In this episode of our podcast, Véronique Gillis and Peter Opsomer, Partners at PwC, along with Florian Jacques, Senior Manager at PwC, explore the evolving significance and influence of Environmental, Social and corporate Governance (ESG) considerations in deal-making.

These considerations are gaining increasing importance in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where ESG metrics have become an essential part of the due diligence process, reflecting the attention given to other fields such as tax, finance, and HR. The conversation navigates various pre- and post-deal questions, including key considerations for companies, the strategies they can apply for the disclosure of ESG metrics before an acquisition, the “six orange flags” for dealmakers and how ESG is involved in each of these areas, how companies can identify the main ESG risks and opportunities for a particular target, how to translate KPIs into valuation and business plans, and more.

Join Véronique, Peter and Florian as they unravel the multifaceted impact of ESG on deals and its transformative potential in shaping the future of deal-making processes.

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

Join Samar Héchaimé, PwC’s Director of Sustainability Strategy & Transformation, and Marc Daelman, Partner at PwC, as they delve into the changing regulatory landscape and its deep impact on organisational strategies. With the arrival of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), regulatory requirements are rapidly transitioning from voluntary non-financial reporting to standardised frameworks that facilitate comparisons with other companies and enhance transparency, reliability and credibility through mandatory assurance.

Explore the potential for companies to go beyond mere compliance and leverage the conversation spurred by the new regulation. Macrotrends are driving companies to adapt and evolve their strategies, leading them to bridge gaps and seize opportunities within the shifting regulatory environment.

Remember, companies do not operate in isolation, and understanding the broader context is key to navigating these regulatory changes.

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

Join us in an episode of "The Role of Data and Technology in your Sustainability Journey" where we discuss how technology and data management are reshaping sustainability practices. PwC experts from the Technology Consulting practice, Michiel De Keyzer, Director, and Dries Catteceur, Manager, and Loeke Clynen, Senior Associate, explore together the role of data and key challenges for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts.

Discover how technological solutions help organisations tackle sustainability challenges and improve ESG monitoring and steering. Whether you are an industry professional or a sustainability enthusiast, this discussion provides insights on how technology can elevate your ESG journey!

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

Join Jochen Vincke, Partner at PwC and Christoph Vanderstricht, Director at PwC, to discuss sustainable supply chains and the shift towards a circular economy. They deep dive into the companies/countries’ issues in shortage in resources and resources efficiencies, the impact on the global market, the actions taken by countries to counter this phenomenon as well as measures taken by companies, often leading them to redefine their value proposition and integrate the circular model into their business strategy. Many EU regulations on the way are part of Europe’s plan for sustainable growth (Green Deal) and will support the adoption of sustainable business models notably around circularity.

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

Join Jan Coekaerts from PwC’s Operations Consulting and Energy Transition teams, and Philip Lenders from our Fit for Growth and EU&R (Energy, Utility & Resources) teams, as they delve into the monumental shift happening in the energy landscape. The impact of this transition resonates across all sectors, affecting businesses, economies, and the planet itself.

Clients across energy-intensive sectors and beyond are grappling with a myriad of challenges, seeking guidance on legal, incentive, operational, engineering, and economic aspects to navigate this changing landscape and make informed decisions. Jan and Philip detail the concept of transitioning towards a low-carbon economy, discussing essential technologies, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge innovations that are driving change in the energy sector.

Tune in for insights into successfully navigating the energy transition and its multifaceted considerations.

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

In this episode, Thomas De Cuyper, Director at PwC, and Zhou-Heng Yang, Manager at PwC, look at the current sustainability reporting landscape, focusing on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Spurred by stakeholder demand, the CSRD marks a significant market shift, as it puts just as much emphasis on the disclosure of non-financial information as on financial data.

Find out more about the EU’s objectives underlying the CSRD, including deadlines and sanctions for non-compliance. Explore the challenges companies are facing to comply with the directive’s requirements, along with practical guidance for implementation, and flexibility initiatives for smaller companies.

Tune in for insights into how the CSRD is reshaping reporting practices, as we emphasise the comprehensive disclosure of business models, strategies, policies and action plans, and paint a holistic picture of corporate sustainability efforts.

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast

Operating with Positive Impact is your essential podcast on sustainability, offering inspiration, insights and practical advice to help you and your organisation shape your vision, build your roadmap and take concrete action to achieve maximum positive impact. Join us for in-depth discussions covering a wide range of topics, from high-level concepts and strategies to specific subjects such as strategy, operations, social, financial, governance, transactions, legislation, reporting, transformation and more. Tune in to start boosting your positive impact!

You can find all episodes from the PwC 'Operating with Positive Impact' podcast on www.pwc.be/esgpodcast