Atle offer goes unconditional

3i Group PLC
27 April 2001

27th April 2001


           Joint offer for Atle AB of Sweden declared unconditional


3i Group plc announces that the recommended joint cash offer ('the Offer') by
Woodrose Invest AB ('Woodrose') for the entire issued share capital of Atle AB
('Atle') has today been declared unconditional in all respects.


At the close of business on 24th April, valid acceptances had been received
from shareholders representing 97.09% of the share capital of Atle. Woodrose
has confirmed that all conditions to the Offer announced on 19th February have
been met and the Offer is now unconditional. Payment of the Offer
consideration will be made by Woodrose on 3rd May to Atle shareholders who
have accepted the Offer.


The Offer remains open for acceptance by those shareholders who have not yet
accepted until the close of business on 11th May 2001. Woodrose expects to
apply to Stockholmsborsen to de-list Atle's shares shortly thereafter and
commence the formal procedure to acquire compulsorily the remaining shares.


For further information, please contact

3i London: Liz Hewitt, Director of Corporate Affairs     [phone]
3i Stockholm: Alan MacKay                                [phone]