Typically, our origination network identifies around 1,000 opportunities a year across Europe.  Of these, we carry out in-depth reviews of 70-80 and select the most attractive 12-15 companies in which to invest.

Each investment is important to us.  As such, we devote significant attention to ensuring that the right tools are in place to deliver the value plan.  We work closely with management teams, consistently leveraging our international network and deep relationships to provide unparalleled access to knowledge and opportunities to enhance the value of the business.

Our proven, flexible and disciplined investment approach has enabled us to execute a variety of successful strategies aimed at creating long-term value for our investee companies.  For example:

• Growth through acquisition: integrating owner-managed businesses, particularly in another country, can present significant management, legal and cultural challenges.
• Organic growth: achieving rapid growth in channels to market can stretch management and financial resources, requiring careful control.
• Greater efficiency: this isn’t simply about cutting costs.  It also involves, for instance, setting the right sourcing strategy, which is just one example where we can draw from other areas of 3i Group to tap into, like 3i’s Asian network.

In 2007, we were proud to be named Private Equity firm of the year in Europe at the inaugral Financial Times and Mergermarket M&A awards.