Bowling Discusses ESG Considerations in M&A Due Diligence in Kansas City Business Journal

05.05.2026

Stinson LLP Partner Jack Bowling was quoted in the Kansas City Business Journal discussing the increasing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in mergers and acquisitions. The article, "ESG isn't just for investing in stocks anymore – it's a key player in business sales," explores how buyers are incorporating ESG-related diligence into transaction strategy and valuation decisions.

Bowling noted that while ESG-related considerations have long influenced dealmaking, they are becoming more structured and prominent in the acquisition process. "ESG has always been one of several drivers on deals, but it's becoming more prominent as an important characteristic that you really need to have squared away when a company is investigating the prospect of acquiring another company," he said.

The article highlights how buyers are increasingly scrutinizing issues such as supply chain exposure, data privacy practices and internal compliance controls as part of broader due diligence efforts. Bowling emphasized that sellers should proactively assess these areas before going to market to avoid surprises during the transaction process. "When it comes to ESG, it's something that you need to do more than just the basic testing to prepare yourself for a sale," Bowling said. "You really want to make sure your compliance programs and policies are up to date and not just paper policies that go into a drawer."

Bowling advises a number of leading companies on complex M&A transactions and is regarded for his track record of creativity and precision. This track record has resulted in him being ranked Band 1 (the highest rank possible) by Chambers USA, as well as being named to the Legal 500 M&A Powerlist and other recognitions.

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