France-based international risk management group Apave announced the acquisition of employee climate training business Climate School from insurance group AXA’s climate-focused unit, AXA Climate.

The acquisition follows Apave’s launch earlier this year of Apave Impact, a new sustainability-focused subsidiary, focused on providing services aimed at supporting the responsible transition of companies and organizations across France, Europe, and internationally.

Apave said that the acquisition will strengthen Apave Impact, and enhance its ability to support clients throughout their sustainability transformation journeys, from employee awareness and training to the implementation of concrete sustainability solutions.

Philippe Maillard, CEO of the Apave Group said:

“The acquisition of Climate School sits at the heart of our AMPLIFY 2030 strategic plan and provides new momentum for Apave Impact. In the face of the climate emergency and the transformations organisations must undergo, the integration of the Climate School team and their cutting-edge expertise is a major asset.”

AXA founded AXA Climate in 2019 as its climate-focused business unit. Launched by AXA Climate in 2021, Climate School is a specialized corporate e-learning platform designed to enhance employees’ proficiency in sustainability, climate change, and environmental issues.

The Climate School includes a team of over 50 professionals, and supports more than 250 major accounts, including over half of the CAC 40. To date, its training programs have reached more than 8 million employees worldwide.

Climate School’s offerings includes digital and hybrid training content available in 9 languages, and also includes specialized modules such as Net Zero School, which focuses on decarbonizing high-emission sectors, and Green HR, tailored for human resources leadership. The company also provides bespoke consultancy services, including executive committee briefings and interactive workshops supporting organizations through strategic transformations in response to climate change.

Antoine Poincaré, Managing Director of Climate School said:

“After five years of profitable growth, joining the Apave Group opens a clear new horizon: supporting the reduction of climate risk. Beyond lowering emissions, all companies now face the same imperative to reduce their exposure to climate hazards. The Apave Group’s engineering and risk management expertise will allow us to deploy ambitious training programmes dedicated to climate change adaptation.”