Will Ardian join private equity’s march toward impact?

The $60 billion firm, which spun off from French insurer AXA in 2013, is considering raising a dedicated social impact fund. Ardian would follow other big-name private equity players like TPG and Bain Capital. Under AXA, the firm was an early mover in backing the UN Principles for Responsible Investing and ESG screening, which is now becoming a mainstream investment strategy. Ardian also manages AXA’s €155 million ($166.6 million) clean energy fund. Ardian’s largest group of shareholders is its own employees.