Pre-close period briefing

3i Group PLC
27 March 2008



27 March 2008



3i Group plc - Pre-close period briefing


3i Group plc ('3i'), a world leader in private equity, will be holding
discussions with analysts and investors ahead of its close period for the year
ending 31 March 2008.  This statement sets out the information for the 11 months
to 29 February 2008 that will be covered in those discussions.  3i expects to
announce its results for the year ending 31 March 2008 on 15 May 2008.


Commenting on the statement, Philip Yea, 3i Chief Executive said:

'Our business as a whole continues to perform in line with our cross cycle
return objectives. Although our portfolio companies are not immune to economic
cycles, to date we have seen no material changes to their overall financial
performance. The opportunities available to our investment business are
considerable, notwithstanding the deterioration in the financial markets since
the turn of the year. As expected, realisations have slowed. Our clear focus on
the mid market and our international breadth, highly selective approach to new
investment and the diversity of our portfolio, continue to position us well
against a more challenging market backdrop.'


The main topics that will be discussed with analysts and investors are set out
below.



1     Investments and realisations


3i invested a total of £2,154 million in the eleven months ended 29 February
2008 compared with £1,348 million in the equivalent period last year.  In
addition, £600 million (2007: £250 million) was invested on behalf of
co-investment funds managed by 3i.

Realisation proceeds received by 3i (excluding co-investment funds managed by
3i) totalled £1,619 million in the eleven months ended 29 February 2008 (2007:
£1,935 million).



Investment and realisation proceeds by business line were as follows:


Investment £m                                     Realisation proceeds £m
(11 months ended)   29 February   28 February     (11 months ended)   29 February   28 February
                           2008          2007                                2008          2007

Buyouts                     823           431     Buyouts                     843           990
Growth Capital              960           447     Growth Capital              432           609
Venture Capital             129           170     Venture Capital             168           133
QPE                         182            14     QPE                          17             -
Infrastructure               54           284     Infrastructure               32             5
SMI                           6             2     SMI                         127           198
Total                     2,154         1,348     Total                     1,619         1,935



Total investment and realisation proceeds for the nine months to 31 December
2007 were £1,778 million and £1,473 million respectively.




2        Returns


Aggregate Gross Portfolio Return for the 11 months to 29 February 2008 is in
line with our cross cycle return objectives.

The portfolio continues to perform well despite a more challenging economic
outlook. As usual, an important element in the determination of 3i's results for
the full year to 31 March 2008 will be the detailed valuation exercise carried
out on its unquoted investment portfolio as at that date.



3        India Infrastructure Fund


Today 3i also announces that the 3i India Infrastructure Fund (the 'Fund') has
exceeded its $1.0 billion target, with a final closing to be announced in April.
The Fund includes commitments from 3i of $250 million, with 3i Infrastructure
Limited, which is advised by 3i Investments plc, committing $250 million.



Ends



For information please contact:


Simon Ball          Finance Director, 3i Group plc                    020 7975 3356
Patrick Dunne       Group Communications Director, 3i Group plc       020 7975 3283
Rachel Richards     3i Press Office                                   020 7975 3573
Philip Gawith       Maitland                                          020 7379 5151





This statement aims to give an indication of 3i's expected return (and of key
components of that return) for the twelve months to 31 March 2008.  These
indications reflect the Board's current view.  They are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties and could change.  In particular, an important element
in the determination of 3i's results for the twelve months to 31 March 2008 is
the detailed valuation exercise carried out on its investment portfolio as at
that date.  The final results for the twelve months to 31 March 2008, due to be
reported on 15 May 2008, may differ accordingly.  Factors which could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, general economic
and market conditions and specific factors affecting the financial prospects or
performance of individual investments within 3i's portfolio.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange