3i today announces that it has received an offer from funds advised by Apax Partners, a global private equity firm, for its majority stake in the Azelis Group (“the Company”), a leading pan-European speciality chemical distributor. Atlas Holding S.A., the holding company of Azelis Group, has entered into exclusive negotiations with funds advised by Apax Partners.

The workers’ councils of relevant Azelis Group companies will, where required, be consulted on the proposed transaction, which is also subject to antitrust approval.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:

3i
Kathryn van der Kroft
Tel: +44 20 7975 3021
Email: kathryn.vanderkroft@3i.com

Apax Partners - Greenbrook Communications
Andrew Honnor or Georgiana Brunner
Tel: +44 20 7952 2000
Email: apax@greenbrookpr.com

Notes to editors:

About 3i Group
3i is a leading international investment manager focused on mid-market private equity, infrastructure and debt management across Europe, Asia and North America. For further information, please visit: www.3i.com.

About Apax Partners
Apax Partners is one of the world''s leading private equity investment groups.  It operates globally and has more than 30 years of investing experience.  Apax Partners has advised funds that total over $40 billion around the world in aggregate.  Funds advised by Apax invest in companies across four global sectors of Consumer, Healthcare, Services and Tech & Telco.  These funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. For further information about Apax, please visit: www.apax.com

About Azelis
Azelis is a leading global speciality chemicals distributor. It provides a diverse range of products and innovative services to more than 20,000 customers. Our in-depth local knowledge is supported by an international structure and value-added services including high levels of technical support and tailored solutions.

Regulatory information
This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc.