BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) announced today the acquisition of a majority stake in natural resources investment specialist International Woodland Company (IWC), in a move aimed at boosting BNPP AM’s sustainability-focused private investment offerings.

According to BNPP AM, the acquisition comes as the firm is seeing growing interest from clients for investments in forestry as an asset class, given attributes including an appealing risk/return and inflation protection profiles, and exposure to sustainability features such as the potential for carbon capture and conservation projects, and benefits including biodiversity preservation and water management.

Established in 1991 with a focus on forestry investments, Copenhagen-based IWC provides investment management and advisory services within sustainable timberland investments, agriculture investments and ecosystems services, including carbon credits and conservation projects, with $5.5 billion of assets under management or advice.

IWC CEO Otto Reventlow said:

“We believe that wood is the preferred material in a carbon-neutral world, and agricultural production is on an important path to deliver sustainable proteins to the global citizen.  This partnership will enable IWC to expand its distribution reach and further its resources on sustainability and the EU taxonomy to the benefit of both our current and future clients.”

The transaction follows the announcement earlier this year of BNPP AM’s 2025 strategic ambitions, which focus primarily on extending its sustainable investing capabilities and offerings, with the goal to become “the sustainable asset manager of reference in Europe.” The firm stated that the acquisition forms part of its expansion of its sustainable investment offerings, and the broadening of its private markets investment platform.

BNPP AM Executive Committee Member David Vaillant said:

“Our investment in IWC is fully aligned with our commitment to be a leading sustainable asset manager, be forward looking on sustainability-related topics with our clients and increase our focus on sustainable investment strategies, especially within private markets.”