3i announces placement of 4 million shares in NORMA Group AG with institutional investors

3i and funds managed by 3i (“3i”), the major beneficial shareholders of NORMA Group AG, announces today that, 3i has placed 4.0 million ordinary shares of NORMA Group AG for a price of EUR 19.25 per share with institutional investors in an accelerated book building process following the IPO of NORMA Group AG in April 2011. This placement increases the free float from close to 71% to 83%.

3i and funds managed by 3i will remain NORMA Group AG’s largest group of shareholders with an aggregate holding of 16.7%. 3i is committed to further supporting NORMA Group AG on its successful growth path. In addition, 3i has entered into a lock-up period for its remaining shareholdings of 90 days.

For further information, contact:

3i Germany
Jan Hiesserich Tel:  +49 (69) 921 874 63
Email: jhiesserich@heringschuppener.com

3i UK
Laurie Yeh Tel: +44 7975 3126
Email: laurie.yeh@3i.com

Notes to editors:

About 3i

3i is a leading international investor focused on mid-market private equity, infrastructure and debt management across Europe, Asia and the Americas. As at 31 March 2012, 3i had total assets under management of £10.5bn, including £6.3bn advised or managed on behalf of third parties. www.3i.com

Disclaimer

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

The offering will only be available to the following persons in the United Kingdom: (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the U.K. Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); and (ii) persons falling within Article 49 of the Order or to persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated. If you are in the United Kingdom and do not fall into one of the above categories, you will not be eligible to participate in the offering, and you should not act upon, or rely on, this announcement.

The offer and sale of the securities referred to in this announcement has not been, nor will it be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent such registration or an applicable exemption from registration. There will be no public offering of the securities in the United States in connection with this transaction.