3i divests its holdings in Nordisk Renting

3i divests its holdings in Nordisk Renting Stockholm, Sweden, 9 January 2003 * 3i Group plc is divesting all its holdings in Nordisk Renting AB. * Nordea is the acquirer-the purchase price of 3i's shareholding is SEK 627 m. * 3i's ownership holding was 35%. 3i Group plc has signed an agreement regarding the sale of all its holdings in Nordic Renting to Nordea for SEK 627 m. Nordisk Renting is the Nordic region's leading real estate rentals corporation, which focuses on acquiring, owning and developing real estate for rental on long-term contracts to secure private and public sector partners, mainly in the Nordic region. Its holding encompasses nearly 200 properties with floor-area of some 1.8 million sq. m. Nordisk Renting's total assets are approximately SEK 17 bn. Gustav Bard, Managing Director of 3i Sweden, advisor to 3i Group plc, made the following comment: "Nordisk Renting was 3i's biggest single investment in Sweden-the company has made extraordinary progress and we're very satisfied with our investment. Indeed, we've enjoyed a very fruitful collaboration with the corporate management and other owners." The investment in Nordisk Renting was effected in 1998-the corporation has made very positive progress since, including the acquisition of SEK 15 bn-worth of real estate, divestments of SEK 11 bn, and simultaneously, significant earnings gains. Average return on equity in the period has been 27%. Nordisk Renting has also expanded into Finland, thereby securing pan-Nordic real estate renting leadership. For more information, please contact: Gustav Bard, Managing Director, 3i Sweden, adviser to 3i Group plc: +46 (0)8 506 10151, +46 (0)70 511 6427. About 3i Group plc 3i brings capital, knowledge and connections to the creation and development of businesses around the world. It invests in a wide range of opportunities from start-ups to buy-outs and buy-ins, focusing on businesses with high growth potential and strong management. 3i invests in businesses across three continents through local investment teams in Europe, Asia Pacific and the USA. To date, 3i has invested over £14.5 billion (including co-investment funds). In the 12 months to 31 March 2002, an average of £4.1 million (including co- investment funds) was invested each working day. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/09/20030109BIT00520/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/09/20030109BIT00520/wkr0002.pdf