST'S SHAREHOLDERS ARE :
SIPA (51,25%)
(11,48%)
(37,26%)
An ESG course of action…
When it comes to ESG, we think certain practices are essential, and we take them up in joint discussions with our portfolio companies. They include:
- The ethical and responsible use of digital resources, especially as regards the environment
- Promoting employment and training
- The use of “open” managerial practices that foster employee well-being and autonomy
- Promoting gender parity and diversity in all its forms
- Good governance
- Sharing value created
We track certain key indicators regarding these priorities and such issues as: job creation, healthy labor relations, carbon footprint, gender balance on boards, in management and among staff, and initiatives taken to share economic value. Through these present and future issues, Sofiouest specifically strives to contribute to five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Gender Equality (#5), Economic Growth and Decent Work (#8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (#9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (#11), Responsible Consumption and Production (#12), and Climate Action (#13) These commitments are reflected in our investment process and our own governance.
… RUNNING THROUGHOUT
THE INVESTMENT PROCESS…
… SOFIOUEST integrates its ESG approach into the entire investment process:
Pre-selection of investment projects
- Choosing projects that fit SOFIOUEST’s values
and its preferred areas of investment
At the point of exit
(as regards investments
in companies)
- ESG aspects are included
in the exit documentation - Whenever possible, choose a
buyer that prefers to continue the
ESG commitments
Due diligence
ESG assessment and impact of the
investment project
- Preparing an ESG roadmap
with management - Including an ESG clause in
legal documentation
During the investment
- Tracking the ESG action plan with senior management
- Yearly collection of non-financial performance indicators
- Annual report on the progress of the action plans and the analysis
of the ESG performance indicators
…AND GUIDED AND EVALUATED BY A COMMITTEE WITH THIS SOLE MANDATE
An ESG Steering Committee was set up in 2020, made up of five SOFIOUEST representatives and two ESG experts. It meets quarterly and makes recommendations to the SOFIOUEST Board of Directors.