3i, Europe's leading private equity company, has appointed Alan Giddins, 39, as a Director within its European Buyout Business, building on the strong momentum created by a number of significant recent successes. He will be based in London.

Alan will be responsible for investing across 3i''s key sectors, with a particular focus on support services and transport and logistics.

Alan started his career in 1987 at KPMG, before moving to SG Corporate & Investment Banking (formerly Hambros Bank, then SG Hambros) in 1992, where he held a number of senior positions including most recently Managing Director and Head of Transport & Support Services M&A.

Alan has considerable experience of advising both corporate and private equity firms, having advised a number of quoted companies, including P&O on the demerger of its cruise division and UMECO on the acquisitions of Advanced Composites Group, ASED Group and Richmond Aircraft Products Inc. He has also advised private equity firms on both the buy and sell-side, including the MBO of Asquith Court and the disposal of Kingfield Heath.

Jonathan Russell, 3i Head of Buyouts commented: "We have an experienced team that works as a truly pan-European business with a good market position and a powerful network. Alan brings with him extensive experience gained advising in the quoted sector, as well as a great network of contacts. This combined with his business building skills makes him a valuable addition to the team".

Alan said: "I have worked with 3i on a number of occasions over the last few years and have been impressed with their professionalism, strength of global network and depth of their sector expertise. The excellent financial performance of 3i''s pan-European Buyout business makes it a very attractive time to be joining the team."