Pre-close period briefing
3i Group plc ("3i"), an international investor, will be holding discussions with analysts and investors ahead of its close period for the six months ending 30 September 2010.
This statement sets out the information that will be covered in those discussions. 3i expects to announce its results for the six months ending 30 September 2010 on 11 November 2010.
Commenting on the statement, 3i''s Chief Executive, Michael Queen, said:
"We have made good progress during the period in growing 3i. The formal launch of our Debt Management business, following the acquisition of Mizuho Investment Management, gives us three platforms for growth, Private Equity, Infrastructure and Debt Management."
The main topics that will be discussed with analysts and investors are set out below.
1. Investments and realisations
Since 31 August, a further £23 million has been invested in Trescal, the French calibration services business, and divestments of Inspicio and Panreac have generated £121 million and £29 million of realisation proceeds respectively.
2. Acquisition of Mizuho Investment Management
On 27 September 2010, 3i announced that it reached agreement with Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. ("MHCB") to acquire Mizuho Investment Management (UK) Limited ("MIM"). MIM is one of Europe''s leading debt management businesses, with assets under management ("AuM") of £3.7 billion. The acquisition consideration is £18.3 million and is subject to MIM investor consent and 3i obtaining regulatory approval from the UK FSA.
MIM was established in 2005 and specialises in the management of funds raised to invest in senior and subordinated corporate debt, providing investment advisory services in return for fees. MIM has a high quality loan portfolio, an established fundraising track record having raised eight funds from a diverse investor base since 2005, and an experienced team of 28 employees.
It is intended that 3i''s existing debt management activities will be merged with MIM to form a distinct business line, 3i Debt Management, with total AuM of £4.0 billion.
3. Strategic developments
During the period, it was announced that the Buyouts and Growth Capital business lines would be integrated to create a combined Private Equity business. Existing Buyout and Growth Capital funds will continue to make investments in line with the original fund mandates. Subject to the expected completion of the acquisition of MIM and the formal launch of 3i Debt Management business, 3i will have three platforms for growth, Infrastructure, Private Equity and Debt Management, with total pro-forma AuM of £13.3 billion as at 31 March 2010.
4. Returns
As usual, an important element in the determination of 3i''s results for the half year to 30 September 2010 will be the detailed valuation exercise carried out on its investment portfolio as at that date.
5. Cash flow and balance sheet
The Group had cash, cash deposits and undrawn committed facilities of £2,210 million at 31 August 2010 (31 March 2010: £2,731 million). Net debt increased from its year end level of £258 million to £450 million at 31 August, reflecting the cashflows relating principally to investments and realisations, together with other operating expenses.
For information please contact
Patrick Dunne
3i Group plc, Group Communications Director
020 79753566
Philip Gawith
Maitland
020 7379 5151
This statement aims to give an indication of material events and transactions that have taken place during the period from 1 April 2010 to 31 August 2010 and their impact on the financial position of 3i Group plc. These indications reflect the Board''s current view. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and could change. 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.