Board appointment

3i Group plc announces that it has decided today to appoint Mr Robert Swannell as a non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 September 2006.

Robert Swannell is Vice Chairman, Citigroup Europe and a member of Citigroup''s Global Investment Banking Operating Committee. He was previously Co-Chairman of Citigroup''s European Investment Bank. He has had a career in investment banking since 1977, when he joined Schroders (acquired by Citigroup in 2000). Before that, he qualified both as a chartered accountant and as a barrister. He is a non-executive director of The British Land Company PLC, a member of the DTI Industrial Development Advisory Board, a trustee of the UK Career Academy Foundation and until recently a member of the Regulatory Decisions Committee of the FSA (2001-2005).

Baroness Hogg, Chairman of 3i Group plc, said:

"We are delighted that Robert Swannell has agreed to join the Board of 3i Group plc. He brings valued and relevant knowledge and experience to 3i gained during his highly distinguished career in the City."

There are no other matters to disclose in accordance with paragraph 9.6.13R of the FSA''s Listing Rules.

For information please contact:

Notes to editors
3i is a world leader in private equity and venture capital. We focus on Buyouts, Growth Capital and Venture Capital and invest across Europe, in the United States and in Asia. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our relationships in business. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio and to our shareholders.