3i Group plc (the "Company") announces that it has applied to the UK Listing Authority and to the London Stock Exchange for admission to listing and to trading of 578,520,432 new ordinary shares of 53 1/8 pence each resulting from the consolidation of all the existing 614,677,959 ordinary shares of 50 pence each currently in issue. The new ordinary shares are expected to be admitted to the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 11 July 2005.

Immediately following the consolidation of the existing ordinary shares of 50 pence each, the Company''s issued and fully paid share capital will be 578,520,432 ordinary shares of 53 1/8 pence each.

In addition, the Company announces that it has further applied to the UK Listing Authority and to the London Stock Exchange for admission to listing and to trading of 2,651,570 new ordinary shares of 53 1/8 pence each. These represent the existing block listed and unissued shares which may fall to be issued under Company share schemes, following the consolidation of the Company''s share capital from ordinary shares of 50 pence each into ordinary shares of 53 1/8 pence each.

For further information please contact:

Patrick Dunne,
3i Group Communications Director
020 7975 3283