3i strengthens its presence in Giochi Preziosi

Milan, 21 February 2006 - 3i, Europe’s leading private equity company, announces that it has increased its stake in Gruppo Giochi Preziosi to 52%, as previously agreed in July 2005, when it acquired a 40% stake. Fingiochi S.p.A., representing the Preziosi family, maintains a 48% stake.

The management team of Giochi Preziosi S.p.A., holding company of Gruppo Giochi Preziosi, will remain in place: Enrico Preziosi, as Chairman; Massimo Alberti and Dario Bertè as CEOs.

Giochi Preziosi is the second largest European toy company after Lego, and fourth in the world behind Lego, Mattel and Hasbro.  The development plan will see its quotation on the stock exchange within three years as it consolidates its leading position in the European market with a turnover of 18 billion euro, and the strengthening of its position in the world market valued at around 50 billion euro.  The management and shareholders agree on the opportunity to float the company in the future.