As part of 3i's growth strategy for Asia, 3i, a leading international private equity and venture capital firm, today announced the appointment of Anil Ahuja as Managing Director, Head of 3i's Indian business.

Ahuja will report to Chris Rowlands, 3i''s Head of Group Markets. Ahuja joins from JP Morgan Partners Asia, where he was responsible for overseeing the firm''s investments in the Indian market.

Ahuja has made successful investments across all stages of funding in financial services, industrial growth, consumer, IT and internet related products and services. He currently sits on a number of boards including Planet Diamond Tools, Plexion Technologies and Dominos Pizza India and serves as an independent director on the Board of HDFC Bank. Prior to joining JP Morgan Partners, Ahuja spent eleven years at Citibank India, where he held various senior positions including Trade Head, Cash Product Head, Head of Domestic Capital Markets and Head of Direct Investment Product Program.

Chris Rowlands said:

"3i is a growth company and India is a growth market. Anil''s appointment will enable us to accelerate our plans in India and further increase the opportunities for our portfolio in the region."

Anil Ahuja said:

"I am delighted to be joining 3i. The company is a world leader in the industry, has a terrific growth capital offering and an unparalleled network throughout the world. Giving businesses in the region access to that network is going to be very exciting."

Mark Thornton
3i, Singapore
 +65 6216 0432
mark_thornton@3i.com

Harriet Benson
3i London, Press Office
 +44 20 7975 3274
harriet_benson@3i.com

Notes to Editors

About 3i
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 Pacific. 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.

Growth Capital
3i''s Growth Capital business focuses on investing minority stakes in high growth companies expanding organically or through acquisition. The business currently manages 400 investments across Europe and Asia with a value in excess of €2bn and invests across a broad range of industry sectors, including healthcare, financial services, food & drink, media, IT services, support services and oil & gas.

Recent investments include Williams Lea, UK, €68m; Renta Corporation, PEARL, Singapore, €8m, Spain, €20m; Novem CID, Germany, €25m and Vetoquinol, France, €20m. Recent exits include Pets at Home, UK, €330m; Wood Group, UK, €37m; Ascent Technology, UK, €34m; Raynal, France, €0.5m and Highland Energy, Germany, €178m.