Pre-close period briefing

3i Group PLC
28 September 2006







28 September 2006





3i Group plc - Pre-close period briefing



3i Group plc ('3i'), a world leader in private equity and venture capital, will
be holding discussions with analysts and investors ahead of its close period for
the six months ending 30 September 2006.  This statement sets out the
information that will be covered in those discussions.  3i expects to announce
its interim results for the six months ending 30 September 2006 on 9 November
2006.



Philip Yea, 3i's Chief Executive, said:



'The year so far has seen a strong performance and we continue to make very good
progress in delivering our strategic objectives.  Realisations continue to
benefit from a favourable market environment and have been stronger than
anticipated at the time of our annual results announcement in May.



Although we continue to be highly selective in making new investment, our
international reach continues to generate a steady flow of good opportunities.'



The main topics that will be discussed with analysts and investors are set out
below.



1        Investments and realisations

3i invested a total of £568 million in the five months ended 31 August 2006,
compared with £578 million in the equivalent period last year. This includes
£116 million (2005: £74 million) invested on behalf of co-investment funds
managed by 3i.



Realisation proceeds received by 3i (excluding funds) were strong at £627
million in the five months ended 31 August 2006, which compares with the
exceptional level of realisation proceeds of £910 million in the equivalent
period last year.



2        Returns

The overall performance of the Group for the six months to 30 September 2006 is
anticipated to be in line with its return objectives.  The Buyout and Growth
Capital business lines have generated strong gross portfolio returns during the
period. As a result of the mark-to-market valuation of its quoted portfolio,
Venture Capital is expected to deliver a negative gross portfolio return for the
half year.



Realisations for the six month period are anticipated to have generated an
aggregate uplift over 31 March 2006 carrying values ahead of the uplift
percentage generated during the same period last year.



3        Eurofund V

On 9 August the Company announced the first close of its latest European
mid-market buyout fund at €4.3 billion. Final close, which is expected this
autumn, is anticipated to reach €5.0 billion. This is ahead of the original
target for Eurofund V of €3.5 billion.  The Company's commitment will be some
55% of the total fund as previously indicated.



4        Return of capital to shareholders

Shareholders approved a £700 million bonus issue of listed B shares and an 11
for 13 share capital consolidation at 3i's EGM on 12 July 2006.  On 17 July, the
B shares were issued and dealings commenced in the B shares and the consolidated
ordinary shares.  In the Initial Purchase Offer and the Company Offer (both as
defined in the 3i's circular to Shareholders dated 15 June 2006), shareholders
sold, in aggregate, £689 million of B shares (98.4% of the amount issued).





Ends





For information please contact:


Simon Ball       Finance Director, 3i Group plc                    020 7975 3356
Patrick Dunne    Group Communications Director, 3i Group plc       020 7975 3283
Philip Gawith    Maitland                                          020 7379 5151



This statement aims to give an indication of 3i's expected return (and of key
components of that return) for the six months to 30 September 2006.  These
indications reflect the Board's current view.  They are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties and could change.  In particular, an important element
in the determination of 3i's results for the six months to 30 September 2006 is
the detailed valuation exercise carried out on its investment portfolio as at
that date. The final results for the six months to 30 September 2006, due to be
reported on 9 November 2006, may differ accordingly.  Factors which could cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, general
economic and market conditions and specific factors affecting the financial
prospects or performance of individual investments within 3i's portfolio.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange