Sphera

Sphera operates as a provider of Enterprise Sustainability Management (ESM) software, data, and consulting services, with a strategic focus on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management (ORM), Product Stewardship, and Supply Chain Transparency. The company was established in 2016 after being carved out from IHS Markit by Genstar Capital, a private equity firm. Paul Marushka served as the founding CEO and president, bringing his experience from multiple executive roles to steer the new entity. Under his leadership, Sphera embarked on an aggressive growth strategy, acquiring several specialized companies to build a comprehensive, integrated platform. This series of acquisitions, including Rivo Software, SiteHawk, and thinkstep, expanded Sphera's capabilities and global reach.

The firm's business model is centered on providing a suite of solutions that help organizations manage risk and compliance. Its clientele consists of over 8,400 customers across various industries, including chemicals, oil and gas, manufacturing, and transportation, in more than 95 countries. Sphera generates revenue through software subscriptions, data services, and consulting engagements. Its core offering, the SpheraCloud platform, delivers a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that integrates different aspects of enterprise sustainability and risk management. This platform enables clients to track environmental performance, ensure workplace safety, manage product compliance, and mitigate operational risks throughout their value chain. Features include regulatory reporting, incident management, chemical management, and carbon accounting, allowing businesses to navigate complex global regulatory frameworks and achieve their sustainability objectives.

In July 2021, Blackstone, a major investment firm, acquired Sphera from Genstar Capital for a reported $1.4 billion, signaling strong confidence in the growing market for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solutions. This acquisition has positioned Sphera to further accelerate its growth and expand its product offerings in the enterprise sustainability sector.

Keywords: Enterprise Sustainability Management, EHS&S, Operational Risk Management, Product Stewardship, ESG software, risk management software, compliance software, supply chain transparency, corporate sustainability, Blackstone