Sphera to acquire AI SCRM expert

Sphera, a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, has entered into an agreement to acquire riskmethods, a Munich, Germany-based, award-winning software company specialising in supply chain risk management (SCRM).

Founded in 2013, riskmethods’ software as a service (SaaS) solution harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), big data and machine learning to protect its customers’ supply chain networks. Its software platform collects supplier data and real-time information, distinguishes critical signals from “noise” and provides users with detailed status of suppliers, so they can prevent business disruption risk before it materializes and achieve supply chain transparency.

“riskmethods’ cloud-based software identifies, analyzes and helps mitigate all types of supply chain risk, including monitoring sustainability practices and ESG compliance in the supply chain. Their innovative approach to SCRM bolsters Sphera’s capabilities in offering a Scope 3 emissions monitoring and reporting solution and furthers our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world,” said Paul Marushka (pictured), Sphera’s president and CEO. “And their presence in Europe and the US reinforces our ability to serve our expanding global customer base.”

The company’s SCRM software solution is a robust tool for managing risk in increasingly complex supply chains, as well as handling ever-expanding regulatory compliance. With global companies operating in a world of disruption and turbulence—pandemics and climate change, to name a few—riskmethods offers real-time SCRM solutions that enable businesses to proactively manage potential supply chain risks and comply with emerging operational and ESG regulations.

“For the last 10 years, riskmethods has been empowering businesses to master supply chain risk and create reliable supply networks,” said Heiko Schwarz, riskmethods’ CEO and founder. “Adding our advanced AI and machine-learning SCRM software solution to Sphera’s product portfolio will enable us to further our reach across the globe and help even more customers manage supply chain risk. We are excited to join the Sphera family of leading ESG software, data and consulting solutions.”

Kelly Wannop, Managing Director at Blackstone, said, “Blackstone’s 2021 investment in Sphera reflected our conviction in Sphera’s ESG mission and growth. The planned acquisition of riskmethods further demonstrates our commitment to helping Sphera expand their operational ESG solutions.” Eli Nagler, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, continued, “We are excited to welcome riskmethods to Sphera and eager to extend their SCRM solutions to even more customers.”