The recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are only the latest examples of centuries of racism, brutality, and discrimination against Black people in our country. These events cannot be tolerated. Nor can they be observed in silence. They go against everything we stand for as individuals and as a firm, and they demand an immediate response. 

Vestar stands with those who fight against social injustice and condemns the prejudice and inhumanity so brutally demonstrated and clearly witnessed. We have always strived to do the right thing in our everyday business activities, but we realize now that isn’t enough, and we are committed to listening, learning, and doing more.

All of us at Vestar are recommitting to taking steps to effect permanent change. Our initial actions include: closely examining our business, investment, and governance frameworks, both at Vestar and with our portfolio companies, with an eye to increasing minority representation and participation at the leadership level and supporting minority-owned businesses; expanding our commitment to support employee volunteerism and community service; and creating a fund to assist organizations and efforts that are dedicated to ending racism and promoting social justice reform.