3i, an international investor focused on private equity, infrastructure and debt management, has been named a top performer with six portfolio companies in the Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 annual ranking of the fastest growing private equity-backed firms.

Agent Provocateur (#8)
The global designer and retailer of luxury lingerie, now has 55 stores worldwide with plans to double the number of stores by 2015.  Strong sales and new store openings in New York on Madison Avenue and in Los Angeles on Rodeo Drive have helped boost profits 85% a year from £1m in 2009 to £3.3m in 2011.

Go Outdoors (#20)
The UK’s largest specialist retailer of camping equipment, tents, outdoor clothing and footwear opened 10 new stores in 2011, reaching a total of 31 outlets.  The company has also redesigned its website to improve online sales.  Profits increased 67% a year from £3.3m in 2009 to £9.2m in 2011. 

Hyperion Insurance (#39)
Hyperion, an international insurance group, has grown rapidly through acquisition and expansion into emerging markets, particularly in south east Asia.  Profits have grown 46% a year from £8.5m in 2009 to £18m in 2011. 

AESSeal (#94)
One of the world''s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals and support systems, AES has continued its investment in technology and focused on supplying and servicing its two main growth industries - oil & gas and minerals & mining.  This has helped profits to grow by 22% a year from £12.1m in 2008 to £17.9m in 2010.

Also included in the list were Unipart (#59), a logistics operator, and Permali Gloucester (#80) a composite products manufacturer.

About 3i

3i is an international investor focused on Private Equity, Infrastructure and Debt Management, investing across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our business relationships.  These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio, shareholders and fund investors.

www.3i.com