Goldman Sachs-Backed LRQA Acquires Responsible Sourcing Advisory Partner Africa

London-based assurance services provider LRQA announced the acquisition of responsible business advisory organization Partner Africa, aimed at strengthening its responsible sourcing capabilities and expanding its initiatives across Africa.

Founded in 2011, UK-based Partner Africa is a non-governmental organization focused on improving working conditions and livelihoods across Africa through audits, training and advisory services.

The transaction is LRQA’s first in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and the latest in a series of acquisitions by the company, including supply chain carbon management solutions provider RESET Carbon, human rights advisory firm Ergon Associates, and supply chain sustainability and risk management services provider ELEVATE.

Partner Africa brings deep regional expertise, strong in-market relationships and a respected reputation for delivering social auditing and responsible sourcing programs across Africa, the firms said.

According to the firms, the acquisition significantly expands the range of services available to Partner Africa clients. In addition to responsible sourcing and social auditing, clients will gain access to LRQA’s broader portfolio across quality assurance, cybersecurity, climate performance and safety, as well as its supply chain intelligence software, EiQ.

Kathy O’Grady, Head of Audit at Partner Africa said:

“By combining our audit teams and LRQA’s global infrastructure, we are better positioned to meet increasing demand for credible, high-quality social audits at scale, while maintaining the depth and rigour our clients expect.”

LRQA, formerly the business assurance and cybersecurity unit of Lloyd’s Register, was acquired by Goldman Sachs Asset Management in 2021. The company provides assurance services aimed at helping businesses navigate and manage risk, including environmental conformity assessments.

Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA said:

“Partner Africa brings outstanding expertise in social auditing and responsible sourcing, along with advisory services on labour standards and human rights, in a region where demand for these capabilities is growing rapidly. Africa is an important emerging market for LRQA, and this acquisition strengthens our ability to support clients building transparent and resilient supply chains.”