Pre close meetings

3i Group PLC
6 September 2001


3i Group plc - Pre Close Briefings 6 September 2001



3i Group plc ( '3i' ) will today start its usual pre close period analyst
briefings ahead of the announcement of its interim results on 15 November
2001.

3i's performance to date is broadly in line with market expectations. The
outlook for venture capital activity remains the same as outlined at the
results presentation in May 2001.

The main topics which will be discussed are:

1. Investment

3i has continued to make investments in a broad range of sectors and
geographies, although, as predicted, at a lower rate than last year. The
slowdown in the venture capital market since 2000 is providing some attractive
investment opportunities.

2. Realisations

3i stated in May 2001 that venture capital activity would fall this year. A
weaker market for IPO's together with lower mergers and acquisitions activity
has resulted in fewer realisations from the portfolio compared with the record
level achieved last year.

3. Unquoted Portfolio

The majority of the 3i unquoted portfolio continues to perform satisfactorily
despite tougher economic conditions, particularly for manufacturing and
technology sectors. However we expect that the level of provisions against
investments will increase compared with last year.

4. Quoted Portfolio

Quoted markets have continued to weaken since the announcement of the annual
results in May. This has resulted in a fall in the value of the quoted
portfolio.

5. Strategy

3i continues to make good progress towards the strategic objectives outlined
in May 2001.

Ends



For information please contact:

Michael Queen - Finance Director - 3i Group plc - 020 7975 3400

Liz Hewitt - Director of Corporate Affairs - 020 7975 3283

Philip Gawith - The Maitland Consultancy - 020 7379 5151