Press releases & notable news

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EIRIS announces new Japanese research partner

2003/01/21

The Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) has concluded a new research partnership agreement with a Japanese research company, Good Bankers. From January 2003 Good Bankers will be EIRIS's Japanese research provider looking at all aspects of corporate social responsibility on almost 400 leading Japanese companies.

Good Bankers will research all aspects of Japanese company environmental, social, governance and ethical behaviour, following EIRIS research methodology and standards. Japanese research was previously conducted by two separate organisations. EIRIS maintains good relations with both. The agreement with Good Bankers will enable companies to have one contact point in Japan handling EIRIS surveys and correspondence.

EIRIS's improved Japanese coverage will directly meet the needs of a growing number of investors who are seeking SRI information on international companies. The availability of Japanese data in Ethical Portfolio Manager, EIRIS's unique software for analysing corporate social and environmental performance will enable SRI professionals to compare Japanese companies on a consistent basis with other companies in the FTSE All-World Developed Index.

EIRIS Head of Research Jeremy Baskin said, "the new arrangement, with one research provider, will allow a more integrated approach to EIRIS's SRI research in Japan."

"Good Bankers has an excellent reputation in Japan and globally," says EIRIS Executive Director Peter Webster, "and we look forward to working with them to further enhance our coverage of companies in this key market, for our clients."