Interim Results

3i Group PLC 06 November 2003 3i Group plc announces Interim results for the six months to 30 September 2003 For further information regarding the announcement of 3i's interim results to 30 September 2003 please see www.3igroup.com 6 November 2003 Results • Positive total return of £359 million • Return on opening shareholders' funds of 12.2% • Diluted net asset value per share of 534p • Realisation proceeds of £503 million and realisation profits of £129 million over opening valuation • Significant reduction in the level of provisions to £65 million • Investment of £273 million (including co-investment funds managed by 3i) • Recommended interim dividend of 5.1p per share, an increase of 4.1% Baroness Hogg, chairman of 3i Group plc, said: 'This encouraging performance was driven by better results in all of our key areas of activity - buy-outs, growth capital and early stage technology.' Financial Overview • The Group achieved a positive total return of £359 million for the six months to 30 September 2003; a return on opening shareholders' funds of 12.2%. • Realised profits totalled £129 million. The aggregate uplift on equity realisations over 31 March 2003 valuations, net of losses, was 61%. • A net cash inflow of £225 million during the period results in gearing being reduced to 25% at 30 September from 35% at 31 March 2003. €550 million was raised through the issue of convertible bonds. • Investment of £273 million (including co-investment funds) compares with £393 million for the same period last year. Commenting on the performance and outlook, 3i's chief executive, Brian Larcombe, said: 'We have seen a strong turnaround in 3i's financial performance, as the benefits of changes to the business over the last two years have flowed through. With positive returns, a strong balance sheet and increasing corporate activity, 3i is well placed to increase investment.' - ends - For further information, please contact: Brian Larcombe, Chief Executive Tel: 020 7975 3386 3i Group plc Michael Queen, Finance Director Tel: 020 7975 3400 3i Group plc Patrick Dunne, Group Communications Director Tel: 020 7975 3283 3i Group plc Issued by: Philip Gawith Tel: 020 7379 5151 The Maitland Consultancy Notes to editors 3i brings capital, knowledge and connections to the creation and development of businesses around the world. It invests in a wide range of opportunities from start-ups to buy-outs and buy-ins, focusing on businesses with high growth potential and strong management. 3i invests in businesses across three continents through local investment teams in Europe, the US and Asia Pacific. To date, 3i has invested over £14.5 billion (including co-investment funds). Chairman's statement In October, 3i's European Enterprise Barometer indicated that business confidence amongst the companies in which we invest was at its highest level for three years. 3i's own half-year results, for the six months to 30 September, were the strongest since 2000. The total return was £359 million, an encouraging performance, driven by better results in all of our key areas of activity - buy-outs, growth capital and early stage technology. The Directors have announced an interim dividend of 5.1p, representing an increase of 4.1%. During a period in which share prices, including 3i's own, rose markedly, the FTSE All-Share index increased by more than our net asset value. Total return on opening shareholders' funds of 12.2% compared with an index return of 19.0%. Provisions were significantly lower than a year ago. But we have continued to take a cautious approach to the valuation of our early stage technology portfolio. We have made some further individual downward 'fair value' adjustments, while not adjusting the total upwards for the rise in technology market indices. However, we were able to take advantage of the improvement in markets to achieve a good level of realisations across the business as a whole, yielding profits of £129 million on proceeds of £503 million. Combined with the low level of investment during much of this period, this resulted in a positive cash flow in the half-year of £225 million. 3i's combination of financial strength, international network and in-depth expertise enables us to take advantage of opportunities in a range of different markets, and to add value to those companies in which we invest. As business confidence rose towards the end of the half-year, so too did our levels of investment. Signs of growth in the world economy offer the prospect that momentum will build in our markets through the second half of the year. There are still threats to business confidence, with structural imbalances in a number of the major economies. However, we believe these markets will provide some excellent opportunities for 3i, and we will continue to be rigorous and selective in our approach. Baroness Hogg Chairman 5 November 2003 Operating and financial review Economic and market conditions After almost two years of geo-political and economic uncertainty and difficult stock markets, we have seen signs of stronger economic activity. This has been evidenced by a number of indicators, including our own Barometer survey of business confidence across Europe. The Barometer survey taken in March 2003, which was affected by the considerable anxiety over the Iraq war, produced a record low score of minus 117. Our survey covering August showed a significant improvement to minus 17 and our latest survey, taken in October, came out at plus 11, the first positive result since the end of 2000. The period also saw strong growth in stock market indices, in anticipation of growth in corporate profits. In addition, the level of mergers and acquisitions ('M&A'), a key driver of activity in our market, picked up through the summer after being at a subdued level since 2000. The private equity and venture capital markets are also starting to show increased activity after a slow first half of 2003. Market statistics for the first half show aggregate European investment 8% down on the first half of 2002, with buy-outs being flat, growth capital being down 24% and early stage investment down by 18%. Market statistics for the US venture market for the second quarter of 2003 showed a slight increase in investment levels after a two and a half year decline. Conditions for realisations were difficult for most of the period, though we are now beginning to see the re-emergence of trade buyers as corporates re-enter the M&A market. There are also indications that IPO markets, particularly in the UK and US, may be re-opening. Total return The Group achieved a positive total return of £359 million for the six months to 30 September 2003, which equates to 12.2% on opening shareholders' funds. This return is lower than those on a number of quoted market indices, largely because of a lag in recognising value increases in our portfolio. Only our quoted assets and unquoted investments valued using the earnings basis are directly linked to stock market movements. These made up 6% and 24% respectively of our opening portfolio. The main drivers of our total return were a good level of profitable realisations and growth in the value of our portfolio, the latter being primarily due to higher price-earnings ratios ('P/Es') used to value our investee companies. Improved results in each of our business areas underpinned the overall Group return. Returns in the smaller buy-out and growth capital businesses, aided by good levels of realisations, were particularly strong at 15% and 13% respectively on the opening portfolio. The mid-market buy-out return of 8% included a number of significant valuation uplifts on recent investments as they moved from being valued on a cost basis for the first time. Our early stage technology business produced a small negative total return despite some profitable realisations and a significantly lower level of value reductions. Although there was a significant rise in quoted technology indices during the period, we have not increased the valuations of early stage technology investments unless there has been a financing 'up round'. Investment We invested £273 million, including co-investment funds, which compares with £393 million for the equivalent period last year. The period of economic uncertainty during the latter half of 2002 and the early months of this year led to a deferral of many strategic decisions by businesses and investors. This lowered our new investment pipeline coming into the period. Since then, economic confidence has improved and corporate activity has risen. Buy-out transactions represented 51% of our investment and growth capital 28%. Early stage technology represented 21%, with 80% of this to support existing portfolio companies. Continental European investment rose to 67% of total investment following several significant buy-out investments. UK investment represented 23%, the US 7% and Asia Pacific 3%. Realisations We generated realisation proceeds of £503 million and realised profits of £129 million. The aggregate uplift over 31 March 2003 valuations on equity realisations was 61%. Including sales and redemptions of loans and fixed income shares, 10% of the opening portfolio was realised. Realised profits are stated net of write-offs of £25 million (2002: £32 million). The majority of the realisations were from our smaller buy-out and growth capital portfolios. Unrealised value movement The unrealised value movement on the revaluation of investments was £215 million, representing a strong improvement on the £701 million value reduction for the same period last year. The weighted average P/E applied to investments valued on an earnings basis rose from 8.1 at 31 March to 10.7 at 30 September. The impact of increased P/E ratios generated value growth of £235 million. The quoted investments we retained increased in value by £44 million (2002: £192 million reduction). A small number of recent investments in our mid-market buy-out portfolio generated most of the increase in value arising from 'first time uplift'. Provisions for investments in companies which might fail were £65 million (2002: £141 million), and valuation reductions relating to down rounds and restructuring provisions fell significantly to £68 million from £130 million in the six months to 30 September 2002 and £361 million for the 12 months to 31 March 2003. The British Venture Capital Association recently issued new best practice Valuation Guidelines. 3i adopted these guidelines at 30 September 2003. There was no material impact on the overall valuation of the portfolio. The portfolio Following two difficult years, the health of our portfolio has stabilised. In line with our strategy, the portfolio remains balanced in terms of both product and geography. At 30 September, 53% of the portfolio is represented by buy-outs, 33% by growth capital investments and 14% by early stage technology investments. Geographically, 62% of our portfolio is in the UK, 32% in continental Europe, 4% in the US and 2% in Asia Pacific. Income and costs Total operating income before interest payable was £130 million (2002: £153 million). The decrease from 2002 is a result of the realisation of a small number of higher yielding investments, a lower level of special interest receipts on the sale or restructuring of assets and a fall in deal-related fees due to the lower level of investment activity. Net interest payable has decreased in line with the reduction in net borrowings. Management expenses were £6 million lower than in the same period last year, as cost reduction measures taken over the past two years continue to work through. Cash flows and capital structure There was a net cash inflow of £225 million during the period. We raised €550 million through the issue of convertible bonds in August. The bonds are due in 2008 and have a conversion price of 842p (a 45% premium to the 'reference price' of 580p) and an annual coupon rate of 1.375%. Net borrowings decreased by £206 million and our gearing reduced to 25% at 30 September from 35% at 31 March. Outlook Improving business confidence, rising stock markets and increased levels of M&A activity are helpful to our industry. In addition, within each of 3i's businesses there are specific factors indicating a more positive outlook - in buy-outs, the continuing pressure on corporates to focus on their core activities is generating opportunities and vendors' pricing expectations are now more realistic; in growth capital, opportunities are being created as businesses re-launch deferred growth strategies; and, in early stage technology, we are starting to see increased levels of technology spending in some sectors by major corporates. Our new investment pipeline is currently strong and we expect to increase investment levels in the second half. Brian Larcombe Chief Executive 5 November 2003 Consolidated statement of total return for the six months to 30 September 2003 6 months to 30 September 6 months to 30 September 12 months to 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m Capital profits Realised profits on 129 129 118 118 184 184 disposal of investments Unrealised profits/ 215 215 (701) (701) (1,165) (1,165) (losses) on revaluation of investments 344 344 (583) (583) (981) (981) Total operating income 130 - 130 153 - 153 298 10 308 before interest payable Interest payable (27) (23) (50) (52) (3) (55) (57) (53) (110) 103 321 424 101 (586) (485) 241 (1,024) (783) Administrative expenses (30) (40) (70) (53) (23) (76) (64) (89) (153) Cost of changes to - - - - - - (5) (5) (10) organisational structure Return before tax and 73 281 354 48 (609) (561) 172 (1,118) (946) currency translation adjustment Tax (9) 8 (1) (1) 2 1 (32) 35 3 Return for the period 64 289 353 47 (607) (560) 140 (1,083) (943) before currency translation adjustment Currency translation 12 (6) 6 1 (11) (10) 6 2 8 adjustment Total return 76 283 359 48 (618) (570) 146 (1,081) (935) Total return per share Basic (pence) 12.4p 46.3p 58.7p 7.8p (101.3)p (93.5)p 23.9p (177.1)p (153.2)p Diluted (pence) 12.1p 45.1p 57.2p 7.8p (101.0)p (93.2)p 23.9p (176.9)p (153.0)p Movement in shareholders' funds for the six months to 30 September 2003 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £m £m £m Opening balance 2,936 3,945 3,945 Revenue return 76 48 146 Capital return 283 (618) (1,081) Total return 359 (570) (935) Dividends (31) (29) (81) Proceeds of issues of shares 6 4 7 Movement in the period 334 (595) (1,009) Closing balance 3,270 3,350 2,936 Consolidated revenue statement for the six months to 30 September 2003 6 months to 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2002 2003 (pro forma)* (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £m £m £m £m Interest receivable on loan investments 43 48 48 96 Fixed rate dividends 4 10 10 17 Other interest receivable and similar income 17 17 17 34 Interest payable (27) (28) (52) (57) Net interest income 37 47 23 90 Dividend income from equity shares 45 50 50 106 Share of net losses of joint ventures - (1) (1) (1) Fees receivable 21 23 28 46 Other operating income - 1 1 - Total operating income 103 120 101 241 Administrative expenses and depreciation (30) (33) (53) (64) Cost of changes to organisational structure - - - (5) Profit on ordinary activities before tax 73 87 48 172 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (9) (14) (1) (32) Profit for the period 64 73 47 140 Dividends Interim (5.1p per share proposed, 2003: 4.9p per (31) (29) (29) (29) share paid) Final (2003: 8.6p per share paid) (52) Profit retained for the period 33 44 18 59 Dividends per share (pence) 5.1p 4.9p 4.9p 13.5p Earnings per share Basic (pence) 10.5p 12.0p 7.7p 22.9p Diluted (pence) 10.2p 11.9p 7.7p 22.9p *In the year to 31 March 2003, the Group adopted the recommendations in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice - Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies, and revised the method of allocation of expenses between revenue and capital. To aid comparability, the comparatives to 30 September 2002 have been restated to reflect these changes and are included as a 'pro forma' above. These changes are explained in more detail in the Basis of preparation. Consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2003 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Assets £m £m £m £m £m £m Treasury bills and other eligible bills 1 1 1 Loans and advances to banks 800 695 527 Debt securities held for treasury 218 198 283 purposes Debt securities and other fixed income securities held as financial fixed asset investments Loan investments 1,229 1,326 1,336 Fixed income shares 199 264 228 Equity shares Listed 168 210 187 Unlisted 2,410 2,451 2,188 4,006 4,251 3,939 Interests in joint ventures Share of gross assets 116 - 104 Share of gross liabilities (85) - (81) 31 - 23 Tangible fixed assets 43 52 45 Other assets 214 185 181 Total assets 5,313 5,382 4,999 Liabilities Deposits by banks 290 343 423 Debt securities in issue 1,103 1,373 1,350 Convertible bonds 384 - - Other liabilities 217 221 239 Provision for joint venture deficit Share of gross assets - (74) - Share of gross liabilities - 80 - - 6 - Subordinated liabilities 49 89 51 2,043 2,032 2,063 Called up share capital 306 305 305 Share premium and redemption reserve 355 347 350 Capital reserve 2,223 2,403 1,940 Revenue reserve 386 295 341 Equity shareholders' funds 3,270 3,350 2,936 Total liabilities 5,313 5,382 4,999 Net asset value per share Basic (pence) 534p 549p 481p Diluted (pence) 534p 548p 480p Approved by the Board 5 November 2003 Consolidated cash flow statement for the six months to 30 September 2003 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £m £m £m Operating activities Interest received and similar income arising from debt 29 44 75 securities and other fixed income securities held as financial fixed asset investments Other interest received and similar income 17 16 31 Interest paid on borrowings (31) (54) (58) Dividends received from equity shares 45 47 102 Fees and other net cash receipts 20 31 46 Operating and administrative costs paid (51) (59) (68) Net cash inflow from operating activities 29 25 128 Taxation (paid)/received (2) 3 4 Capital expenditure and financial investment Investment in equity shares, fixed income shares and loans (194) (299) (673) Investment in equity shares and loans acquired from joint - (10) (17) ventures Sale, repayment or redemption of equity shares, fixed income 501 624 975 shares and loan investments Fees intrinsic to acquisition or disposal of investments - - 10 Investment interest paid (23) (3) (53) Investment administrative expenses (40) (23) (94) Investment in joint ventures - (5) (54) Divestment or repayment of interests in joint ventures - 10 19 Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1) (3) (5) Sale of tangible fixed assets 1 - 1 Net cash flow from capital expenditure and financial 244 291 109 investment Equity dividends paid (52) (49) (78) Management of liquid resources (162) (122) 15 Net cash flow before financing 57 148 178 Financing Debt due within one year (283) (87) (104) Debt due after more than one year 265 (50) (32) Issues of shares 6 4 7 Net cash flow from financing (12) (133) (129) Increase in cash 45 15 49 Notes to the financial statements for the six months to 30 September 2003 1 Reconciliation of revenue profit before tax to net cash inflow from operating activities 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £m £m £m Revenue profit before tax 73 48 172 Depreciation of equipment and vehicles 3 3 7 Tax on investment income included within income from overseas - - (1) companies Interest received by way of loan notes (15) (15) (41) Movement in other assets associated with operating (11) 7 (9) activities Movement in prepayments and accrued income associated with (13) (10) 12 operating activities Movement in accruals and deferred income associated with (3) (5) (15) operating activities Movement in provisions for liabilities and charges (5) (4) 2 Reversal of losses of joint ventures less distributions - 1 1 received Net cash inflow from operating activities 29 25 128 2 Reconciliation of net cash flows to movements in net debt 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £m £m £m Increase in cash in the period 45 15 49 Cash flow from management of liquid resources 162 122 (15) Cash flow from debt financing 13 142 143 Cash flow from subordinated liabilities 5 (5) (7) Change in net debt from cash flows 225 274 170 Foreign exchange movements (17) - (46) Non-cash changes (2) 2 50 Movement in net debt in the period 206 276 174 Net debt at start of period (1,015) (1,189) (1,189) Net debt at end of period (809) (913) (1,015) 3 Analysis of net debt Other 1 April Exchange non-cash 30 September 2003 Cash flow movement changes 2003 (audited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) £m £m £m £m £m Cash and deposits repayable on demand 99 45 - - 144 Treasury bills, other loans, advances and 712 162 1 - 875 treasury debt securities Deposits and debt securities repayable within one (401) 283 - (2) (120) year Deposits and debt securities repayable after one (1,372) (270) (17) 2 (1,657) year Subordinated liabilities repayable after one year (51) 5 (1) (2) (49) Finance leases (2) - - - (2) (1,015) 225 (17) (2) (809) Basis of preparation and independent review report Basis of preparation The accounting policies used in the preparation of this Interim report are the same as those used in the statutory accounts for the year to 31 March 2003 and those expected to be used for the year to 31 March 2004. The six month period is treated as a discrete period except in so far as tax in the revenue account is charged on the basis of an estimated annual effective rate. The figures for the year to 31 March 2003 have been extracted from the accounts filed with the Registrar of Companies on which the auditors issued an unqualified report. This Interim report does not constitute statutory accounts. In the year to 31 March 2003, the Group adopted the recommendations contained in the revised Statement of Recommended Practice - Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies, issued in January 2003. Fee income and costs earned or incurred as an intrinsic part of an intention to acquire or dispose of an investment have been accounted for in full as part of capital return. To the extent taxation losses have been transferred between capital and revenue in order to be utilised against excess taxable profits, the transfer is reflected in the Statement of total return and Revenue statement. In the year to 31 March 2003, the methodology used to identify the administrative expenses available for allocation to the capital reserve was modified. The methodology for allocation of finance costs has also been revised to allocate all finance costs less interest income between capital and revenue. The proportion of costs allocated to the capital reserve was decreased from 80% to 70%. Consequently, to aid comparability, a pro forma of the Revenue statement has been presented to show the results as if these changes had been adopted for the six months to 30 September 2002. Independent review report to 3i Group plc Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2003 which comprises Consolidated statement of total return, Movement in shareholders' funds, Consolidated revenue statement, Consolidated balance sheet, Consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes 1 to 3 and the Basis of preparation. We have read the other information contained in the Interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The Interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim report in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority which require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data, and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 September 2003. Ernst & Young LLP London 5 November 2003 New investment analysis Analysis of the equity, fixed income and loan investments made by 3i Group. The analyses below exclude investments in joint ventures. 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 Investment by product (£m) Buy-outs 141 177 482 Growth capital 76 123 273 Early stage technology 56 93 176 Total 273 393 931 Investment by geography (3i only - excluding co-investment funds) (£m) UK 53 197 318 Continental Europe 134 84 304 US 18 31 74 Asia Pacific 6 3 20 Total 211 315 716 Investment by geography (£m) UK 65 248 399 Continental Europe 182 111 436 US 18 31 74 Asia Pacific 8 3 22 Total 273 393 931 Continental European investment (£m) Benelux 52 3 67 France 12 12 36 Germany/Austria/Switzerland 48 48 149 Italy 18 7 32 Nordic 27 23 69 Spain 20 17 75 Other European* 5 1 8 Total 182 111 436 * Other European includes investments in countries where 3i did not have an office at the period end. Investment by FTSE industrial classification (£m) Resources 4 3 12 Industrials 53 86 328 Consumer goods 80 130 194 Services and utilities 66 61 197 Financials 20 33 54 Information technology 50 80 146 Total 273 393 931 Portfolio analysis The Group's equity, fixed income and loan investments total £4,006 million at 30 September 2003 (excluding co-investment funds). The analyses below exclude joint ventures. Portfolio value by product (£m) At 30 September At 31 March 2003 2003 Buy-outs 2,131 2,001 Growth capital 1,331 1,349 Early stage technology 544 589 Total 4,006 3,939 Portfolio value by geography (including co-investment funds) (£m) UK 3,031 3,041 Continental Europe 1,977 1,773 US 177 182 Asia Pacific 80 101 Total 5,265 5,097 Portfolio value by geography (£m) UK 2,495 2,494 Continental Europe 1,271 1,175 US 170 180 Asia Pacific 70 90 Total 4,006 3,939 Continental European portfolio value (£m) Benelux 141 101 France 205 186 Germany/Austria/Switzerland 328 319 Italy 82 69 Nordic 279 273 Spain 218 211 Other European* 18 16 Total 1,271 1,175 * Other European includes investments in countries where 3i did not have an office at the period end. Portfolio value by FTSE industrial classification (£m) Resources 171 186 Industrials 1,028 944 Consumer goods 923 873 Services and utilities 1,046 1,018 Financials 230 274 Information technology 608 644 Total 4,006 3,939 Portfolio value by valuation method (£m) Imminent sale or IPO 83 37 Listed 168 187 Secondary market 48 30 Earnings 1,251 938 Cost 514 607 Further advance 125 155 Net assets 114 139 Other (including other technology assets valued below cost) 275 282 Loan investments and fixed income shares 1,428 1,564 Total 4,006 3,939 Portfolio analysis Buy-out portfolio value by valuation method (£m) At 30 September At 31 March 2003 2003 Imminent sale or IPO 18 12 Listed 70 67 Secondary market 7 7 Earnings 750 536 Cost 141 149 Net assets 24 40 Other 61 115 Loan investments and fixed income shares 1,060 1,075 Total 2,131 2,001 Growth capital portfolio value by valuation method (£m) Imminent sale or IPO 47 14 Listed 98 120 Secondary market 41 23 Earnings 500 377 Cost 147 187 Further advance 19 42 Net assets 90 98 Other 85 69 Loan investments and fixed income shares 304 419 Total 1,331 1,349 Early stage technology portfolio value by valuation method (£m) Imminent sale or IPO 18 11 Earnings 1 25 Cost 226 271 Further advance 106 113 Net assets - 1 Other technology assets valued below cost 107 79 Other 22 19 Loan investments and fixed income shares 64 70 Total 544 589 Technology portfolio value by stage (£m) Early stage 544 589 Late stage Quoted 124 103 Buy-outs 339 294 Growth capital 260 250 723 647 Total 1,267 1,236 The early stage portfolio comprises investments in immature businesses which typically require further funding. The late stage portfolio comprises investments in more mature, typically self-funding businesses, including investments made by way of buy-outs and growth capital. Early stage technology portfolio value by sector (£m) Healthcare 183 195 Communications 111 112 Electronics, semiconductors and advanced technologies 74 72 Software 176 210 Total 544 589 Realisations analysis Analysis of the Group's realisation proceeds (excluding co-investment funds). Realisations proceeds by product (£m) 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 September 30 September 31 March 2003 2002 2003 Buy-outs 229 428 613 Growth capital 197 145 270 Early stage technology 77 46 93 Total 503 619 976 Realisations proceeds by geography (£m) UK 317 535 727 Continental Europe 119 79 238 US 11 1 2 Asia Pacific 56 4 9 Total 503 619 976 Realisations proceeds (£m) IPO - 33 37 Sale of quoted investments 73 79 110 Trade and other sales 298 257 493 Loan and fixed income share repayments 132 250 336 Total 503 619 976 Realisations proceeds by FTSE industrial classification (£m) Resources 13 53 60 Industrials 73 167 294 Consumer goods 78 117 192 Services and utilities 225 217 330 Financials 68 32 42 Information technology 46 33 58 Total 503 619 976 Funds under management (£m) At 30 September At 31 March 2003 2003 Third party unquoted co-investment funds 1,778 1,587 Quoted investment companies* 558 452 Total 2,336 2,039 * Includes the 3i Group Pension Plan. Ten largest investments At 30 September 2003, the Directors' valuation of the ten largest investments was a total of £438 million. These investments cost £277 million. Investment (date first invested in) and description of business Directors' Cost Proportion valuation £m of equity £m (Note 1) shares held (Note 1) Travelex Holdings Ltd (Note 2) (1998) Foreign currency services Equity shares - 19.6% 64 - 64 Westminster Health Care Holdings Ltd (2002) Care homes operator Equity shares 1 49.6% 14 Loans 38 38 39 52 Fonecta Group Oy (2002) Directory services Equity shares 4 33.5% 36 Loans 12 12 16 48 Malmberg Investments BV (2001) Educational publisher 7 41.8% 26 Equity shares 18 18 Loans 25 44 Pets At Home Group Ltd (1995) Retailer of pets and pet supplies 2 Equity shares 25 26.0% 18 Loans 25 27 43 ERM Holdings Ltd (Note 3) (2001) Environmental consultancy - 7 Equity shares 34 38.1% 34 Loans 34 41 SR Technics Holding AG (2002) Repair and maintenance of 7 7 aeroplane engines and frames 33 33 Equity shares 32.2% Loans 40 40 Refresco Holding BV (2003) Fruit juice producer 3 3 Equity shares 18 62.8% 18 Fixed income shares 18 18 Loans 39 39 Tato Holdings Ltd (1989) Manufacture and sale of specialist 2 25.0% 34 chemicals Equity shares 2 34 Beltpacker plc (2000) Manufacturer/marketing of healthcare/beauty 12 - products, footwear and accessories 43 33 Equity shares 38.9% Loans 55 33 Notes 1 The investment information is in respect of 3i's holding and excludes any co-investment by 3i managed funds. 2 The cost of the equity held in Travelex Holdings Ltd is £121,000. 3 The cost of the equity held in ERM Holdings Ltd is £437,000. Note 1 The Interim report 2003 will be posted to shareholders on 17 November 2003 and thereafter copies will be available from the Company Secretary, 3i Group plc, 91 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XP. Note 2 The interim dividend will be payable on 7 January 2004 to holders of shares on the register on 5 December 2003. The ex-dividend date will be 3 December 2003. Note 3 Investments statistics referred to in this announcement relate to investments made by 3i Group and third party unquoted co-investment funds managed by 3i unless otherwise stated. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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