Bakers acts on launch of green private equity fund

Baker & McKenzie has won a mandate to help set up a $5bn (£3.4bn) eco-friendly private equity fund run by former Man Group chief executive Stanley Fink.

Earth Capital Partners will manage three funds, investing in projects and companies with a sustainable focus, dealing with climate change, water shortages and energy security.

Bakers London head of funds James Burdett is working on the establishment of the company, alongside associate Chris Gardner, environmental markets partner Graham Stuart and Sydney-based head of global climate change and emissions trading Martijin Wilder.

Burdett said: “A lot of money is going to be put into these funds so there will be a lot of downstream work on a broad range of investments.”

Bakers won the instruction on the back of its expertise in green energy and climate change. The firm also has links with the three former Man Group executives who are behind the enterprise

Earth Capital Partners CEO Rufus Warner said: “James Burdett and his team at Baker & McKenzie have been invaluable in the launch of our business. We value greatly the expertise they have brought in the establishment of ECP and building the funds platform.”

The group hopes to raise $5bn over the next five years to invest in sustainable projects and companies.