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Information Services Group, Inc.

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FY2019 Annual Report · Information Services Group, Inc.
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3i Group plc
Annual report  
and accounts  
2019

Our purpose is to generate attractive returns 
for our shareholders and fund investors by 
investing in private equity and infrastructure 
assets. As proprietary capital investors we 
have a long-term approach. We create value 
through thoughtful origination, disciplined 
investment and active stewardship of our 
assets, driving sustainable growth in our 
investee companies.

For more information on 3i’s business,  
its portfolio and the latest news, please visit

www.3i.com

 Overview and  
 business strategy

Strategic report:  
pages 4 to 59

 Business review

 Performance, risk  
 and sustainability

 Governance

Directors’ report:  
pages 61 to 78 and 
90 to 95

Directors’ 
remuneration report:  
pages 79 to 89

Audited financial  
 statements

At a glance 
Performance highlights 
Chairman’s statement 
Chief Executive’s statement 
Action 
Our business model 
Our strategic objectives 
Key performance indicators 

Private Equity 
Infrastructure 
Corporate Assets 

Financial review 
Investment basis 
Reconciliation of Investment basis and IFRS 
Alternative Performance Measures 
Risk management 
Principal risks and mitigations 
Sustainability 

Chairman’s introduction 
Board of Directors  
Executive Committee  
The role of the Board  
Relations with shareholders 
Performance and risk management  
Nominations Committee report 
Audit and Compliance Committee report 
Valuations Committee report  
Directors’ remuneration report 
Additional statutory and corporate  
governance information  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated cash flow statement  
Company statement of financial position 
Company statement of changes in equity 
Company cash flow statement  
Significant accounting policies 
Notes to the accounts  
Independent Auditor’s report  

 Portfolio and  
 other information

For definitions of 
our financial terms, 
used throughout this 
report, please see our 
glossary on pages 161 
and 162.

20 large investments 
Portfolio valuation – an explanation  
Information for shareholders  
Glossary  

02
04
05
06
09
10
12
14

17
24
28

31
36
40
43
44
48
54

61
62
64
65
66
67
69
70
75
79

90

97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
108
145

155
157
159
161

Consistent with our approach since the introduction of IFRS 10 in 2014, the financial data presented in the Strategic report is taken from the Investment basis financial statements. 
The Investment basis (which is unaudited) is an alternative performance measure (“APM”) and is described on page 39 and the differences from, and the reconciliation to, the 
IFRS audited financial statements are detailed on pages 40 to 42. 

Disclaimer
The Annual report and accounts have been prepared solely to provide information to shareholders. They should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose. 

The Strategic report on pages 4 to 59, the Directors’ report on pages 61 to 78 and 90 to 95, and the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 79 to 89 have been drawn up and 
presented in accordance with and in reliance upon English company law and the liabilities of the Directors in connection with those reports shall be subject to the limitations 
and restrictions provided by that law. This Annual report may contain statements about the future, including certain statements about the future outlook for 3i Group plc and 
its subsidiaries (“3i” or “the Group”). These are not guarantees of future performance and will not be updated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable 
assumptions, any statements about the future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.

01

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019At a glance

Group

Proprietary capital value

 £7,553m

(2018: £6,657m)

£6,023m £1,001m

£529m

Private Equity

Infrastructure

Corporate Assets

Private Equity

Assets under management

 £8.3bn

(2018: £8.3bn)

By sector

By geography

73% Consumer (Action: 58%)

80% Northern Europe

11%  Industrial

9%  Healthcare

7%  Business and 

Technology Services

8%  UK

9%  North America

3%  Other

Overview

•  Investment and asset management to generate 

capital returns

•  Investing in companies typically with an enterprise value 
of €100 million – €500 million at acquisition in our core 
investment markets of northern Europe, the UK and 
North America 

•  Focused on four sectors: Business and Technology 

Services, Consumer, Industrial and Healthcare

•  Portfolio of 31 unquoted assets and one quoted stake

Top 10 investments

New investment highlights

6

7

8

9

 10

1

2

3

4

5

02

Royal Sanders 
Investment 

ICE 
Investment 

£135m

£110m

See Royal Sanders p22 and ICE p23  
of the Business review

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Infrastructure

Corporate Assets

Assets under management

Assets under management

 £4.2bn

(2018: £3.4bn)

 £529m

(2018: nil)

By fund
or strategy

By geography

By asset

By geography

53% 3i Infrastructure plc (“3iN”)

93% Europe

4%  US infrastructure

4%  North America

3%  3i India Infrastructure Fund

3%  Other

18% 3i Managed Infrastructure

Acquisitions LP

13% BIIF

2%  3i European Operational 

Projects Fund

7%  3i managed accounts

Overview

100%  Scandlines

100%  Northern Europe

Overview

•  Investment and asset management to generate income 

yield and capital returns

•  Investment Manager for 3iN, which invests in economic 
infrastructure and greenfield project investments in 
developed economies, principally Europe

•  Corporate Assets is a new segment set up in FY2019  
to hold longer-term assets that are not managed in 
our Private Equity or Infrastructure businesses
•  The Group’s reinvestment in Scandlines is the first 

investment managed as a Corporate Asset

•  Manage three other European Infrastructure funds and  

•  Scandlines is held to generate cash income with 

one India Infrastructure fund, as well as other 
managed accounts 

•  Established an Infrastructure team in North America, 

with one investment and a second announced 
in April 2019 

the potential for further capital returns

New investment highlights

Highlights

Attero
3iN and 3i managed 
accounts investment
£176m

Tampnet 
3iN and 3i managed 
accounts investment
£375m

See Attero p26 and Tampnet p27  
of the Business review

Scandlines
Reinvestment 

£529m

See Scandlines p28  
of the Business review

03

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Performance highlights
 18%
 815p

NAV per share
(31 March 2018: 724p)

Total return1 on equity
(2018: 24%)

 35.0p

Dividend per share
(2018: 30.0p)

 £46m

Operating cash profit
(2018: £11m)

 £1,242m

Realised proceeds2
(2018: £1,323m)

 £332m

Private Equity cash invested
(2018: £587m)

 33%

3iN Total shareholder return
(2018: 12%)

£529m

Scandlines reinvestment

1  Total return is defined as Total comprehensive income for the year, under both the Investment  

basis and the IFRS basis. See page 31 for the Investment basis Total return statement.

2  FY2019 realised proceeds of £1,242 million or £713 million net of £529 million reinvestment  

in Scandlines. Realised proceeds does not include £19 million received during the year, which  
was recognised as realised proceeds in FY2018. 

Certain financial measures used in our Annual report, such as operating cash profit, are not defined 
under IFRS and are therefore termed APMs. Further details on APMs are included on page 43.

04

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Chairman’s statement

Against a volatile political and economic backdrop, 
3i delivered another strong performance in FY2019.  
Private Equity performed well, driven by good 
portfolio earnings growth, the effective 
implementation of our buy-and-build strategy,  
and a favourable market for realisations. 3iN 
delivered strong returns, with a solid performance 
from its core European portfolio and another 
excellent realisation.

Market environment
FY2019 was characterised by continuing political and 
economic uncertainty, fuelled by the protracted trade  
war between the US and China, the ongoing lack of clarity 
on the UK’s future relationship with the European Union, 
and slowing growth in the Eurozone. While we were 
not immune to the influence of these uncertainties, our 
diversified portfolio and long-term, rigorous approach 
to new investments and asset management limited the 
impact on the Group’s performance.

Despite the economic uncertainties, debt markets 
remained available throughout the year and high demand 
for private equity and infrastructure investments enabled 
us to sell a number of assets at attractive exit valuations, 
delivering strong returns for our shareholders and other 
investors. At the same time, our deal teams maintained a 
cautious approach to new business, completing a number 
of new investments and bolt-on acquisitions at disciplined 
entry prices. 

A clear strategy and  
consistent execution has  
delivered strong returns.

Performance and dividend
The Group’s total return1 for the year was £1,252 million 
(2018: £1,425 million). Net asset value (“NAV”) increased  
to 815 pence per share (31 March 2018: 724 pence) and our 
return on opening shareholders’ funds was 18% (2018: 24%). 
We remained net divestors in FY2019, ending the year 
with net cash of £495 million and liquidity of £1,420 million 
(31 March 2018: net cash of £479 million and liquidity of 
£1,404 million). 

Last year we announced a revised dividend policy, with 
the aim of maintaining or growing our dividend year on 
year, subject to balance sheet strength and investment 
and realisation levels. In line with the revised policy, and 
in recognition of the Group’s financial performance and 
robust balance sheet, the Board has recommended a 
second FY2019 dividend of 20.0 pence (2018: 22.0 pence). 
Together with the first FY2019 dividend of 15 pence per 
share paid in January 2019, this takes the total dividend 
to 35.0 pence (2018: 30.0 pence). The recommendation 
reflects the Board’s confidence in the future prospects 
of the Group as we continue to execute our clear and 
consistent strategy. 

Board and management
I am pleased to welcome Coline McConville, who joined 
the Board on 1 November 2018, as a non-executive 
Director. Coline brings extensive commercial experience 
in a variety of relevant sectors and considerable board 
experience. She has joined the Remuneration, Audit 
and Compliance and Nominations Committees. 

Outlook
We enter FY2020 with a strong balance sheet and a 
diversified portfolio of assets that position the Group 
well in the current uncertain environment, with significant 
growth potential combined with good defensive 
characteristics. The Board is confident that the Group’s 
clear strategy, experienced investment teams, and 
disciplined but opportunistic approach to business will 
continue to deliver superior returns for shareholders.

Simon Thompson
Chairman

05

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Chief Executive’s statement

Our results for the year, 

against a backdrop of geo-political 
uncertainty and market volatility, 
highlight the resilience of the Group 
and its capabilities to generate 
attractive, sustainable returns for 
investors through the cycle.

Simon Borrows
Chief Executive

06

We generated a total return on shareholders’ 
funds of £1,252 million, or 18% (2018: £1,425 million, 
or 24%), ending the year with NAV per share of 
815 pence (31 March 2018: 724 pence). Realised 
proceeds, were strong at £1,242 million (31 March 
2018: £1,323 million) or £713 million after the £529 
million reinvestment into Scandlines. In the current 
competitive environment for new investment we 
remained selective and cautious on price, investing  
£245 million in two new Private Equity investments 
and we focused heavily on bolt-on acquisitions for 
our portfolio companies where we could achieve 
synergies. We were successful in completing a total 
of eight such bolt-on acquisitions for our Private 
Equity portfolio as well as three for the 3iN portfolio.

A high quality, diverse portfolio  
in Private Equity
Our Private Equity portfolio is performing well. Our top 
20 Private Equity assets account for 98% of the Private 
Equity portfolio value. Overall, 93% of our Private Equity 
assets by value delivered earnings growth in the year. 
We have remained selective and price disciplined in 
both making new investments and completing bolt-on 
acquisitions for our existing portfolio companies, in a 
market where competition for private assets remains very 
strong. We did, however, capitalise on record levels of dry 
powder by exiting some of our long-standing 2008 and 
2011 assets at good recovery values. The result is a leaner, 
stronger and well diversified portfolio, which continues 
to generate attractive returns for shareholders in an 
uncertain environment.

Action
Action, our largest Private Equity investment, had another 
strong year. In 2018, revenue grew by 23% to €4.2 billion, 
like-for-like (“LFL”) sales by 3.2% and EBITDA by 16% to 
€450 million (2018: €3.4 billion, 5.3% and €387 million). 
These results were achieved despite a challenging year 
for the broader European retail industry and operational 
supply chain issues in France.

Action is an exceptional business and, to achieve its full 
potential of international growth, it is investing significantly 
in its commercial, stock planning, distribution and supply 
chain capabilities. During 2018, Action recruited a new 
planning team and added further resource to its buying 
and supply chain teams. It is accelerating the roll-out of 
its distribution centre (“DC”) network. It opened two new 
DCs earlier this year and a further three are due to open 
over the next 18 months, increasing the network to 10 
DCs across Europe. This investment will facilitate further 
store roll-out in France, Germany, Poland, Austria and 
new countries. It will also mitigate the effect of the DC 
performance and product availability issues that Action 
has experienced over the last 12 months, particularly in 
France. The DC expansion is being accompanied by the 
roll-out of new IT systems to support stock planning and 

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019DC organisation, in order to manage better the increasing 
complexity inherent in the end-to-end supply chain 
planning, given the rapid roll-out of Action stores and  
DCs across Europe.

The supply chain improvements resulted in strong 
performance in France and elsewhere in the final months 
of 2018. LFL sales growth increased in the final quarter 
of 2018 to a healthy 4.4% overall, above the rate seen in 
the previous three quarters, with higher and more stable 
stock availability seen across the French network of stores. 
Strong LFL sales growth has continued during the first  
four months of 2019.

The pace of store roll-outs remains impressive with 230 net 
new stores in calendar year 2018, even after Action decided 
to defer 20 new store openings in France to 2019 to help 
manage the supply chain issues. Action had 1,361 stores 
across seven countries as at 31 March 2019. In Poland, the 
success of Action’s six store pilot, which started in 2017, led 
to the opening of an additional 19 stores in 2018. In 2019, 
Action will continue with its store roll-out programme in 
France and Germany and will accelerate its store growth 
rate in Poland. Action also accelerated its store renewal 
programme in the Netherlands and Belgium: 48 stores 
were refurbished, enlarged or relocated in 2018, compared 
to 27 the year before, improving the customer experience 
and EBITDA contribution of those stores.

Exceptional weather conditions in 2018 adversely affected  
customer footfall across European retail and also contributed 
to the delayed opening of two of Action’s most recent DCs; 
Belleville near Lyon and Peine in Germany. Both of these 
DCs became operational in Q1 2019.

3i owns 44.3% of Action and also manages Eurofund V 
(“EFV”), which owns 33.2% of the company. Action is one 
of two remaining companies in EFV. The final extension of 
EFV is scheduled to end in November this year. As a result, 
3i is working closely with the team at Action to facilitate 
a transaction that will allow those investors who wish to 
realise their interest in Action by November 2019 to do so. 
3i intends to maintain its current level of exposure in Action 
and we expect that a number of other investors are likely 
to retain a substantial part of their holdings.

Private Equity portfolio performance
Since the strategic review in 2012, 3i’s Private Equity 
portfolio has changed significantly. The portfolio has 
been reduced from 124 companies to 32 companies and, 
excluding Action, 86% of the remaining Private Equity 
portfolio value is from our 2013-16 and 2016-19 vintages. 
We are conscious of the challenging external environment 
and concerns that some form of market correction is 
coming. Our strategy of taking a long-term view on the 
multiples used to value our portfolio companies means  
we are able to reduce the impact of volatility on our return, 
which increases 3i’s resilience to market corrections.

Our 2013-16 vintage is performing strongly, generating 
significant cash returns. In September 2018, we sold 
24% of our shareholding in Basic-Fit at €30.50 per share, 
generating proceeds of £89 million. We retain an 18%  
stake in the business, valued at £254 million. We completed 

the refinancing of Aspen Pumps, returning cash of 
£49 million to the Group. Aspen Pumps’ underlying 
business is performing strongly through a combination 
of organic growth, with strong performance in its core 
pumps division, together with bolt-on acquisitions helping 
to consolidate its position as a global leader in the 
condensate pump manufacturing market. Audley Travel 
had another good year and we received a cash distribution 
of £25 million. Investment in its US operation is now 
generating strong earnings growth. We invested £1.1 billion 
in the 2013-16 vintage and that portfolio is already standing 
at over a 2x vintage multiple with significant potential 
growth ahead of it.

At 31 March 2019, the 2016-19 vintage reached the end 
of its investment period, with the Group’s total proprietary 
capital committed totalling c.£1.4 billion. In FY2019,  
we invested and committed to invest c.£450 million  
in a combination of new investments and bolt-on acquisitions. 
In the first quarter we completed proprietary capital 
investments in Royal Sanders of £135 million and ICE 
of £110 million. We also completed further bolt-on 
acquisitions for both assets; in November 2018 we 
completed the acquisition of McBride’s European personal 
care liquids business for Royal Sanders and, in February 
2019, we invested a further £19 million of proprietary capital 
in ICE’s merger with SOR Technology (“SOR”).

We focused on originating acquisition opportunities 
for our portfolio companies in FY2019, as prices for new 
investments remained high. Over the last 12 months 
we completed a £50 million proprietary capital further 
investment in ‘eyes + more’ for Hans Anders, as well as 
bolt-on acquisitions for Cirtec Medical and Ponroy Santé, 
both of which required no additional equity contribution 
from 3i. These bolt-on acquisitions offer good potential 
for commercial and operational synergies, which we are 
already beginning to see in both companies.

At the end of March 2019, we announced the final 
investment in the 2016-19 vintage, Magnitude Software Inc, 
a leading provider of unified application data management 
solutions, operating in the US, the Netherlands, the UK, 
Canada and India. This investment, of c.£139 million, 
completed at the start of May 2019.

Formel D, the leading international provider of quality 
services for the automotive industry, was another notable 
performer of the 2016-19 vintage, generating strong 
profitability following implementation of a range of initiatives 
focusing on improving margins and working capital.

Schlemmer, a German manufacturer of cable management 
solutions for the global automotive industry, had a 
challenging 12 months and we reduced the value of this 
2016-19 asset by £70 million. The company experienced  
some market volatility predominantly in Europe, ongoing 
operational difficulties in the US and Mexico and raw 
material price increases especially in China, affecting 
profitability and cash flow. As a result, 3i implemented  
a change in management with a new CEO and CFO  
and provided additional funding of £4 million in March 2019,  
to ease the liquidity issue. We are now confident the new  
management team has a clear plan to recover performance. 

 Two

new Private Equity 
investments  
(2018: four)

 2.3x

vintage multiple on 
the 2013-16 portfolio 
of investments 
(31 March 2018: 2.1x) 

07

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Chief Executive’s statement

continued

Another outstanding year for  
Infrastructure
In the 12 months to 31 March 2019, 3iN’s share price 
appreciated by 29% to 275 pence, generating value growth 
of £167 million for the Group’s 33% stake. This excellent 
share price increase reflects the successful management 
by our Infrastructure team, their impressive recent track 
record of realisations and the strong performance from the 
portfolio of European infrastructure assets.

Over the last few years, we have repositioned the 3iN 
portfolio away from assets with higher regulatory risk and 
generated significant investment gains for shareholders in 
the process. During the year 3iN disposed of its 33% stake 
in Cross London Trains (“XLT”) for proceeds of £333 million, 
representing a 5.9x return and a 40% IRR. The value uplift 
from the sale contributed materially to a performance fee  
of £31 million for the Group. We increased our fee generating  
Infrastructure AUM by £300 million, as we manage new 
investments in Tampnet and Attero for 3iN and other 
investors. In addition to these investments, 3iN completed 
the acquisition by Infinis of Alkane Energy in the year, and 
in March 2019, 3iN announced a commitment to invest in 
Joulz, a leading owner and provider of essential energy 
infrastructure equipment and services in the Netherlands. 
The £190 million investment in Joulz completed in April 2019.

Demand for Infrastructure assets is strong and the team 
remains disciplined on price and, much like Private Equity, 
we look for bolt-on opportunities for the existing portfolio 
where appropriate. In the year, two such acquisitions for 
Wireless Infrastructure Group (“WIG”) and one for TCR 
were completed, without further equity contribution 
from 3iN.

Our North American Infrastructure team announced 
its second investment at the beginning of April 2019, in 
Regional Rail LLC, a leading owner and operator of short-
line freight railroads and rail-related businesses throughout 
the Mid-Atlantic US.

Apart from the gain in 3iN’s share price, our Infrastructure 
platform remains an important source of cash income  
for the Group, generating £82 million (2018: £78 million)  
of cash income through its fund management activities  
and dividend income from Infrastructure.

Corporate Assets
In June 2018, we completed the sale and our subsequent 
35% reinvestment into Scandlines, generating net 
proceeds to 3i of £306 million. Our decision to reinvest 
into Scandlines is consistent with our strategic objectives 
and we are already seeing the benefit of this through the 
considerable cash flows that the business is continuing to 
produce. Since the Group’s reinvestment, we have received 
£28 million of dividend income, an important contribution 
to the Group’s operating cash position.

Strong balance sheet, well positioned 
to deliver good returns to shareholders
We ended FY2019 with net cash of £495 million after 
returning £358 million of cash dividends to shareholders 
in the year. Our strong balance sheet means we can 
be competitive and move fast when we find the right 
proprietary capital investments without having to 
accelerate realisations ahead of their full potential.

Our people and values
We expect everyone at 3i to act with integrity, to be 
accountable for their behaviour, and to approach their 
roles with ambition, rigour and energy. This means 
demonstrating our culture and values while working hard 
towards achieving attractive returns for our shareholders 
and other investors. 

Our long-standing Responsible Investment Policy informs 
our investment decisions and our behaviour as stewards 
of our assets. We are committed to the continuous 
improvement of our approach.

We have seen some changes in key personnel this year. 
The Co-Heads of our Private Equity division transitioned 
during the year, with Menno Antal and Alan Giddins 
handing over leadership to Pieter de Jong from our Dutch 
team and Peter Wirtz from our German team, who have 
become the new Co-Heads of Private Equity and I look 
forward to working with them in their new capacity. I would 
like to thank Menno and Alan for their strong contribution 
in leading the Private Equity team since 2010.

Outlook
For 3i, FY2020 appears to be starting in a similar way to 
FY2019 with geo-political uncertainty, volatile capital and 
currency markets, concerns about economic growth and 
a growing tide of funds looking to invest in private assets 
in particular. 

We remain cautious in this environment, which will lead 
us to be careful about the pricing of new investments, 
while looking to put more capital behind those portfolio 
companies we already know well. So our focus will remain 
on bilateral or complex processes and our buy-and-
build platforms. 

The Group’s portfolio of investments is positioned well 
and has good momentum for further growth. We have a 
clear strategic focus and are committed to using our active 
management processes to deliver another good year of 
progress for our shareholders. 

I would like to thank the 3i team again for all their good 
work this year.

Simon Borrows
Chief Executive

 29%

increase in 
3iN share price 
(2018: 13%)

 £306m

net proceeds from 
the disposal of 
Scandlines 

08

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Action

Action is one of the fastest growing 
non-food discount retailers in Europe, 
with more than 1,361 stores in seven 
countries. Action generates over 
seven million customer visits a week. 
Customers are attracted by its unique 
combination of low prices and surprising 
assortment. 

Action has a cost effective, simple and 
scalable business model. It sources its items 
from a network of almost 1,000 suppliers and, 
due to its scale, is able to buy large volumes 
of product at a low cost. Action stocks its 
stores daily from its distribution centre (“DC”) 
network, providing each store with over 6,000 
different products in 14 categories. Only one-
third of these products are part of a standard 
range, the other two-thirds change constantly. 

In 2018, Action added 230 net new stores in 
seven countries. In France, Action passed the 
400th store mark, making France its largest 
market, whilst in Germany, Action opened  
its 300th store on 18 April 2019. An important 
step in Action’s geographical expansion 
was the roll-out of new stores in Poland and, 
following the success of its six store pilot at the 
end of 2017, Action opened a further 19 stores 
in the south western part of the country in 
2018, with plans to accelerate its store growth 
in Poland in 2019. 

Action’s DCs are the foundation of its  
growth and, in 2018, Action continued to  
work on its DC roll-out plan with two new 
DCs in its biggest markets, Germany and 
France. These DCs, in Belleville and Peine, 
became operational in early 2019 and are part 
of a larger DC roll-out plan with the target of 
opening an additional three DCs before the 
end of 2020, including one in Osla (Poland) 
towards the end of 2019, one in Bratislava 
(Slovakia) and one in Verrières-en-Anjou 
(France) in 2020. 

To support this growth, Action employed a 
further 5,000 people in 2018, taking its total 
headcount to 46,000. Action has developed 
its digital interface with its customers, 
investing in its digital team, digital channels 
and online services, as well as implementing 
new IT systems to support end-to-end supply 
chain planning. 

Key financial figures at 31 December

Number of stores at 31 December

€4,216m
€450m

€3,418m
€387m

€2,675m
€310m

1,325

stores

1,095

stores

€1,995m
€226m

€1,506m
€166m

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2017

2018

Sales

EBITDA

People

Geographical spread of stores and DCs at 31 December 20181

46,000

Employees

5,000

Increase in number  
of employees

378 stores and 2 DCs

172 stores

288 stores and 1 DCs

424 stores and 2 DCs

1  In early 2019, two new DCs became operational, one in Germany and one in France.

net stores added

230
15
6
27

stores relocated

stores enlarged

stores refurbished

25 stores

38 stores

09

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Our business model

Capable of delivering mid-teen returns  
to shareholders through the cycle.

Key resources

How we create value

We create value by investing our proprietary capital in a portfolio  
of mid-market private equity investments. We cover our operating  
costs with income from our portfolio and from fees generated  
by our Infrastructure business and Scandlines, our corporate asset, 
thereby minimising the dilution of returns. 

We generate value 
from our Private Equity 
investments typically over 
a 4-5 year hold period 
through underlying 
earnings and cash  
flow growth

We manage our 
Corporate Assets for 
long-term earnings and 
cash flow growth

2 
Grow  
portfolio  
earnings and  
cash flow

We aim to invest  
our proprietary  
capital in 4-7 Private 
Equity investments  
every year and support 
the development of 
Infrastructure and 
Corporate Assets

1 
 Invest our  
proprietary  
capital

Our institutional culture

Our institutional culture, policies and 
procedures, led by the Investment 
Committee, ensure a disciplined and 
selective approach to investment and 
divestment decisions, applied consistently 
across our business

Expert teams

Our origination is built on the skills of 
our local teams and the deep knowledge 
they have in their core markets and 
sectors. Where possible, we train our 
people in-house and develop cross-team 
working, bringing sector and international 
experience together 

Network

Our well-developed external network 
of advisers and business leaders assists us 
to identify and access opportunities, carry 
out due diligence and provide invaluable 
resources to our portfolio companies

Reputation

As an investment company established for 
over 70 years, listed on the London Stock 
Exchange and a member of the FTSE 100, 
we have developed a strong brand and 
reputation, with a proven track record

Strong balance sheet

Our proprietary capital funding model 
allows increased flexibility and speed in 
capital allocation and investment decisions, 
as well as an ability to hold for the long term

10

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Shareholder returns in 2019

 18%

Total return

35.0p

Dividend per share

 19%

Total shareholder return 
(“TSR”)

3
Cover costs  
with fee  
and portfolio  
income

We cover our cash 
operating costs with cash 
income to minimise the 
dilution of capital returns  
to shareholders

We generate income 
from our portfolio, as well 
as fund management 
fee income from our 
Infrastructure business

4
Realise a money 
multiple of >2x in 
Private Equity

We work with our portfolio 
companies to achieve 
their full potential while 
generating good returns 
for our investors through 
the cycle

Fund new  
investment

Fund  
shareholder 
distributions

11

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019FY2019 progress

FY2020 outlook

93%

of Private Equity portfolio  

companies1 (by value) grew  

earnings in FY2019

•  Action’s growth is expected to continue as it focuses on 

store roll-out, further investment in the supply chain and 

maintaining the strong market position of the business

•  We expect strong performance from the 2013-16 

vintage and good progress from the 2016-19 vintage, 

with a number of assets benefiting from recent 

bolt-on acquisitions

•  Continue to monitor the potential impact of geo-political 

and macro-economic uncertainty 

•  Realisations in FY2020 are expected to be lower compared 

to this year. We expect total proceeds of c.£350 million to 

£500 million

For further 

information see 

the Private Equity 

section

For further 

information see 

the Private Equity 

section 

For further 

information see 

the Infrastructure 

section

For further 

information see the 

Financial review

Our strategic  
objectives

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

We focus on opportunities where 
our sector and investment expertise, 
combined with our international 
presence and strong capital position, 
can create material value for our 
stakeholders.

Realise investments  
with good cash-to- 
cash returns

£1,242m

Group proceeds  

(or £713 million net of £529 million  

reinvestment in Scandlines)

Maintain an operating 
cash profit

£46m

Operating cash profit2

•  Continue to focus on generating income where appropriate  

from the Private Equity portfolio

•  Continue to maintain cost discipline

•  Good cash income expected to continue from Infrastructure  

and Scandlines

Use our strong  
balance sheet

Increase shareholder  
distributions

£332m

Invested in Private Equity

£529m

Reinvestment in Scandlines

35.0p

Dividend per share

•  Invest up to £750 million of proprietary capital in four 

to seven Private Equity investments, whilst maintaining 

price discipline 

initiatives in Europe

•  Manage our Infrastructure funds and support other 

•  Grow the North America infrastructure portfolio 

For further 

information see 

the Private Equity 

section

•  The dividend will be subject to the level of investment, 

realisations and balance sheet strength

•  Aim to maintain or grow the dividend year-on-year

•  In line with our dividend policy, expect first FY2020 dividend 

to be 50% of FY2019’s total dividend of 35.0 pence

For further 

information see 

the Chairman’s 

statement

1  Includes 21 companies valued on an earnings basis, as well as Basic-Fit.

2  Operating cash profit is an APM. Further details are included on page 43.

Further information on how these strategic objectives are factored into decisions 
concerning the Executive Directors’ remuneration is included in the Directors’ 
remuneration report on page 79.

12

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Grow investment  

portfolio earnings

Realise investments  

with good cash-to- 

cash returns

Use our strong  

balance sheet

Increase shareholder  

distributions

FY2019 progress

FY2020 outlook

93%

of Private Equity portfolio  
companies1 (by value) grew  
earnings in FY2019

£1,242m

Group proceeds  
(or £713 million net of £529 million  
reinvestment in Scandlines)

•  Action’s growth is expected to continue as it focuses on 
store roll-out, further investment in the supply chain and 
maintaining the strong market position of the business

•  We expect strong performance from the 2013-16 

vintage and good progress from the 2016-19 vintage, 
with a number of assets benefiting from recent 
bolt-on acquisitions

•  Continue to monitor the potential impact of geo-political 

and macro-economic uncertainty 

•  Realisations in FY2020 are expected to be lower compared 
to this year. We expect total proceeds of c.£350 million to 
£500 million

Maintain an operating 

cash profit

£46m

Operating cash profit2

•  Continue to focus on generating income where appropriate  

from the Private Equity portfolio

•  Continue to maintain cost discipline

•  Good cash income expected to continue from Infrastructure  

and Scandlines

For further 
information see 
the Private Equity 
section

For further 
information see 
the Private Equity 
section 

For further 
information see 
the Infrastructure 
section

For further 
information see the 
Financial review

£332m

Invested in Private Equity

£529m

Reinvestment in Scandlines

35.0p

Dividend per share

•  Invest up to £750 million of proprietary capital in four 

to seven Private Equity investments, whilst maintaining 
price discipline 

•  Manage our Infrastructure funds and support other 

initiatives in Europe

•  Grow the North America infrastructure portfolio 

For further 
information see 
the Private Equity 
section

•  The dividend will be subject to the level of investment, 

realisations and balance sheet strength

•  Aim to maintain or grow the dividend year-on-year

•  In line with our dividend policy, expect first FY2020 dividend 

to be 50% of FY2019’s total dividend of 35.0 pence

For further 
information see 
the Chairman’s 
statement

13

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Key performance indicators

KPI

Gross investment 
return (“GIR”) 1,2  
as % of opening 
portfolio value

The performance of the 
proprietary investment portfolio 
expressed as a percentage of 
the opening portfolio value.

24%

40%

29%

27%

21%

Link to strategic 
objectives

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Cash  
realisations 1,2

Support our returns to 
shareholders, as well as  
our ability to invest in 
new opportunities.

£1,308m £1,277m
£270m £152m
£1,038m £1,125m

£1,261m
£529m
£732m

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Increase shareholder 
distributions

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

£841m

£718m

Cash  
investment 1,2

  Cash realisations
   Proceeds from the sale of Debt 
Management/residual Debt 
Management assets
  Scandlines reinvestment

Identifying new opportunities 
in which to invest proprietary 
capital is the primary driver of 
the Group’s ability to deliver 
attractive returns. We also 
invest further capital  
in existing investments.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

£859m
£529m
£330m

£827m

£638m

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Use our strong  
balance sheet

Increase shareholder 
distributions

£369m

£433m

  Cash investment
  Scandlines reinvestment

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Operating  
cash profit 1,2,3

By covering the cash operating 
cost of running our business 
with cash income, we reduce 
the potential dilution of 
capital returns.

Maintain an operating  
cash profit

Increase shareholder 
distributions

£45m

£37m

£46m

£11m

£5m

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

NAV per share 2

The measure of the fair value 
per share of our proprietary 
investments and other assets 
after the net cost of operating 
the business and dividends 
paid in the year.

815p

724p

604p

396p

463p

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Maintain an operating  
cash profit

Total shareholder 
return 2

The return to our  
shareholders through  
the movement in the  
share price and dividends  
paid during the year.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

71%
7%
64%

Increase shareholder 
distributions

27%
5%
22%

(2)%
4%
(6)%

18%
3%
15%

19%
4%
15%

  Dividends
  Share price

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

14

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019FY2019 progress

Key risks

•  Good performance across our portfolio with a GIR in Private Equity  
of £1,148 million, or 20% and a Group GIR of £1,407 million, or 21%

•  Investment rates or quality of new investments are lower 

than expected

•  Action had another good year, opening 230 net new stores in 
calendar year 2018 and generating LFL sales growth of 3.2%,  
with significant investment in the supply chain

•  Good progress with our 2013-16 and 2016-19 vintages

•  3iN delivered a TSR of 33% (2018: 12%)

•  Operational underperformance in the portfolio companies impacts 

earnings growth and exit plans

•  Sterling materially strengthens against the euro and US dollar;  

at 31 March 2019, 79% of the portfolio was denominated in euros  
or US dollars

•  The Group generated cash proceeds of £1,261 million or £732 million 

•  Subdued M&A activity in our core sectors reduces investor appetite 

net of the £529 million reinvestment in Scandlines

for our assets

•  Private Equity generated total gross realised proceeds of 

•  Macro-economic uncertainty limits investor appetite for the private 

£1,235 million, which includes the disposal of five companies, the 
partial exit of our quoted holding in Basic-Fit and the refinancing  
of one asset

equity and infrastructure asset classes

•  Debt markets become less supportive of leveraged buyouts 

or refinancings

•  Invested £245 million in two new Private Equity investments and £69 
million in two further investments in Hans Anders and ICE to support 
the acquisition of eyes + more and merger with SOR respectively

•  Reinvested £529 million to acquire a 35% stake in Scandlines alongside 

•  Competition from other private equity and infrastructure investors, 

as well as trade and other financial buyers, makes it more challenging 
to source investments at prices that will allow us to meet our 
return targets

First State Investments and Hermes Investment Management

•  Failure to attract, invest in and retain the right investment executives 

•  Announced a new investment in Magnitude Software Inc in March 
2019. This investment of c.£139 million completed at the start of 
May 2019 

impacts our ability to originate and manage assets 

•  Failure to maintain and develop our network of advisers and business 

leaders reduces the quality of potential deal flow

•  Infrastructure generated cash income of £82 million (2018: £78 million)

•  Portfolio performance, and therefore portfolio income, is weak

•  Scandlines generated cash dividend income of £28 million (2018: nil)

•  Reduced ability to generate interest and dividend income in a  

•  Strong, but non-recurring cash income from Private Equity, including 

private equity structure

£17 million of cash income from Audley Travel

•  Infrastructure initiatives do not generate sufficient fee income 

•  Remained disciplined over cash operating expenses, which declined 

•  Unplanned increase in the cost base; for example legal, compliance 

to £109 million (2018: £115 million)

or regulatory costs

•  13% increase in NAV per share to 815 pence (31 March 2018:  
724 pence), after payment of 37 pence dividend per share

•  Ongoing geo-political uncertainty further dampens investor sentiment

•  Wider G20 political and economic uncertainty impacts 3i’s portfolio 

•  Strong GIR from Private Equity and Infrastructure

companies and valuations

•  TSR of 19% driven by a share price increase of 15% in the year, 

•  Lower NAV due to investment underperformance or political 

together with the second FY2018 dividend of 22.0 pence and first 
FY2019 dividend of 15.0 pence

and economic uncertainty 

•  Investor appetite for 3i shares could reduce in a volatile macro-

•  Net divestment, strong balance sheet and closing net cash support  

economic environment

a total FY2019 dividend of 35.0 pence per share

•  Implications of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and the current  
UK political uncertainty could limit the attractiveness of UK plc

1  A number of our KPIs are calculated using financial information which is not defined under IFRS and therefore they are classified as APMs.  

Further details on these APMs are included in our Financial review on page 43.

2  Further information on how these KPIs are factored into decisions concerning the Executive Directors’ remuneration is included in the Directors’ remuneration report on page 79.

3  Operating cash profit balances up to 2016 include the contribution of the Debt Management business, sold to Investcorp in March 2017.

15

Overview and business strategy3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Business  
review

A summary of our business, how we 
create value and the strategy that 
drives our performance

16

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

Private Equity
Business review

Our Private Equity business performed well in FY2019 
with a gross investment return of £1,148 million or 20% on 
the opening portfolio (2018: £1,438 million or 30%) and 
realisations of £1,235 million (2018: £1,002 million), including 
£835 million from the disposal of Scandlines. Despite the 
political and economic backdrop, strong performance from 
Action and a number of assets from our 2013-16 and 2016-19 
vintages generated unrealised value growth of £916 million 
(2018: £1,080 million). In a highly competitive market, the team 
remained selective and disciplined on price, making two new 
investments and adding eight bolt-on acquisitions for existing 
portfolio companies. 

Investment activity
Over the last twelve months, record levels of capital availability 
continued to drive competition for private assets. We have remained 
selective and disciplined on price when originating new investment 
opportunities and have also focused on further bolt-on acquisitions 
for our existing portfolio companies, an important part of building 
the strategic value of these assets. 

In April 2018, we invested £135 million of proprietary capital in Royal 
Sanders, a private label and contract manufacturing producer of 
personal care products and in June 2018, we invested £110 million in 
ICE, a global travel and loyalty company that connects leading brands, 
travel suppliers and end consumers. Over the last two years we  
have focused on investing in more fragmented markets which offer  
buy-and-build growth opportunities. In addition to these initial 
proprietary investments, Royal Sanders completed its acquisition of 
McBride’s European personal care liquids business in November 2018 
and, in February 2019, 3i supported ICE’s merger with SOR, a web-
based travel technology platform, by contributing a further investment 
of £19 million. In January 2019, we also invested £50 million to support 
Hans Anders with the bolt-on acquisition of eyes + more, a fast growing 
value-for-money optical retailer headquartered in Germany. 

A number of other portfolio companies also completed bolt-on 
acquisitions in the year, primarily funded from their own resources. 
In May 2018, WP completed its acquisition of Proenfar, a Colombia 
based manufacturer of pharmaceutical and cosmetics plastic packaging 
solutions for the Latin American market. In July 2018, Ponroy Santé 
continued its buy-and-build strategy with the acquisition of Densmore, 
a natural food supplement laboratory specialising in ophthalmic 
solutions. Ponroy Santé also announced its acquisition of Pasquali 
Healthcare, a leading pharmaceutical company in Italy at the end of 
FY2019. In October and December 2018, Cirtec Medical completed 
the acquisitions of Cactus Semiconductor and Metrigraphics LLC, 
expanding the company’s product portfolio of cutting edge and 
technically advanced medical device components. In November 2018, 
Aspen Pumps acquired Advanced Engineering, the market leader in the 
manufacture and supply of coil cleaners and service equipment to the 
air conditioning and refrigeration industry. 

In September 2018, we acquired £12 million of Action shares from other 
shareholders and in February 2019, we purchased a small additional LP 
stake in EFV, which further increased our holding in Action to 44.3%. 

In addition to the £332 million of investment completed in the year, in 
March 2019, we announced a new investment in Magnitude Software 
Inc, a leading provider of unified application data management 
solutions, operating in the US, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada and 
India. This investment, of c.£139 million, completed at the start of 
May 2019. 

Table 1: Private Equity cash investment in the year to 31 March 2019

Investment

Type

Business description

Date

Total
investment
£m

Proprietary
capital
investment
£m

Royal Sanders  New
New
ICE
Hans Anders1
Further
Further
ICE/SOR
Further
Action
Schlemmer2
Further
Further
EFV stake
n/a
Other

Private label and contract manufacturing producer of personal care products April 2018
June 2018 
Global travel and loyalty company
January 2019
Value-for-money optical retailer
February 2019
Web-based travel technology platform
September 2018
Non-food discount retailer
March 2019
Manufacturer of cable management solutions for the automotive industry
February 2019
Acquisition of LP stake in Eurofund V
n/a
n/a

136
111
47
19
20
5
4
1

135
110
46
19
12
5
4
1

Total Private Equity investment

343

332

1  Investment of £46 million, includes the further investment in eyes + more of £50 million, net of a £4 million loan repayment earlier in the year which was treated as negative cash investment  

as this was received within the first year of our initial investment.

2  Investment of £5 million includes £1 million further investment in August 2018 and £4 million further investment in March 2019.

17

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Private Equity – Business review

continued

Realisations activity
Market conditions remained favourable for exit in FY2019 and we 
generated £1,081 million of Private Equity proceeds (2018: £603 million) 
from the sale of five companies in the year, at an average money 
multiple of 3.0x.

On 21 June 2018, together with EFV, we sold Scandlines, generating 
proceeds of £835 million for our proprietary capital stake. The 
Scandlines disposal generated a money multiple of 7.7x on our 
investment and contributed £31 million to realised profit in the year, 
in addition to the uplift on sale we recognised in FY2018. This is an 
outstanding result having originally invested in Scandlines in 2007 and 
then, in a strategically significant step, increased our investment in 
2013. Subsequently, the Group reinvested £529 million into Scandlines 
to acquire a 35% stake alongside First State Investments and Hermes 
Investment Management. This investment is now managed outside 
of the Private Equity business and is reported as a Corporate Asset. 

We disposed of two 2011 assets at good recovery values. In 
September 2018, we sold Etanco for proceeds of £91 million and a 
realised profit of £24 million and, in March 2019, we completed the sale 
of OneMed returning proceeds of £96 million and generating a realised 
profit of £52 million. In addition, we sold our minority stake in SLR, 
a 2008 investment, for proceeds of £30 million and received our final 
payment of £29 million for Prisa Radio.

We took advantage of supportive equity market conditions to reduce 
our quoted holding in Basic-Fit, disposing of 24% of our equity  
holding and returning proceeds of £89 million. We retain an 18%  
stake in Basic-Fit, valued at £254 million at 31 March 2019. 

We continue to refinance our most cash generative assets where 
appropriate for the business and where the market allows. In December 
2018, Aspen Pumps completed a refinancing which resulted in a 
£49 million distribution to 3i, of which £48 million was recognised as 
capital proceeds and the remainder as income. Finally, in December 
2018 Audley Travel completed a shareholder distribution of £25 million 
to 3i, of which £8 million was recognised as capital proceeds and the 
remainder as income.

In aggregate, we generated total Private Equity proceeds of 
£1,235 million (2018: £1,002 million) and realised profits of £131 million  
in the year (2018: £199 million). 

Table 2: Private Equity realisations in the year to 31 March 2019

Country

Calendar
year
invested

31 March
2018
value1
£m

3i realised
proceeds
£m

Profit/(loss)
in the
year2
£m

Uplift on
opening
value2
%

Residual
value
£m

Money
multiple3

Investment

Full realisations
Scandlines
Etanco
OneMed
SLR
Prisa Radio

Total realisations

Refinancings3
Aspen Pumps

Total refinancings

Capital distribution3
Audley Travel
Partial realisations1,3
Basic-Fit
Other
Deferred consideration
Other

Denmark/Germany 2007/2013
2011
France
Sweden
2011
2008
UK
2008
Spain

UK

UK

Netherlands
n/a

n/a

2015

2015

2013
n/a

n/a

803
66
46
29
27

971

48

48

8

69
8

–

835
91
96
30
29

31
24
52
1
3

1,081

111

48

48

8

89
5

4

–

–

–

20
(4)

4

131

4%
36%
118%
3%
12%

11%

–

–

–

29%
(44)%

n/a

12%

–
–
–
–
–

–

103

103

270

254
241

–

868

IRR

34%
3%
(1)%
2%
(6)%

n/a

24%

24%

7.7x
1.3x
0.9x
1.3x
0.7x

3.0x

2.4x

2.4x

1.9x

21%

5.3x
n/a

n/a

n/a

46%
n/a

n/a

n/a

Total Private Equity realisations

1,104

1,235

1  For partial realisations, 31 March 2018 value represents value of stake sold.

2  Cash proceeds realised in the period over opening value.

3  Cash proceeds over cash invested. For partial realisations and refinancings, valuations of any remaining investment are included in the multiple. Money multiples are quoted on a GBP basis. 

18

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Portfolio valuation
As at 31 March 2019, the portfolio comprised 31 assets and one quoted 
stake (31 March 2018: 35 assets and one quoted stake). The portfolio 
generated unrealised value growth of £916 million in the year 
(2018: £1,080 million) and was valued at £6,023 million at 31 March 2019 
(31 March 2018: £5,825 million).

Performance
The continued strong performance of the investments valued on 
an earnings basis resulted in an increase in value of £654 million 
(2018: £541 million), with the most significant contribution coming from 
Action. At 31 March 2019, Action was valued using run-rate earnings 
to 31 March 2019 and a post discount run-rate multiple of 18.0x 
(31 March 2018: 16.5x), resulting in a value of £2,731 million (31 March 
2018: £2,064 million). As the largest Private Equity investment by value,  
it represented 45% of the Private Equity portfolio (31 March 2018: 35%).

Our 2013-16 vintage is performing strongly. Audley Travel is a provider 
of luxury tailor-made holidays to over 80 destinations worldwide, 
serving clients principally in the UK and the US, and has had another 
strong year. Since our investment in 2015, we have further grown the 
UK business and are building a strong US business, investing in country 
specialists and expanding the roll-out of European destination offerings 
for US customers. As a result, our £156 million initial investment 
was valued at £270 million at 31 March 2019, after the receipt of the 
£25 million capital and interest distribution in the year. 

A combination of organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions has 
consolidated Aspen Pumps as a global manufacturing leader of pumps 
and accessories for the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration 
industry. At 31 March 2019, our investment in Aspen Pumps was valued 
at £103 million (2018: £108 million), after the receipt of £49 million capital 
and interest proceeds from its refinancing in the year. 

We completed a number of bolt-on acquisitions for assets within our 
2016-19 vintage that add scale to these businesses and, in most cases, 
also generate operational synergies. The two new acquisitions for 
Cirtec Medical further expand the company’s product portfolio, and 
the acquisition of Densmore continues Ponroy Santé’s buy-and-build 
strategy. A combination of these acquisitions and growth in the core 
businesses are reflected in good earnings growth for Cirtec Medical 
and Ponroy Santé. The bolt-on acquisitions in Hans Anders, ICE and 
Royal Sanders are also adding value. 

We continue to see a small number of asset specific challenges 
in the portfolio. Schlemmer experienced some market volatility, 
predominantly in Europe, ongoing operational difficulties in the US 
and Mexico, and higher raw material prices, against a more challenging 
automotive market backdrop. As a result, Schlemmer generated our 
largest decline in value in the year (£70 million), mainly attributable 
to performance. After a relatively slow start to the year, Euro-Diesel 
generated a record order intake in calendar year 2018, of which most 
will be manufactured and delivered in 2019. Finally, WP’s performance 
recovered towards the end of its financial year, following pressure on 
profitability due to increasing resin prices, negative foreign exchange 
effects and temporarily weaker South American markets. 

Overall, 93% of the portfolio by value, including Basic-Fit, grew their 
earnings in the year (2018: 91%). One investment was valued using 
forecast earnings at 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018: one), representing 
1% of the portfolio by value (31 March 2018: 1%). Chart 1 shows the 
earnings growth of our top 20 assets.

Net debt across the portfolio decreased slightly to 3.9x earnings 
(31 March 2018: 4.0x), principally due to a decrease in the leverage 
ratio for Action. Excluding Action, the ratio increased to 3.7x (31 March 
2018: 3.3x) due to the mix of new investments and realisations in the 
year, a number of bolt-on acquisitions funded by leverage of the portfolio 
companies and the refinancing of Aspen Pumps. Chart 2 shows the 
ratio of net debt to earnings by portfolio value at 31 March 2019.

Table 3: Unrealised profits/(losses) on the revaluation of Private Equity investments1 in the year to 31 March

Earnings based valuations

Performance
Multiple movements

Other bases

Uplift to imminent sale
Scandlines transaction value
Discounted cash flow
Other movements on unquoted investments
Quoted portfolio

Total

1  Further information on our valuation methodology, including definitions and rationale, is included in the Portfolio valuation – an explanation on pages 157 and 158.

2019
£m

654
219

–
–
–
(12)
55

916

2018
£m

541
144

3
302
3
6
81

1,080

19

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Private Equity – Business review

continued

Multiple movements
The increase in value due to multiple movements was £219 million 
(2018: £144 million increase). The run-rate multiple used to value Action 
increased to 18.0x post liquidity discount at 31 March 2019 (31 March 
2018: 16.5x) to reflect its continued strong performance and our 
confidence in its future growth prospects. Based on the valuation at 
31 March 2019, a 1x movement in Action’s post-discount multiple would 
increase or decrease the valuation of 3i’s investment by £197 million 
(31 March 2018: £176 million). 

A common feature throughout FY2019 was volatility in equity markets, 
which was particularly acute in December 2018. Such unpredictable 
movements reinforce our strategy of taking a long-term view on the 
multiples used to value our portfolio companies. In setting and before 
changing a multiple, we consider a number of factors such as relative 
performance, investment size, comparable recent transactions and 
exit plans, as well as monitoring external equity markets. As a result, 
as at 31 March 2019, we selected multiples that were lower than the 
comparable set in 12 out of the 21 companies valued on an earnings 
basis (31 March 2018: 14 out of 21). 

Excluding Action, the weighted average EBITDA multiple increased 
slightly to 11.8x before liquidity discount (31 March 2018: 11.7x) and was 
11.1x after liquidity discount (31 March 2018: 11.0x). 

The pre-discount multiples used to value the portfolio ranged between 
7.5x and 18.9x (31 March 2018: 8.5x to 17.4x) and the post-discount 
multiples ranged between 7.1x and 18.0x (31 March 2018: 6.3x to 16.5x).

Quoted portfolio
Basic-Fit, the only quoted asset in the Private Equity portfolio, had 
another very strong year, which was reflected in its share price increase 
of 28% to €30.00 per share at 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018: €23.35). 
In its 2018 financial year, revenue and profit increased by 23% and 
24% respectively and the business ended the year with 629 clubs 
and 1.8 million members. 

We generated an unrealised value gain of £55 million from Basic-
Fit in the year, in addition to realised profits of £20 million on the 
disposal of 24% of our shareholding in September 2018 at €30.50 per 
share. At 31 March 2019, our residual 18% shareholding was valued 
at £254 million. 

Chart 1: Portfolio earnings growth of the 

Chart 2: Ratio of net debt to earnings1

top 20 Private Equity1 investments

3,911

4,081

404

555

951

422

318

71

167

248

<0% >0 – 9% 10 – 19% >20%

<1x

1 – 2x

2 – 3x

3 – 4x

4 – 5x

>5x

3

4

8

5

1

2

3

2

9

1

Number of companies

Number of companies

3i carrying value at 31 March 2019 (£m)

3i carrying value at 31 March 2019 (£m)

1  Includes top 20 Private Equity companies by value. 
This represents 97% of the Private Equity portfolio 
by value (31 March 2018: 95%).

1  This represents 88% of the Private Equity portfolio 
by value (31 March 2018: 88%). Quoted holdings, 
deferred consideration and companies with net cash 
are excluded from the calculation.

20

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Table 4: Quoted portfolio movement for the year to 31 March 2019

Investment

Basic-Fit

IPO date

June 2016

Opening
value at
1 April 2018
£m

270

270

Disposals
at opening
book value
£m

(69)

(69)

Unrealised
value
movement
£m

Other
movements1
£m

Closing
value at
31 March 2019
£m

55

55

(2)

(2)

254

254

1  Other movements include foreign exchange.

Table 5: Private Equity assets by geography as at 31 March 2019

3i office location

Benelux
France
Germany
UK
US
Other

Total

Number 
of companies

3i carrying value
2019
£m

6
1
5
9
5
6

32

3,600
174
663
672
750
164

6,023

Assets under management 
The value of 3i’s proprietary capital invested in Private Equity increased to £6.0 billion in the year (31 March 2018: £5.8 billion). 

Table 6: Private Equity proprietary capital as at 31 March

Vintages

Buyouts 2010–2012
Growth 2010–2012
2013–20161
2016–20191
Other

Total

Proprietary
capital value
2019
£m

Vintage 
multiple
2019

Proprietary
capital value
2018
£m

2,679
25
1,325
1,503
491

6,023

8.5x
2.1x
2.3x
1.2x
n/a

2,139
33
1,695
1,057
901

5,825

Vintage 
 multiple
2018

7.2x
2.2x
2.1x
1.1x
n/a

1  Assets included in these vintages are disclosed in the glossary.

The value of the Private Equity portfolio, including third-party capital, increased to €9.6 billion (31 March 2018: €9.5 billion). 

21

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Private Equity – Investments in the year

Consumer

Royal Sanders

£135m

3i investment

Royal Sanders is a leading  
European private label  
and contract manufacturing 
producer of personal care 
products.

Its key geographies are the Benelux,  
Germany, France and the UK with plants in  
the Netherlands, the UK and Belgium.

Royal Sanders’ main product categories 
are shampoo, bath and shower gels, body 
lotions and hand wash. The company sells its 
products in over 30 countries through private 
label, contract manufacturing and own brands 
including Van Gils, Sanicur and Odorex. 

3i invested alongside management to drive  
the company’s international growth strategy 
in a fragmented industry. We believe that 
there are multiple buy-and-build opportunities 
across geographies. Royal Sanders completed 
its first acquisition under 3i ownership when 
it acquired McBride’s European personal 
care liquids business in November 2018.

For more information,  
visit www.royalsanders.com

22

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Business and 
Technology Services

ICE

£110m

3i investment

ICE – SOR acquisition

£19m

3i further investment

ICE is a global provider of 
B2B technology-based travel 
loyalty and reward solutions.

ICE has developed a unique network business 
model that enables leading brands to offer 
loyalty programmes that provide customers 
with unmatched value on travel products. 
ICE also partners with leading travel suppliers 
to generate incremental travel bookings from 
members of its loyalty programmes. 

ICE employs over 2,800 staff and is 
headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with 
additional offices in Australia, Portugal, India, 
Mexico, New Zealand and the UK. 

ICE – SOR acquisition
In February 2019 ICE completed a merger with 
SOR, a web-based travel technology platform. 
The combination of the two companies will 
enhance the product portfolio and provide 
added value to their global network of 
travel suppliers, their B2B partners and their 
consumers globally. 3i invested £19 million 
to support ICE’s merger with SOR. 

For more information,  
visit www.iceenterprise.com

Consumer

Hans Anders –  
eyes + more acquisition

£50m

3i further investment

In January 2019, 3i made  
a further investment of  
£50 million in Hans Anders  
to support its acquisition  
of eyes + more, a fast 
growing value-for-money 
optical retailer. 

The company operates 170 stores across 
Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and 
Austria selling a range of c.800 prescription 
glasses and private label sunglasses. 

This transaction expands the European 
footprint of Hans Anders to serve customers 
in five countries, creating a leading north-
western European optical retail platform that 
is focused exclusively on the growing value-
for-money segment.

For more information,  
visit www.hansanders.nl

23

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Infrastructure
Business review

Infrastructure contributed a gross investment return of £210 
million, or 25% on the opening portfolio (2018: £113 million, 
16%). This was primarily driven by 3iN’s outstanding share 
price appreciation of 29% and good levels of dividend 
income. 3iN generated £333 million of proceeds from the sale 
of XLT, which were recycled into the investment in Tampnet 
and a new commitment to invest in Joulz. We increased our 
fee generating AUM with the management of third-party 
stakes in Attero and Tampnet and continued to build our US 
Infrastructure platform with the announcement of our second 
proprietary capital investment in Regional Rail, LLC.

Investment manager to 3iN
Our role changed from Investment Adviser to Investment Manager 
of 3iN in October 2018, when 3iN moved its management and tax 
domicile from Jersey to the UK. The move was accompanied by 3iN 
successfully applying to HM Revenue & Customs for UK approved 
investment trust status. Under the terms of the new management 
agreement, 3i will receive a management fee of between 1.2% and 
1.4% on a tiered basis and a performance fee of 20% of returns above 
a hurdle of 8% of the growth in NAV per share, with a deferral and 
clawback mechanism in the event of subsequent performance below 
the hurdle. The fees payable by 3iN to 3i for FY2019 are calculated 
on the same basis as the previous advisory agreement.

Under the terms of the advisory and management agreements,  
3iN paid a management fee of £31 million to 3i (2018: £34 million)  
and a NAV based performance fee of £31 million (2018: £90 million). 

3iN and 3i managed accounts investment
In June 2018, 3iN completed its investment in Attero by completing the 
£176 million acquisition for a 50% stake. In August 2018, 3iN syndicated 
50% of the original investment amount to other investors whose stakes 
continue to be managed by 3i. In March 2019, 3iN, in consortium  
with Danish pension fund ATP, invested £375 million in Tampnet,  
a fibre-based communications infrastructure asset. Of this investment, 
£187 million is 3iN’s proprietary capital and the remaining ATP stake  
is managed by 3i. 

In addition to these investments, 3iN completed its FY2018 
commitment with the acquisition by Infinis of Alkane Energy and,  
in March 2019, it announced a commitment to invest in Joulz,  
a leading owner and provider of essential energy infrastructure 
equipment and services in the Netherlands. The £190 million 
investment in Joulz completed in April 2019. 

Finally, the platform investments in the 3iN portfolio made three 
bolt-on acquisitions in the year, including two acquisitions by WIG 
and a further by TCR, all of which were funded from the companies’ 
own resources. 

Realisations 
In March 2019, 3iN sold its 33% stake in XLT for proceeds of £333 million, 
representing a 5.9x money multiple and a 40% IRR. This realisation 
generates an excellent return for shareholders and continues to 
reposition 3iN away from assets with higher regulatory risk.

3iN also refinanced Infinis, WIG, TCR and Attero during the year,  
all on attractive terms.

Performance 
Overall, the 3iN portfolio continues to perform well and the company 
generated a total return on opening NAV of 15% in the year (2018: 29%), 
ahead of its target total return of between 8% and 10% per annum to be 
achieved over the medium term. 

Table 7: Unrealised profits/(losses) on the revaluation of Infrastructure investments1 in the year to 31 March

Quoted
Discounted cash flow
Fund

Total

2019 
£m

167
(7)
2

162

2018 
£m

67
8
8

83

1  Further information on our valuation methodology, including definitions and rationale, is included in the portfolio valuation – an explanation section on pages 157 and 158.

24

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Performance of 3i’s proprietary capital 
Infrastructure portfolio
Quoted stake in 3iN
The Group’s proprietary capital infrastructure portfolio consists 
primarily of its 33% stake in 3iN. 

Fund Management
In April 2018, the 3i European Operational Projects Fund had its final 
close, with commitments of €456 million. At 31 March 2019, the fund had 
invested €102 million out of this total commitment. 3i has a commitment 
of €40 million to this fund, €9 million of which has been drawn to invest 
in the fund. 

3iN’s share price performed very strongly in the year, increasing by 29% 
and closing at 275 pence on 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018: 214 pence). 
We recognised £167 million of unrealised value growth on our 3iN 
investment and £22 million of dividend income. 

Our 5% holding in 3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions LP generated 
unrealised value growth of £2 million, net of the £1 million dividend 
distribution received in the year. The underlying portfolio performed 
well overall in the year.

US Infrastructure
In April 2019, we announced an agreement to invest c.$112 million 
in Regional Rail, LLC, a leading owner and operator of short-line freight 
railroads and rail-related businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic 
US. This is our second investment in US infrastructure, in addition 
to Smarte Carte.

As at 31 March 2019, Smarte Carte was valued on a DCF basis and 
we recognised an unrealised value gain of £3 million in the year,  
net of £12 million of capital and income proceeds received. 

Infrastructure AUM increased to £4.2 billion (2018: £3.4 billion), 
principally due to the increase in 3iN’s share price and 3i managed 
accounts.

Table 8: Infrastructure portfolio movement for the year to 31 March 2019

Investment

3iN
Smarte Carte
3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions Fund
3i European Operational Projects Fund
India Infrastructure Fund

Valuation

Quoted
DCF
NAV
NAV
DCF

Opening
value at
1 April 
2018
£m

581
167
36
10
38

832

Investment
£m

Disposals
at opening
book value
£m

Unrealised
value
movement
£m

Other
movements1
£m

–
–
–
(2)
–

(2)

–
(6)
–
–
–

(6)

167
3
2
–
(10)

162

(4)
17
–
–
2

15

1  Other movements include foreign exchange.

Table 9: Assets under management as at 31 March 2019

Fund/strategy

3iN1
3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions LP
3i European Operational Projects Fund
BIIF
3i India Infrastructure Fund
3i managed accounts
US Infrastructure

Total

1  AUM based on the share price at 31 March 2019.

Fund
size

3i
commitment/
share

Remaining
3i
commitment

% 
invested at
31 March
2019

n/a
£698m
€456m
£680m
US$1,195m
n/a
n/a

£744m
£35m
€40m
n/a
US$250m
n/a
n/a

n/a
£5m
€31m
n/a
US$35m
n/a
n/a

n/a
86%
22%
90%
73%
n/a
n/a

Close
date

Mar 07
Jun 17
Apr 18
May 08
Mar 08
various
various

AUM
£m

2,232
751
96
528
110
300
181

4,198

Closing
value at
31 March 
2019
£m

744
181
38
8
30

1,001

Fee
income
earned in
2019
£m

31
6
1
5
4
2
–

49

25

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Infrastructure – Investments in the year

Attero

 £176m

Investment funded by 3iN 
and 3i managed accounts

Attero operates two of 
the largest and best located 
waste treatment facilities  
in Western Europe.

The company owns two energy from waste 
(“EFW”) plants, two sorting and pre-treatment 
facilities, six anaerobic digestion facilities, 
seven composting facilities and 10 landfill sites. 
The company processes waste from a diverse 
mix of domestic municipalities, commercial 
and industrial customers, as well as a number 
of UK and Irish exporters.

Attero has good revenue visibility due to its 
long-term contracts with customers, and is 
strongly positioned to benefit from favourable 
underlying trends in the European waste 
market, driven by EU directives targeting  
more recycling and reduced landfill use.

For more information,  
visit www.attero.nl

26

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Tampnet

 £375m

Total investment funded by 
3iN and 3i managed accounts

Tampnet is the leading 
independent offshore 
communications network 
operator in the North Sea 
and the Gulf of Mexico, 
headquartered in Norway, 
with operations in the UK, 
Scandinavia and the USA.

The company’s network provides high speed, 
low latency and resilient data connectivity 
in an often hostile environment, enabling 
customers to operate more efficiently and 
safely. Tampnet is expected to benefit from 
customers requiring increased bandwidth 
and growth of the network.

For more information,  
visit www.tampnet.com

27

Business review3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Scandlines

 £529m

 Reinvestment

Corporate Assets
Business review

Investment activity
On 21 June 2018, the Group reinvested into Scandlines, alongside 
First State Investments and Hermes Investment Management. 
The Group reinvested £529 million to acquire a 35% stake in 
Scandlines. Scandlines is now being managed separately from 
the Private Equity and Infrastructure business lines and is hence 
reported as a Corporate Asset. At 31 March 2019, Scandlines was  
the only asset reported as a Corporate Asset.

Portfolio performance 
Scandlines contributed a gross investment return of £49 million, 
or 9% of its reinvestment value. It is valued on a DCF basis and 
recognised an unrealised value gain of £9 million net of the 
£28 million of dividend distributions received in the year. 

Foreign exchange
In January 2019, we implemented a hedging programme to help 
mitigate the foreign exchange translation risk on our reinvestment  
in Scandlines. This is because, unlike most private equity investments, 
it is an asset that we intend to hold for the longer term, with 
expected regular cash flows. The total notional size of the hedging 
programme is €500 million, which represents c.81% of the Scandlines 
value at 31 March 2019. As at 31 March 2019, we recognised a 
£12 million net gain on foreign exchange translation, which includes 
the £21 million movement from the hedging programme. 

Table 10:  Gross investment return  
in the period to 31 March1

Investment basis

Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Dividends
Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives

Gross investment return

2019
£m

9
28
(9)
21

49

Gross investment return as a % of its reinvestment value

9%

1  Scandlines was moved to Corporate Assets in June 2018.

28

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

Business reviewCorporate Assets – Investments in the year

In June 2018, 3i reinvested 
in Scandlines alongside 
First State Investments 
and Hermes Investment 
Management.

Scandlines operates two short-distance, 
high capacity and high frequency ferry routes 
between Denmark and Germany, as well as 
two border shops in the German ports at 
Puttgarden and Rostock. 

Scandlines pioneered hybrid ferries and has 
established the world’s largest hybrid ferry 
fleet in operation. The Company continues 
to invest in technology and partnerships to 
pursue the vision of converting the fleet to 
zero emission vessels.

The core business provides an efficient 
and reliable transport service for both 
passengers and freight customers with 
more than 43,000 departures annually. 
In 2018, Scandlines transported 7.4 million 
passengers, 1.8 million cars and more than 
700,000 freight units.

For more information,  
visit www.scandlines.com

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

29

Business reviewPerformance, risk 
and sustainability

An analysis of our financial 
performance, the principal risks 
impacting our business and our 
approach to sustainability

30

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

Financial review

Another year of strong financial performance
FY2019 was another year of strong financial performance in line with 
our strategic objective of generating mid to high teen returns through 
the cycle. We generated a gross investment return of £1,407 million 
(2018: £1,552 million) and operating profit before carried interest of 
£1,295 million (2018: £1,428 million). 

We generated total return of £1,252 million, or a profit on opening 
shareholder funds of 18% (2018: £1,425 million or 24%). As a result of the 
good performance in the year, the diluted NAV per share at 31 March 
2019 increased by 13% to 815 pence (31 March 2018: 724 pence) after 
paying dividends totalling 37 pence per share during the year.

The performance was mainly driven by strong unrealised value growth 
from Action, 3iN and the 2013-16 and 2016-19 Private Equity vintages.

Table 11: Total return for the year to 31 March 

Investment basis

Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives 

Gross investment return
Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest received 
Interest paid
Exchange movements
Other (expense)/income

Operating profit before carried interest
Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit 
Income taxes
Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Total comprehensive income (“Total return”)

Total return on opening shareholders’ funds

2019
£m

132
1,087

63
113
9
(18)
21

1,407
53
(126)
2
(36)
(3)
(2)

1,295

159
(220)

1,234
13
5

1,252

18%

2018
£m

207
1,163

41
116
14
11
–

1,552
57
(121)
2
(37)
(27)
2

1,428

228
(205)

1,451
(26)
–

1,425

24%

Investment basis and alternative performance measures (“APMs”)
In our Strategic report we report our financial performance using our Investment basis. We do not consolidate our portfolio companies;  
as private equity and infrastructure investments they are not operating subsidiaries. IFRS 10 provides an exemption from consolidation but 
also requires us to fair value other companies in the Group (primarily intermediate holding companies and partnerships), which results in  
a loss of transparency. As explained on pages 39 to 42, the total financial position is the same under our audited IFRS financial statements 
and our Investment basis. The Investment basis is simply a “look through” of IFRS 10 to present the underlying performance and we believe 
it is more transparent to readers of our Annual report and accounts.

In October 2015, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published guidelines about the use of APMs. These are financial 
measures such as KPIs that are not defined under IFRS. Our Investment basis is itself an APM, and we use a number of other measures which, 
on account of being derived from the Investment basis, are also APMs. 

Further information about our use of APMs, including the applicable reconciliations to the IFRS equivalent where appropriate, is provided 
at the end of the Financial review and should be read alongside the Investment basis to IFRS reconciliation. Our APMs are gross investment 
return as a percentage of the opening investment portfolio value, cash realisations, cash investment, operating cash profit, net cash/(debt) 
and gearing.

31

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Financial review

continued

Realised profits
We generated gross proceeds of £1,242 million before the Scandlines 
reinvestment of £529 million (2018: £1,323 million) and realised profits of 
£132 million (2018: £207 million) in the year. Almost all of the realisation 
proceeds and uplift over the opening value were from the Private Equity 
portfolio, which contributed £1,235 million of proceeds and £131 million 
of realised profits (2018: £1,002 million, £199 million). This includes the 
sale of Scandlines (£31 million realised profit) and OneMed (£52 million 
realised profit), together with the partial disposal of our quoted holding 
in Basic-Fit, which generated a realised profit of £20 million.

Unrealised value movements
We recognised an unrealised value movement of £1,087 million 
(2018: £1,163 million). Action’s continued strong performance 
contributed £701 million (2018: £610 million) to value growth. 
Our quoted portfolio generated an unrealised value gain of £222 million 
following share price appreciation of 29% for 3iN and 28% for Basic-Fit. 
The majority of the 2013-16 and 2016-19 portfolio continued to perform 
well, notably Cirtec Medical, Audley Travel, Aspen Pumps and  
Formel D, offsetting asset specific issues in Schlemmer and  
Euro-Diesel. 

Further information on the Private Equity, Infrastructure and Scandlines 
valuations is included in the Business reviews.

Portfolio income
Portfolio income increased to £185 million during the year 
(2018: £171 million) principally due to the receipt of £28 million of 
dividend income from Scandlines. Loan interest income receivable 
from portfolio companies remained relatively stable at £113 million 
(2018: £116 million). The majority of this interest income is non-cash. 
Fee income reduced to £9 million (2018: £14 million) as a result  
of fewer Private Equity investments in the year. 

Fees receivable from external funds
Fees received from external funds decreased to £53 million 
(2018: £57 million). 3i, as manager of EFV, received a fee based on the 
investment cost of the remaining assets in the fund. In January 2018, we 
agreed with the external investors in EFV to extend the life of the fund 
by a further year with effect from November 2018 and, as part of that 
agreement, 3i stopped receiving a management fee from that date.

3i, as Investment Manager to 3iN, receives a fee for sourcing and 
completing new investments and for the management of the portfolio. 
In FY2019, we received fee income of £31 million (2018: £34 million) 
from 3iN. In addition, we started to generate fee income from 3i 
managed accounts. 

Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased to £126 million (2018: £121 million), 
principally due to a planned increase in staff cost for new roles and 
replacements across both the Private Equity and Infrastructure 
business lines to support our asset management capability and 
business initiatives.

Operating cash profit 
We generated an operating cash profit of £46 million in the 
year (2018: £11 million). Cash income increased to £155 million 
(2018: £126 million), principally due to £28 million of dividend income 
received from Scandlines (2018: nil) and non-recurring cash interest  
of £18 million received from Audley Travel and Aspen Pumps.

Cash operating expenses were £109 million (2018: £115 million),  
which is lower than the £126 million (2018: £121 million) of operating 
expenses recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income as a result of share based payments and other non-cash 
expenses such as depreciation and amortisation.

.

Table 12: Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments for the year to 31 March

Private Equity
Infrastructure 
Corporate Assets

Total

Table 13: Operating cash profit for the year to 31 March 

Cash fees from external funds 
Cash portfolio fees
Cash portfolio dividends and interest

Cash income 

Cash operating expenses 

Operating cash profit

32

2019
£m

916
162
9

1,087

2019
£m

57
11
87

155

(109)

46

2018
£m

1,080
83
–

1,163

2018
£m

55
13
58

126

(115)

11

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Carried interest and performance fees
We receive carried interest and performance fees from third-
party funds. We also pay carried interest and performance fees to 
participants in plans relating to returns from investments. These are 
received and/or paid subject to meeting certain performance 
conditions. In Private Equity, we typically accrue net carried interest 
payable at between 10% and 12% of gross investment return.

The continued good performance of Action, the largest investment in 
our Private Equity fund, EFV, led to a £130 million increase in carried 
interest receivable from EFV (2018: £136 million). This was calculated 
assuming that the portfolio was realised at the 31 March 2019 valuation. 
The fund’s gross multiple was 2.8x at 31 March 2019 (31 March 
2018: 2.5x).

The majority of assets by value are now held in schemes that would 
have met their performance hurdles, assuming that the portfolio was 
realised at the 31 March 2019 valuation. The 2016-19 vintage is not yet 
through its performance hurdle, but is expected to meet it in FY2020, 
at which point we will accrue a catch up in carried interest payable on 
the returns to date. We accrued carried interest payable of £206 million 
(2018: £196 million) for Private Equity, of which £88 million relates to 
the Private Equity team’s share of carried interest receivable from EFV 
(2018: £77 million). 

Carried interest is paid to participants when the performance hurdles 
are passed in cash terms and then only when the cash proceeds have 
actually been received following a realisation, refinancing event or 
other cash distribution. Due to the length of time between investment 
and realisation, the schemes are usually active for a number of years 
and their participants are both current and previous employees of 3i. 
During the period, £77 million was paid to participants in the Private 
Equity plans (2018: £43 million). 

3iN pays a performance fee based on 3iN’s NAV on an annual basis, 
subject to a hurdle rate of return and a high watermark. The continued 
strong performance of the assets held by 3iN, including the significant 
uplift achieved on the sale of XLT, resulted in the recognition of 
£31 million (2018: £90 million) of performance fees receivable. 
The Infrastructure team receives a share of the performance fee 
received from 3iN, with the majority of payments deferred and 
expensed over a number of years. £14 million (2018: £9 million) was 
recognised as an expense during the year, relating to performance fees 
from both the current and previous years. The total potential payable 
relating to the FY2019 performance fee is £23 million, which together 
with the FY2018 performance fee, gave a remaining cumulative total 
potential payable for performance fees of £68 million.

Overall, the effect of the income statement charge, the cash 
movement, as well as the currency translation meant that the balance 
sheet carried interest and performance fees payable increased to 
£970 million (31 March 2018: £870 million) and the receivable increased 
to £640 million (31 March 2018: £596 million).

Table 14: Carried interest and performance fees for the year to 31 March 

Statement of comprehensive income

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Private Equity
Infrastructure

Total

Carried interest and performance fees payable
Private Equity
Infrastructure

Total

Net carried interest (payable)/receivable

Table 15: Carried interest and performance fees at 31 March 

Statement of financial position

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Private Equity
Infrastructure
Other

Total

Carried interest and performance fees payable
Private Equity
Infrastructure

Total

2019
£m

128 
31

159

(206)
(14)

(220)

(61)

2019
£m

609
31
–

640

(942)
(28)

(970)

2018
£m

138
90

228

(196)
(9)

(205)

23

2018
£m

505
90
1

596

(839)
(31)

(870)

33

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Financial review

continued

Impact of IFRS 15 on the recognition of carried 
interest receivable
The IFRS 15 revenue recognition standard became applicable to 
3i from 1 April 2018. Carried interest receivable is the only material 
balance within the scope of the standard. Our calculation of carried 
interest, being the amount expected if all of the underlying investments 
were realised at their fair value at the balance sheet date, remains 
unchanged. IFRS 15 introduces the concept that variable revenue 
can only be recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a 
significant reversal will not occur. IFRS 15 requires us to consider if there 
are any specific constraints to our income recognition. The factors that 
3i considers when making its judgement include the remaining duration 
of the fund, the current position in relation to the cash hurdle, the 
remaining assets in the fund and the potential for clawback. 

The substantial majority of 3i’s carried interest receivable is due from 
EFV, which has been extended to November 2019, when we expect 
the fund to come to an end and to have a significant liquidity event. 
At 31 March 2019, there were only two remaining investments in the 
fund: Action and Christ (31 March 2018: four). At 31 March 2019, EFV 
investments had generated proceeds of €3.7 billion and the fund 
was over 85% of the way towards meeting its cash hurdle. Given the 
relative size of Christ, the actual payment of carried interest receivable 
is dependent on the performance of Action. At 31 March 2019, 
EFV’s investment in Action was valued at €2,439 million (31 March 
2018: €1,815 million). Given the strong performance of Action and its 
expected growth profile, and consistent with our investment strategy 
for and valuation of the asset, we have concluded that IFRS 15 does 
not have an impact on our recognition of carried interest receivable 
at 31 March 2019.

As at 31 March 2019, the carried interest receivable accrued on 3i’s 
balance sheet from EFV was £602 million (31 March 2018: £484 million), 
with a corresponding £413 million (31 March 2018: £334 million) accrued 
as payable to the carry plan participants. The overall net impact from 
EFV carried interest is £189 million (31 March 2018: £150 million) or  
19 pence per share (2018: 15 pence per share).

As the Group has no plans to raise a third-party fund in Private Equity 
in the medium term, the Group is not expected to receive material 
amounts of carried interest receivable from Private Equity after the 
closure of EFV. 

Net foreign exchange movements
At 31 March 2019, 77% of the Group’s net assets were denominated in 
euros or US dollars (31 March 2018: 77%). Following the strengthening 
of sterling against the euro, partially offset by the weakening of sterling 
against the US dollar, the Group recorded a total net foreign exchange 
loss, before the movement in the fair value of hedging derivatives, 
of £21 million (2018: £16 million loss) in the year.

The Group’s general policy remains not to hedge its foreign currency 
denominated portfolio. Where possible, flows from currency 
realisations are matched with currency investments. Short-term 
derivative contracts are used occasionally to manage transaction cash 
flows. However, in January 2019, we completed a hedging programme 
to help mitigate the foreign exchange translation risk on our 
reinvestment in Scandlines. The reinvestment in Scandlines is a longer 
term hold with relatively predictable cash flows. As at 31 March 2019 the 
notional amount of the forward foreign exchange contracts relating to 
Scandlines held by the Group was €500 million and the movement in 
fair value of the derivatives was a £21 million gain. 

The net foreign exchange loss also reflects the translation of non-portfolio 
net assets, including non-sterling cash held at the balance sheet date.

Table 16: Net assets and sensitivity by currency at 31 March 2019 

Sterling
Euro1
US dollar
Danish krona
Other

1  Sensitivity impact is net of derivatives.

Table 17: Simplified consolidated balance sheet at 31 March

FX rate

n/a
1.1608
1.3034
8.6667
n/a

£m

1,657
4,966
1,098
152
36

Statement of financial position

Investment portfolio 
Gross debt
Cash and deposits

Net cash

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Other net assets

Net assets

Gearing1

1  Gearing is net debt as a percentage of net assets.

34

%

21%
63%
14%
2%
–

2019
£m

7,553
(575)
1,070

495

640
(970)
191

7,909

nil

1% sensitivity
£m

n/a
45
11
1
n/a

2018
£m

6,657
(575)
1,054

479

596
(870)
162

7,024

nil

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Pension
During the year, the Trustees of the 3i Group Pension Plan (“the Plan”) 
completed a buy-in transaction, which is a bulk annuity purchase that 
will partially reduce member longevity risk. This is the second buy-in 
completed by the Plan, following the first transaction in FY2017. It is 
expected to improve the actuarial funding position of the Plan, which 
in turn influences the requirement for future cash contributions by 3i. 
The next triennial funding valuation will be based on the Plan’s  
position at 30 June 2019. On an IAS 19 basis, there was an £8 million  
re-measurement gain on the Group’s UK pension scheme during the 
year (2018: £1 million), which is net of a £14 million accounting charge 
from the most recent buy-in transaction. 

Tax
The affairs of the Group’s parent company continue to be directed to 
allow it to operate in the UK as an approved investment trust company. 
An approved investment trust is a UK investment company which is 
required to meet certain conditions set out in the UK tax rules to obtain 
and maintain its tax status. This approval allows certain investment 
profits of the Company, broadly its capital profits, to be exempt from 
tax in the UK.

The Group recognised a corporate tax credit of £13 million for the 
year (2018: £26 million charge). The credit recognised this year arose 
from a partial reversal of the UK corporate tax charge included in last 
year’s accounts due to the final tax for 2018 being less than estimated. 
The Group’s overall UK tax position for the financial year is dependent 
on the finalisation of the tax returns of the various corporate and 
partnership entities in the UK group.

Balance sheet 
Net cash increased to £495 million (31 March 2018: £479 million) 
as the Group remained a net divestor in FY2019. The investment 
portfolio value increased to £7,553 million at 31 March 2019 (31 March 
2018: £6,657 million) with unrealised value growth of £1,087 million and 
cash investment offsetting the value of realisations in the year. 

Further information on investments and realisations is included in the 
Private Equity, Infrastructure and Corporate Assets Business reviews.

Liquidity
Liquidity remained strong at £1,420million (31 March 2018: £1,404 million).  
Liquidity comprised cash and deposits of £1,070 million (31 March 
2018: £1,054 million) and undrawn facilities of £350 million (31 March 
2018: £350 million).

Dividend
The Board has recommended a second FY2019 dividend of 20.0 pence 
(2018: 22.0 pence). Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will 
be paid to shareholders in July 2019 and takes the total dividend for 
the year to 35.0 pence (2018: 30.0 pence). 

With net cash of £495 million and liquidity of over £1 billion at 31 March 
2019, the Group is well positioned to fund the second FY2019 dividend 
of 20.0 pence. 

Brexit outlook
The primary, direct risk of the UK’s anticipated exit from the EU 
(“Brexit”) relates to the Group’s UK regulatory “passports” to conduct 
certain investment activities within the EU. In certain scenarios, 
including that of a “hard Brexit”, it is likely that the Group would no 
longer have the benefit of these regulatory passports. Therefore we 
have implemented an alternative regulatory structure, which includes 
an AIFM in Luxembourg, which has taken over the operations of 3i’s 
existing branches in France, Germany and the Netherlands from 1 April 
2019. This new structure will enable 3i to continue its activities in Europe 
regardless of the form and timing of Brexit.

The direct impact of Brexit on 3i’s investment portfolio is not expected 
to be material, due to the limited number of our portfolio companies 
that operate between the UK and the EU.

Key accounting judgements and estimates
A key judgement is the assessment required to determine the degree of control or influence the Group exercises and the form of any 
control to ensure that the financial treatment of investment entities is accurate. The introduction of IFRS 10 resulted in a number of 
intermediate holding companies being presented at fair value, which has led to reduced transparency of the underlying investment 
performance. As a result, the Group continues to present a non-GAAP Investment basis set of financial statements to ensure that the 
commentary in the Strategic report remains fair, balanced and understandable. The reconciliation of the Investment basis to IFRS is shown 
on pages 40 to 42.

In preparing these accounts, the key accounting estimates are the carrying value of our investment assets, which are stated at fair value,  
and the calculation of carried interest receivable and payable.

Given the importance of the valuation of investments, the Board has a separate Valuations Committee to review the valuation policy, 
process and application to individual investments. However, asset valuations for unquoted investments are inherently subjective, as they 
are made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate. At 31 March 2019, 87% by value of the investment assets were 
unquoted (31 March 2018: 87%).

The valuation of the proprietary capital portfolio is a primary input into the carried interest payable and receivable balances, which 
are determined by reference to the valuation at 31 March 2019 and the underlying investment management agreements. A further key 
judgement is the extent to which the calculated carry receivable can be recognised, on the basis that it is highly probable that there will  
not be a significant reversal.

35

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 20192019  
£m

132
1,087

63
113
9
(18)
21

2018  
£m

207
1,163

41
116
14
11
–

1,407

1,552

53
(126)
2
(36)
(3)
(2)

57
(121)
2
(37)
(27)
2

1,295

1,428

159
(220)

1,234

13

1,247

5

1,252

228
(205)

1,451

(26)

1,425

–

1,425

Investment basis

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year to 31 March

Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives

Gross investment return

Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest received
Interest paid
Exchange movements
Other (expense)/income

Operating profit before carried interest

Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit 

Income taxes 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Total comprehensive income for the year (“Total return”)

36

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 March

Assets
Non-current assets
Investments

Quoted investments 
Unquoted investments 

Investment portfolio

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other non-current assets
Intangible assets
Retirement benefit surplus
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other current assets
Current income taxes
Derivative financial instruments
Deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Loans and borrowings
Retirement benefit deficit
Deferred income taxes
Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Current income taxes
Provisions

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital 
Share premium
Other reserves
Own shares

Total equity

2019  
£m

2018  
£m

998
6,555

7,553

605
117
11
134
4
11

851
5,806

6,657

503
113
12
125
4
–

8,435

7,414

35
29
12
7
50
1,020

1,153

9,588

(8)
(926)
(575)
(27)
(1)
(1)

93
60
3
–
–
1,054

1,210

8,624

(14)
(764)
(575)
(23)
(3)
(1)

(1,538)

(1,380)

(95)
(44)
(1)
(1)

(141)

(1,679)

7,909

719
787
6,445
(42)

7,909

(101)
(106)
(12)
(1)

(220)

(1,600)

7,024

719
786
5,545
(26)

7,024

37

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Investment basis

continued

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year to 31 March

Cash flow from operating activities
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from investments
Net cash flow from derivatives
Portfolio interest received
Portfolio dividends received
Portfolio fees received
Fees received from external funds
Carried interest and performance fees received
Carried interest and performance fees paid
Carried interest held in non-current assets
Operating expenses paid 
Co-investment loans (paid)/received
Income taxes paid

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from financing activities
Issue of shares
Purchase of own shares
Dividends paid
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Net cash flow from deposits

Net cash flow from investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

38

2019  
£m

(859)
1,261
3
26
61
11
57
104
(86)
(9)
(109)
(3)
(10)

447

1
(29)
(358)
2
(39)

(423)

(3)
–
(50)

(53)

(29)

1,054
(5)

1,020

2018  
£m

(827)
1,277
(10)
17
41
13
55
6
(48)
(27)
(115)
3
(12)

373

1
–
(255)
2
(36)

(288)

(2)
(13)
41

26

111

954
(11)

1,054

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Background to Investment basis 
financial statements
The Group makes investments in portfolio companies directly, 
held by 3i Group plc, and indirectly, held through intermediate 
holding company and partnership structures (“Investment 
entity subsidiaries”). It also has other operational subsidiaries 
which provide services and other activities such as employment, 
regulatory activities, management and advice (“Trading 
subsidiaries”). The application of IFRS 10 requires us to fair 
value a number of intermediate holding companies that were 
previously consolidated line by line. This fair value approach, 
applied at the intermediate holding company level, effectively 
obscures the performance of our proprietary capital investments 
and associated transactions occurring in the intermediate 
holding companies. 

The financial effect of the underlying portfolio companies and 
fee income, operating expenses and carried interest transactions 
occurring in Investment entity subsidiaries are aggregated into 
a single value. Other items which were previously eliminated on 
consolidation are now included separately.

To maintain transparency in our report and aid understanding we 
introduced separate non-GAAP “Investment basis” Statements 
of comprehensive income, financial position and cash flow in 
our 2014 Annual report and accounts. The Investment basis is an 
APM and the Strategic report is prepared using the Investment 
basis as we believe it provides a more understandable view of 
our performance. Total return and net assets are equal under the 
Investment basis and IFRS; the Investment basis is simply a “look 
through” of IFRS 10 to present the underlying performance.

Reconciliation of Investment basis and IFRS 
A detailed reconciliation from the Investment basis to IFRS 
basis of the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
Consolidated statement of financial position and Consolidated 
cash flow statement is shown on pages 40 to 42.

Investment basis of consolidation

3i Group plc

Investment  
entity 
subsidiaries

Portfolio 
companies 

Inter-company  
balance eliminated 
on consolidation

The Group

Trading 
subsidiaries 
(regulated 
investment 
advisers, 
employment 
entities, etc.)

Portfolio 
companies  
(held directly 
by 3i Group plc)

  Consolidated

  Fair valued

IFRS 10 basis of consolidation

3i Group plc

The Group

Investment  
entity 
subsidiaries

Portfolio 
companies 

Inter-company  
balance

Trading 
subsidiaries 
(regulated 
investment 
advisers, 
employment 
entities, etc.)

Portfolio 
companies  
(held directly  
by 3i Group plc)

  Consolidated

  Fair valued

   Portfolio company included in fair  
value of Investment entity subsidiaries

39

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
 
Reconciliation of Investment basis and IFRS

Reconciliation of consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year to 31 March

Investment
basis
2019
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2019
£m

Notes

1,2
1,2

1

1,2
1,2
1,2
1,3

4
1

1,3

1

1,4
1,4

1,4

1,3

Realised profits over value  
on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Fair value movements on investment 
entity subsidiaries
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives

Gross investment return

Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest received
Interest paid
Exchange movements
Other (expense)/income
Income from investment entity subsidiaries

Operating profit before carried interest

Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit 

Income taxes 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations
Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Other comprehensive income/(expense)  
for the year 

Total comprehensive income  
for the year (“Total return”)

The IFRS basis is audited and the Investment basis is unaudited.

Notes:

IFRS
basis
2019
£m

33
168

827

26
33
11
17
21

Investment
basis
2018
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2018
£m

207
1,163

–

41
116
14
11
–

(189)
(777)

848

(12)
(90)
3
(23)
–

IFRS
basis
2018
£m

18
386

848

29
26
17
(12)
–

132
1,087

–

63
113
9
(18)
21

(99)
(919)

827

(37)
(80)
2
35
–

1,407

(271)

1,136

1,552

(240)

1,312

53
(126)
2
(36)
(3)
(2)
–

–
–
1
–
(24)
–
66

53
(126)
3
(36)
(27)
(2)
66

57
(121)
2
(37)
(27)
2
–

–
1
–
–
84
–
19

57
(120)
2
(37)
57
2
19

1,295

(228)

1,067

1,428

(136)

1,292

159
(220)

1,234

13

1,247

–
5

5

1,252

4
220

(4)

(1)

(5)

5
–

5

–

163
–

1,230

12

1,242

5
5

10

228
(205)

1,451

(26)

1,425

–
–

–

1,252

1,425

–
173

37

1

38

(38)
–

(38)

–

228
(32)

1,488

(25)

1,463

(38)
–

(38)

1,425

1  Applying IFRS 10 to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income consolidates the line items of a number of previously consolidated subsidiaries into a single line item “Fair value 

movements on investment entity subsidiaries”. In the “Investment basis” accounts we have disaggregated these line items to analyse our total return as if these Investment entity subsidiaries 
were fully consolidated, consistent with prior years. The adjustments simply reclassify the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income of the Group, and the total return is equal under the 
Investment basis and the IFRS basis.

2  Realised profits, unrealised profits, and portfolio income shown in the IFRS accounts only relate to portfolio companies that are held directly by 3i Group plc and not those portfolio companies 

held through Investment entity subsidiaries. Realised profits, unrealised profits, and portfolio income in relation to portfolio companies held through Investment entity subsidiaries are 
aggregated into the single “Fair value movement on investment entity subsidiaries” line. This is the most significant reduction of information in our IFRS accounts.

3  Foreign exchange movements have been reclassified under the Investment basis as foreign currency asset and liability movements. Movements within the Investment entity subsidiaries are 

included within “Fair value movements on investment entities”.

4  Other items also aggregated into the “Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries” line include fees receivable from external funds, audit fees, administration expenses, carried 

interest and tax.

40

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Reconciliation of consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 March

Investment
basis
2019
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2019
£m

Notes

IFRS
basis
2019
£m

Investment
basis
2018
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2018
£m

Assets 
Non-current assets
Investments

Quoted investments
Unquoted investments

Investments in investment entity subsidiaries

Investment portfolio

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other non-current assets
Intangible assets
Retirement benefit surplus
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative financial instruments

1
1
1,2

1

998
6,555
–

7,553

605
117
11
134
4
11

(529)
(5,362)
5,159

(732)

–
(93)
–
–
–
–

469
1,193
5,159

6,821

605
24
11
134
4
11

851
5,806
–

6,657

503
113
12
125
4
–

(506)
(4,055)
4,034

(527)

(5)
(85)
–
–
–
–

IFRS
basis
2018
£m

345
1,751
4,034

6,130

498
28
12
125
4
–

Total non-current assets

8,435

(825)

7,610

7,414

(617)

6,797

Current assets
Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other current assets
Current income taxes
Derivative financial instruments
Deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Loans and borrowings
Retirement benefit deficit
Deferred income taxes
Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Current income taxes
Provisions

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital 
Share premium
Other reserves
Own shares

Total equity

Notes: see page 42.

1
1

1

1
1

1
1

3

35
29
12
7
50
1,020

1,153

9,588

(8)
(926)
(575)
(27)
(1)
(1)

(1,538)

(95)
(44)
(1)
(1)

(141)

(1,679)

7,909

719
787
6,445
(42)

7,909

–
(5)
–
–
–
(37)

(42)

(867)

7
840
–
–
–
–

847

1
19
–
–

20

867

–

–
–
–
–

–

35
24
12
7
50
983

1,111

8,721

(1)
(86)
(575)
(27)
(1)
(1)

(691)

(94)
(25)
(1)
(1)

(121)

(812)

7,909

719
787
6,445
(42)

7,909

93
60
3
–
–
1,054

1,210

8,624

(14)
(764)
(575)
(23)
(3)
(1)

(1,380)

(101)
(106)
(12)
(1)

(220)

(1,600)

7,024

719
786
5,545
(26)

7,024

–
(26)
–
–
–
(82)

(108)

(725)

13
659
–
–
–
–

672

1
51
1
–

53

725

–

–
–
–
–

–

93
34
3
–
–
972

1,102

7,899

(1)
(105)
(575)
(23)
(3)
(1)

(708)

(100)
(55)
(11)
(1)

(167)

(875)

7,024

719
786
5,545
(26)

7,024

41

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Reconciliation of Investment basis and IFRS

continued

Reconciliation of consolidated cash flow statement
for the year to 31 March

Investment
basis
2019
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2019
£m

Notes

Cash flow from operating activities
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from investments
Cash (outflow)/inflow from investment 
entity subsidiaries
Net cash flow from derivatives
Portfolio interest received
Portfolio dividends received
Portfolio fees received
Fees received from external funds
Carried interest and performance fees received
Carried interest and performance fees paid
Carried interest held in non-current assets
Operating expenses paid
Co-investment loans (paid)/received
Income taxes paid

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from financing activities
Issue of shares
Purchase of own shares
Dividends paid
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Net cash flow from deposits

Net cash flow from investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

The IFRS basis is audited and the Investment basis is unaudited.

Notes:

1
1

1

1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1
1

2

2
1

2

(859)
1,261

– 
3
26
61
11
57
104
(86)
(9)
(109)
(3)
(10)

447

1
(29)
(358)
2
(39)

(423)

(3)
–
(50)

(53)

(29)

1,054
(5)

1,020

734
(435)

(264)
–
(20)
(37)
1
–
(2)
48
9
–
7
–

41

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

41

(82)
4

(37)

IFRS
basis
2019
£m

(125)
826

(264)
3
6
24
12
57
102
(38)
–
(109)
4
(10)

488

1
(29)
(358)
2
(39)

(423)

(3)
–
(50)

(53)

12

972
(1)

983

Investment
basis
2018
£m

IFRS
adjustments
2018
£m

(827)
1,277

–
(10)
17
41
13
55
6
(48)
(27)
(115)
3
(12)

373

1
–
(255)
2
(36)

(288)

(2)
(13)
41

26

111

954
(11)

1,054

357
(863)

430
–
(13)
(12)
–
–
–
8
27
1
2
2

(61)

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

(61)

(23)
2

(82)

IFRS
basis
2018
£m

(470)
414

430
(10)
4
29
13
55
6
(40)
–
(114)
5
(10)

312

1
–
(255)
2
(36)

(288)

(2)
(13)
41

26

50

931
(9)

972

1  The Consolidated cash flow statement is impacted by the application of IFRS 10 as cash flows to and from Investment entity subsidiaries are disclosed, rather than the cash flows to and from the 
underlying portfolio. Therefore in our Investment basis financial statements, we have disclosed our cash flow statement on a “look through” basis, in order to reflect the underlying sources and 
uses of cash flows and disclose the underlying investment activity.

2  There is a difference between the change in cash and cash equivalents of the Investment basis financial statements and the IFRS financial statements because there are cash balances held in 

Investment entity subsidiaries. Cash held within Investment entity subsidiaries will not be shown in the IFRS statements but will be seen in the Investment basis statements.

The IFRS basis is audited and the Investment basis is unaudited.

Notes to Reconciliation of consolidated statement of financial position on page 41:

1  Applying IFRS 10 to the Consolidated statement of financial position aggregates the line items into the single line item “Investments in investment entity subsidiaries”. In the Investment basis  

we have disaggregated these items to analyse our net assets as if the Investment entity subsidiaries were consolidated. The adjustment reclassifies items in the Consolidated statement 
of financial position. There is no change to the net assets, although for reasons explained below, gross assets and gross liabilities are different. The disclosure relating to portfolio companies 
is significantly reduced by the aggregation, as the fair value of all investments held by Investment entity subsidiaries is aggregated into the “Investments in investment entity subsidiaries” 
line. We have disaggregated this fair value and disclosed the underlying portfolio holding in the relevant line item, ie, quoted investments or unquoted investments. Other items which may 
be aggregated include carried interest and other payables, and the Investment basis presentation again disaggregates these items.

2  Intercompany balances between Investment entity subsidiaries and trading subsidiaries also impact the transparency of our results under the IFRS basis. If an Investment entity subsidiary has 
an intercompany balance with a consolidated trading subsidiary of the Group, then the asset or liability of the Investment entity subsidiary will be aggregated into its fair value, while the asset 
or liability of the consolidated trading subsidiary will be disclosed as an asset or liability in the Consolidated statement of financial position for the Group.

3  Investment basis financial statements are prepared for performance measurement and therefore reserves are not analysed separately under this basis.

42

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
 
Alternative Performance Measures  
(“APMs”)

We assess our performance using a variety of measures that are not 
specifically defined under IFRS and are therefore termed APMs. 

The explanation of and rationale for the Investment basis and its 
reconciliation to IFRS is provided on pages 39 to 42.

The APMs that we use may not be directly comparable with those used 
by other companies. Our Investment basis is itself an APM.

The table below defines our additional APMs.

APM

Purpose

Calculation

Reconciliation to IFRS

Gross investment return  
as a percentage of opening  
portfolio value

A measure of the performance 
of our proprietary investment  
portfolio.
For further information, see  
the Group KPIs on page 14.

It is calculated as the gross 
investment return, as shown 
in the Investment basis 
Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, as a % 
of the opening portfolio value.

The equivalent balances under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to 
the Investment basis are shown 
in the Reconciliation of the 
consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income and the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
statement of financial position  
respectively.

Cash realisations

Cash investment

Operating cash profit

Cash proceeds from our investments 
support our returns to shareholders, 
as well as our ability to invest in 
new opportunities.
For further information, see  
the Group KPIs on page 14.

Identifying new opportunities in 
which to invest proprietary capital 
is the primary driver of the Group’s 
ability to deliver attractive returns. 
For further information, see  
the Group KPIs on page 14.

By covering the cash cost of 
running the business with cash 
income, we reduce the potential 
dilution of capital returns.

The cash received from the 
disposal of investments in the 
year as shown in the Investment 
basis Consolidated cash 
flow statement.

The equivalent balance under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to the 
Investment basis is shown in the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
cash flow statement.

The cash paid to acquire 
investments in the year as  
shown on the Investment  
basis Consolidated cash flow  
statement.

The equivalent balance under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to the 
Investment basis is shown in the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
cash flow statement.

The cash income from the 
portfolio (interest, dividends and 
fees) together with fees received 
from external funds less cash 
operating expenses as shown on 
the Investment basis Consolidated 
cash flow statement. The calculation 
is shown in Table 13 of the 
Financial review.

The equivalent balance under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to the 
Investment basis is shown in the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
cash flow statement.

Net cash/net (debt)

A measure of the available cash 
to invest in the business and 
an indicator of the financial risk 
in the Group’s balance sheet.

Cash and cash equivalents 
plus deposits less loans and 
borrowings as shown on the 
Investment basis Consolidated 
statement of financial position.

The equivalent balance under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to the 
Investment basis is shown in the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
statement of financial position.

Gearing

A measure of the financial risk 
in the Group’s balance sheet.

Net debt (as defined above) 
as a % of the Group’s net assets 
under the Investment basis. 
It cannot be less than zero.

The equivalent balance under 
IFRS and the reconciliation to the 
Investment basis is shown in the 
Reconciliation of the consolidated 
statement of financial position.

43

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Risk management

Effective risk management underpins the successful delivery of our strategy. Integrity, 
rigour and accountability are central to our values and culture at 3i and are embedded  
in our approach to risk management.

Understanding our risk appetite and culture
As both an investor and asset manager, 3i is in the business of taking 
risks in order to seek to achieve its targeted returns for fund investors 
and shareholders. The Board approves the strategic objectives that 
determine the level and types of risk that 3i is prepared to accept. 
The Board reviews 3i’s strategic objectives and risk appetite at least 
annually. The Group’s risk management framework is designed to 
support the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives.

3i’s risk appetite policy, which is consistent with previous years, is 
built on rigorous and comprehensive investment procedures and 
conservative capital management. 

Culture
Integrity, rigour and accountability are central to our values and 
culture and are embedded in our approach to risk management. 
Our Investment Committee, which has oversight of the investment 
pipeline development and approves new investments, significant 
portfolio changes and divestments, is integral to ensuring a 
consistent approach across the business. It ensures compliance 
with 3i’s financial and strategic requirements, cultural values and 
appropriate investment behaviours. Members of the Executive 
Committee have responsibility for their own business or functional 
areas and the Group expects individual behaviours to meet its 
high standards of conduct. All employees share the responsibility 
for upholding 3i’s strong control culture and supporting effective 
risk management. Senior managers, typically those who report 
to Executive Committee members, are required to confirm their 
individual and business area compliance annually. In addition,  
all staff are assessed on how they demonstrate 3i’s values as part 
of their annual appraisal. Finally, our Remuneration Committee 
is responsible for ensuring the Group‘s remuneration culture is 
weighted towards variable compensation where reward is strictly 
dependent on performance.

The following sections explain how we control and manage the 
risks in our business. They outline the key risks, our assessment of 
their potential impact on our business in the context of the current 
environment and how we seek to mitigate them. 

Approach to risk governance
The Board is responsible for risk assessment, the risk management 
process and for the protection of the Group’s reputation and brand 
integrity. It considers the most significant risks facing the Group and 
uses quantitative analyses, such as vintage controls which consider 
the portfolio concentration by geography and sector, and liquidity 
reporting, where appropriate. 

Non-executive oversight is also exercised through the Audit and 
Compliance Committee which focuses on upholding standards of 
integrity, financial reporting, risk management, going concern and 
internal control. The Audit and Compliance Committee’s activities 
are discussed further in the Audit and Compliance Committee 
report on page 70 of this document. 

The Board has delegated the responsibility for risk oversight to 
the Chief Executive. He is assisted by the Group Risk Committee 
(“GRC”) in managing this responsibility, and guided by the Board’s 
appetite for risk and any specific limits set. The GRC maintains the 
Group risk review, which summarises the Group’s principal risks, 
associated mitigating actions and key risk indicators, and identifies 
any changes to the Group’s risk profile. The review also incorporates 
a watch list of new and emerging risks for monitoring purposes. 
The risk review takes place four times a year, with the last review in 
May 2019, and the Chief Executive provides updates to each Audit 
and Compliance Committee meeting. Investment Committee 
ensures a consistent approach to investment processes across 
the business.

In addition to the above, a number of other Board and Executive 
Committee members contribute to the Group’s overall risk 
governance structure, as set out on page 46.

44

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Risk appetite 
Our risk appetite is defined by our strategic objectives. We invest 
capital in businesses that will deliver capital returns and portfolio 
and fund management cash income to cover our costs, and increase 
returns to our investors. 

Investment risk 
The substantial majority of the Group’s capital is invested in Private 
Equity. Before the Group commits to an investment, we assess the 
Private Equity opportunity using the following criteria:

•  return objective: individually assessed and subject to a minimum 

target of a 2x money multiple over four to five years;

•  geographic focus: operate within our core markets of northern 

Europe and North America;

•  sector expertise: focus on Business and Technology Services, 

Consumer, Industrial and Healthcare; and

•  vintage: invest up to £750 million per annum in four to seven  

new investments in companies with an enterprise value range  
of €100 million to €500 million at investment.

Investments made by 3iN need to be consistent with 3iN’s overall 
return target of 8% to 10% over the medium term and generate a 
mix of capital and income returns. Other Infrastructure investments 
made by the Group should be capable of delivering capital  
growth and fund management fees which together generate  
mid-teen returns. 

On occasion, the Group may conclude that it is in the interest of 
shareholders, and consistent with our strategic objectives, to hold 
a Private Equity investment for a longer period. Such an investment 
may be managed outside the Private Equity or Infrastructure 
businesses. The only investment currently in this “Corporate Assets” 
category is Scandlines.

Capital management
3i adopts a conservative approach to managing its capital resources 
as follows:

•  there is no appetite for structural gearing at the Group level,  

but short-term tactical gearing will be used; 

•  the Group generally does not hedge its currency exposure for its 

Private Equity and Infrastructure assets but it does match currency 
realisations with investments, where possible, and may take 
out short-term hedges occasionally to hedge investments and 
realisations between signing and completion; 

•  if appropriate, with due consideration of any associated liquidity 
risk, the Group will hedge a portion of its currency exposure on  
its longer term investments, such as Scandlines; and 

•  we have limited appetite for the dilution of capital returns as a 

result of operating and interest expenses. All of our business lines 
generate cash income to mitigate this risk. 

3i Group’s Pillar 3 document  
can be found at www.3i.com

45

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Risk management

continued

Risk governance structure

  Committees of the Board

  Committees of the Chief Executive

  Independent Committees

Board

•  Approves the Group’s risk appetite and strategy
•  Responsible for ensuring an effective risk 

management and oversight process across  
the Group

•  Assisted by four Board Committees with specific 
responsibility for key risk management areas

•  Delegates management of the Group  

to the Chief Executive

Nominations Committee

Audit and Compliance Committee

Valuations Committee

Remuneration Committee

•  Responsible for ensuring that the 
Board has the necessary skills, 
experience and knowledge to 
enable the Group to deliver its 
strategic objectives

•  Responsible for reviewing 
financial reporting risk and 
internal control and the 
relationship with the external 
Auditor

•  Reviews and challenges reports 

from Group Finance, Tax, Internal 
Audit and Compliance 

•  Chief Executive updates the 
Committee at each meeting  
on the output of the latest  
GRC meeting

•  Specific and primary 

responsibility for the valuation 
policy and valuation of the 
Group’s investment portfolio
•  Provides oversight and challenge 
of underlying assumptions on 
the valuation of the unquoted 
investment portfolio (83% of net 
assets at 31 March 2019)
•  Direct engagement with the 

external Auditor, including their 
specialist valuations team

•  Responsible for ensuring a 
remuneration culture which 
is weighted towards variable 
reward and strictly dependent 
on performance

•  Approves variable compensation 

schemes for our investment 
professionals that are in line with 
market practice and enable the 
Group to attract and retain the 
best talent

•  By excluding Executive 

Directors from carried interest or 
performance fee profit schemes, 
the Committee ensures that their 
remuneration is closely aligned 
with shareholder returns

Chief Executive

•  Delegated responsibility for management  

of the Group 

•  Delegated responsibility for investment 

decisions

•  Delegated responsibility for risk management

Executive Committee

Investment Committee

Group Risk Committee 

•  Monitors divisional performance
•  Facilitates information sharing between divisions
•  Meets monthly

Conflicts Committee

•  Deals with potential conflicts as required

•  Principal committee for managing the Group’s 
investment portfolio and monitoring its most 
material risks. Meets as often as required 

•  Chaired by the Chief Executive
•  Strict oversight of each step of the investment 

lifecycle

•  Approves all investment, divestment and 

material portfolio decisions

Treasury Transactions Committee

•  Monitors investments against original 

investment case

•  Ensures investments are in line with the 

Group’s investment policy and risk appetite

•  Considers specific treasury transactions  

as required

Disclosure Committee

•  Considers potential disclosure matters 

as required

46

•  Assists the Chief Executive with the oversight 

of risk management across the Group

•  Implements the Group’s risk appetite policy 

and monitors performance

•  Maintains the Group risk review which details 
its risk exposure and appropriate mitigations 
and controls

•  Two members of the GRC, the Group Finance 
Director and General Counsel, form the Risk 
Management Function as required under 
AIFMD

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Role of Investment Committee  
in risk management
Our Investment Committee is fundamental to the management of 
investment risk. The Investment Committee is involved in and approves 
every material step of the investment and realisation process.

The investment case presented at the outset of our investment 
consideration process includes the expected benefit of operational 
improvements, growth initiatives and M&A activity that will be driven 
by our investment professionals together with the portfolio company’s 
management team. It will also include a view on the likely exit strategy 
and timing. 

The execution of this investment case is closely monitored: 

•  our monthly portfolio monitoring reviews assess current performance 

against budget, prior year and a set of traffic light indicators and 
bespoke, forward looking KPIs; and 

•  we hold semi-annual reviews of all our assets. We focus on the longer-

term performance and plan for the investment compared to the 
original investment case, together with any strategic developments, 
sustainability risks and opportunities, and market outlook. 

The monthly portfolio monitoring reviews and the semi-annual reviews 
are attended by the Investment Committee and the senior members 
of the investment teams.

Finally, we recognise the need to plan and execute a successful 
exit at the optimum time for the portfolio company’s development, 
taking consideration of market conditions. This risk is closely linked to 
the external economic environment. Exit plans are refreshed where 
appropriate in the semi-annual portfolio reviews and the divestment 
process is clearly defined and overseen by the Investment Committee. 

Individual portfolio company underperformance could have adverse 
reputational consequences for the Group, even though the value 
impact may not be material. We review our internal processes and 
investment decisions in light of actual outcomes on an ongoing basis. 

Further details on 3i’s approach as a responsible  
investor are available at www.3i.com

The risk framework is augmented by a separate Risk Management 
Function which has specific responsibilities under the FCA’s Investment 
Funds Sourcebook. It meets ahead of the GRC meetings to consider 
the key risks impacting the Group, and any changes in the relevant 
period where appropriate. It also considers the separate risk reports 
for each Alternative Investment Fund (“AIF”) managed by the Group, 
including areas such as portfolio composition, portfolio valuation, 
operational updates and team changes, which are then considered  
by the GRC. 

In practice, the Group operates a “three lines of defence” framework 
for managing and identifying risk.

•  The first line of defence against outcomes outside our risk appetite  

is constituted by our business functions themselves. 

•  Line management is supported by oversight and control functions 
such as Finance, Human Resources and Legal which constitute 
the second line of defence. The Compliance function is also in the 
second line of defence; its duties include reviewing the effective 
operation of our processes in meeting regulatory requirements. 

•  Internal Audit provides independent assurance over the operation 

of controls and is the third line of defence. The internal audit 
programme includes the review of risk management processes 
and recommendations to improve the internal control environment. 

Role of Group Risk Committee  
in risk management
The quarterly Group risk review process includes the monitoring of 
key strategic and financial metrics (such as KPIs) considered to be 
indicators of potential changes in the Group’s risk profile. The GRC 
uses these to identify its principal risks. It then evaluates the impact 
and likelihood of each risk, with reference to associated measures 
and KPIs. The adequacy of the mitigation plans is then assessed and, 
if necessary, additional actions are agreed and then reviewed at the 
subsequent meeting. 

A number of focus topics are also agreed in advance of each meeting. 
In FY2019, the GRC covered the following:

•  an update on the Group’s implementation of Brexit readiness plans;

•  semi-annual updates on Environmental, Social, business integrity and 
corporate Governance (”ESG“) issues and themes, especially with 
respect to the Group’s portfolio companies;

•  an update on the key themes, risks and trends from the Group’s 

succession planning and capability review;

•  a review of the Group’s stress tests to support its Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process (“ICAAP”) and Viability statement;

•  a review of the Group’s IT framework including cyber security and 

business resilience;

•   an update on the Group’s business continuity and resilience planning 

and testing; and

•  the proposed risk disclosures in the 2019 Annual report and accounts. 

There were no significant changes to the GRC’s approach to risk 
governance or its operation in FY2019 but we continued to refine  
our framework for risk management where appropriate. 

47

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Principal risks and mitigations – 
aligning risk to our strategic objectives

Business and risk environment in FY2019
Although global political instability, economic uncertainty and 
volatile market conditions have continued throughout FY2019, there 
has been no significant change to our risk management approach. 

The Directors have carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. We define 
our principal risks as those that have the potential to impact the 
delivery of our strategic objectives materially. We also maintain a log 
of risks which includes new and emerging risks which may have the 
potential to become principal risks but are not yet considered to be 
so. This is called our “watch list”. These risks are regularly reviewed 
to determine if they have the potential to impact the delivery of our 
strategy. In the year, none of our watch list risks were considered 
sufficiently material to be classified as a principal risk. 

External
External risks are the risks to our business which are usually 
outside of our direct control such as political, economic, 
environmental, social, regulatory and competitor risks. In FY2019, 
we saw continued market volatility and a slow-down in economic 
growth. The combination of trade tensions between the US and 
China and Brexit concerns has weighed on investor sentiment. 
We concluded that these risks were not currently material to the 
overall performance of our portfolio but we will continue to monitor 
developments closely. 

In preparation for the UK’s anticipated exit from the EU, we have 
considered the possible risks that this will pose to the Group’s 
business model and financial performance.

The primary, direct risk relates to the Group’s UK regulatory 
“passports” to conduct certain investment activities within the 
EU. In certain scenarios, it is likely that the Group would no longer 
have the benefit of these regulatory passports. Therefore we have 
implemented an alternative regulatory structure, which includes an 
AIFM in Luxembourg, which now manages 3i’s existing branches in 
France, Germany and the Netherlands. Our AIFM in Luxembourg 
has been established since April 2018 and the new branch structure 
became operational from 1 April 2019. Currently 66% of our portfolio 
is invested in northern Europe and this new structure will enable 
3i to continue the Group’s activities in Europe following the UK’s 
anticipated exit from the EU.

The direct impact of Brexit on 3i’s investment portfolio is not 
expected to be material, due to the limited number of our portfolio 
companies that operate between the UK and the EU. However, 
as described above, the broader macro-economic environment 
continues to be closely monitored. 

Investment
Our overarching objective is to source attractive investment 
opportunities at the right price and execute our investment 
plans successfully. 

As part of our portfolio monitoring, all of our new investments in the 
year were subject to rigorous review, including performance against 
a 180-day plan. We continued to monitor the portfolio actively, 
and held additional reviews for the small number of Private Equity 
assets where operational improvements and reorganisation were 
particularly intense. Investment teams are responsible for origination 
and asset management and are rewarded with performance-
based remuneration. 

48

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Operational
Attracting and retaining key people is our most significant potential 
operational risk. Our Remuneration Committee ensures that our 
variable compensation schemes are in line with market practice. 
Carried interest is an important incentive and rewards cash-to-
cash returns.

In addition, detailed succession plans are in place for each division.  
The Board last completed its annual review of the Group‘s organisational 
capability and succession plans in September 2018. The success of 
the Group since the 2012 restructuring has led to very modest 8% 
levels of staff turnover. 

Since last year, the risk in relation to the new Infrastructure business 
initiatives has decreased and is no longer considered as a principal 
risk in view of the progress made to date. We continued to enhance 
our cyber security management and reporting, and engaged an 
external firm to provide a dedicated Chief Information Security 
Officer service. Due to the nature of our business, cyber security is 
not considered a principal risk but is included on our watch list in the 
Group risk review, which remains under regular review by the GRC 
and Audit and Compliance Committee. 

Outlook
Competition for the best assets in our sectors remains intense, with 
an environment of high prices requiring a disciplined approach 
to investment. Although there are challenges in the industry, we 
remain focused on a clear and consistent strategy and a disciplined 
approach to investment. 

Viability statement
The Directors have assessed 3i’s viability over a three-year period 
to March 2022. 3i conducts its strategic planning over a five-year 
period; this statement is based on the first three years, which 
provides more certainty over the forecasting assumptions used. 
3i’s strategic plan, ICAAP and associated principal risks (as set out 
on pages 50 to 53 of the Strategic report) are the foundation of 
the Directors’ assessment. 

The assessment is overseen by the Group Finance Director and is 
subject to challenge by the Group Risk Committee, review by the 
Audit and Compliance Committee and approval by the Board. 

Our Group strategic plan projects the performance, net asset 
value and liquidity of 3i over a five-year period and is presented at 
the Directors’ annual strategy away day and updated throughout 
the year as appropriate. At the strategy away day, the Directors 
consider the strategy and opportunities for, and threats to, each 
business line and the Group as a whole. The outcome of those 
discussions is included in the next iteration of the strategic plan 
which is then used to support the viability assessment.

The Group’s ICAAP and viability testing considers multiple 
severe, yet plausible, individual and combined stress scenarios. 
They include a severe downside economic scenario and the 
impact of a material single asset event. The severe downside 
assumes that the global economy enters a severe recession; 
global equities fall and long-term interest rates reach new 
lows. The material single asset event considers the impact of a 
significant asset experiencing a severe downturn in performance.

We project the amount of capital we need in the business to 
cover our risks, including financial and operational risks, under 
such stress scenarios. Our analysis shows that, while there may 
be a significant impact on the Group’s reported performance in 
the short term under these scenarios, the resilience and quality 
of our balance sheet is such that solvency is maintained and our 
business remains viable.

Taking the inputs from the strategic planning process, the ICAAP 
and its stress scenarios, the Directors reviewed an assessment 
of the potential effects of 3i’s principal risks on its current 
portfolio and forecast investment and realisation activity, and the 
consequent impact on 3i’s capital and liquidity. 

Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet all their liabilities as they fall 
due up to at least March 2022.

49

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Principal risks and mitigations – 
aligning risk to our strategic objectives

continued

The disclosures on the following pages are not an exhaustive list of risks and uncertainties 
faced by the Group, but rather a summary of those principal risks which are regularly 
reviewed by the GRC and the Board, and have the potential to affect materially the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives and impact its financial performance, 
reputation and brand integrity.

External

Key risk factors

Economic growth and investor  
and market confidence is vulnerable 
to ongoing challenges, including 
geo-political developments, in the 
global economy

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

Movement in risk 

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

•  Limited growth or reduction in NAV owing 

to contraction of earnings in our investments 
and/or changes in multiples and discount rates 
used for their valuations

•  Increases covenant risks or limits ability to 

refinance our investments

•  Impacts general market confidence and 

risk appetite

•  Leads to reduced M&A volumes, economic 
instability and lower growth, which impacts 
realisation levels

•  May increase market volatility or risk  
of a significant market correction

•  May impact portfolio performance and 

realisation processes 

•  Increases risks with IPO exit route and 

bank financing

•  Potential for large equity market fall to impact 

asset valuations

•  Unhedged foreign exchange rate movements 

impact total return and NAV

Volatility in capital markets and 
foreign exchange

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Increase shareholder 
distributions

Competitive M&A markets and  
high pricing in 3i’s core sectors

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Use our strong  
balance sheet

Increase shareholder 
distributions

•  Reduced investment rates in Private Equity 

and Infrastructure

•  Increased risk of overpaying for investments 

impacting potential returns

•  Potential for higher cash realisations on exits

50

•  Regular portfolio company reviews as well as Investment 

Committee focus on investment strategy, exit processes 

and refinancing strategies

•  Monthly portfolio monitoring to identify and address 

portfolio issues promptly

Valuations Committee

•  Strong GIR at 21% with the impact from macro-

economic and geo-political uncertainty on 3i and its 

portfolio companies limited by robust performance in 

largest investments 

•  Gearing remains nil and liquidity strong at £1.4 billion

European branches to ensure the continuity of our business 

following the UK’s anticipated withdrawal from the EU

•  Monitoring of valuations and application of policy by the 

•  New AIFM has been established in Luxembourg with 

•  Portfolio company reviews focus on investment strategy, 

•  Policy to adjust multiples to reflect longer-term trends 

exit plans and refinancing strategies

mitigated volatility in FY2019

•  Active management of exit strategies by Investment 

Committee to enable us to adapt to market conditions

•  Regular liquidity and currency monitoring and strategic 

reviews of the balance sheet 

•  Matching of investment and realisation currency flows 

and use of short-term hedging on a case-by-case basis 

•  Scandlines FX hedging programme

•  Active management of investments and exit strategies 

by Investment Committee 

•  Our local teams and networks facilitate off-market 

transactions

•  £835m realised proceeds from the disposal of Scandlines. 

The Group reinvested into Scandlines acquiring a 35% 

•  Realised £89 million of cash proceeds from the partial sale 

interest

of Basic-Fit 

•  Quoted asset exposure of 13% with 10% being 3iN 

•  Foreign exchange exposures at the portfolio company 

level monitored and hedged appropriately

•  Invested in two new Private Equity companies, reinvested 

in Scandlines and completed eight bolt-on acquisitions to 

support buy-and-build strategies 

•  As 3iN’s Investment Manager, we completed investments 

in Tampnet and Attero, its acquisition of Alkane Energy by 

Infinis and three bolt-on acquisitions for existing portfolio 

companies. In March 2019, 3iN announced its commitment 

to invest in Joulz

•  Central oversight and disciplined approach to 

•  Sold five Private Equity companies for proceeds of 

investment pipeline 

£1.1 billion 

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019External

Key risk factors

Economic growth and investor  

and market confidence is vulnerable 

to ongoing challenges, including 

geo-political developments, in the 

global economy

Grow investment  

portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  

good cash-to-cash returns

•  Limited growth or reduction in NAV owing 

to contraction of earnings in our investments 

and/or changes in multiples and discount rates 

used for their valuations

•  Increases covenant risks or limits ability to 

refinance our investments

•  Impacts general market confidence and 

risk appetite

•  Leads to reduced M&A volumes, economic 

instability and lower growth, which impacts 

realisation levels

•  May increase market volatility or risk  

of a significant market correction

•  May impact portfolio performance and 

realisation processes 

•  Increases risks with IPO exit route and 

bank financing

asset valuations

•  Potential for large equity market fall to impact 

•  Unhedged foreign exchange rate movements 

impact total return and NAV

Volatility in capital markets and 

foreign exchange

Grow investment  

portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  

good cash-to-cash returns

Increase shareholder 

distributions

Competitive M&A markets and  

high pricing in 3i’s core sectors

Realise investments with  

good cash-to-cash returns

Use our strong  

balance sheet

Increase shareholder 

distributions

•  Reduced investment rates in Private Equity 

and Infrastructure

•  Increased risk of overpaying for investments 

impacting potential returns

•  Potential for higher cash realisations on exits

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

Movement in risk 
status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

•  Regular portfolio company reviews as well as Investment 
Committee focus on investment strategy, exit processes 
and refinancing strategies

•  Monthly portfolio monitoring to identify and address 

portfolio issues promptly

•  Strong GIR at 21% with the impact from macro-

economic and geo-political uncertainty on 3i and its 
portfolio companies limited by robust performance in 
largest investments 

•  Gearing remains nil and liquidity strong at £1.4 billion

•  Monitoring of valuations and application of policy by the 

•  New AIFM has been established in Luxembourg with 

Valuations Committee

European branches to ensure the continuity of our business 
following the UK’s anticipated withdrawal from the EU

•  Portfolio company reviews focus on investment strategy, 

•  Policy to adjust multiples to reflect longer-term trends 

exit plans and refinancing strategies

mitigated volatility in FY2019

•  Active management of exit strategies by Investment 

Committee to enable us to adapt to market conditions

•  Regular liquidity and currency monitoring and strategic 

reviews of the balance sheet 

•  Matching of investment and realisation currency flows 
and use of short-term hedging on a case-by-case basis 

•  Scandlines FX hedging programme

•  £835m realised proceeds from the disposal of Scandlines. 
The Group reinvested into Scandlines acquiring a 35% 
interest

•  Realised £89 million of cash proceeds from the partial sale 

of Basic-Fit 

•  Quoted asset exposure of 13% with 10% being 3iN 

•  Foreign exchange exposures at the portfolio company 

level monitored and hedged appropriately

•  Central oversight and disciplined approach to 

•  Sold five Private Equity companies for proceeds of 

investment pipeline 

£1.1 billion 

•  Active management of investments and exit strategies 

by Investment Committee 

•  Our local teams and networks facilitate off-market 

transactions

•  Invested in two new Private Equity companies, reinvested 
in Scandlines and completed eight bolt-on acquisitions to 
support buy-and-build strategies 

•  As 3iN’s Investment Manager, we completed investments 
in Tampnet and Attero, its acquisition of Alkane Energy by 
Infinis and three bolt-on acquisitions for existing portfolio 
companies. In March 2019, 3iN announced its commitment 
to invest in Joulz

Risk exposure has increased

No significant change in risk exposure

Risk exposure has decreased

51

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Principal risks and mitigations – 
aligning risk to our strategic objectives

continued

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

Movement in risk 

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Use our strong  
balance sheet

Increase shareholder 
distributions

Grow investment  
portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Increase shareholder 
distributions

•  Impacts longer-term returns and capital 

management and therefore ability to deliver 
strategic plan

•  May impact progress with specific 

strategic initiatives

•  Reduces staff morale and confidence

•  Cost base may not be sustainable

•  Poor investment impacts Group’s reputation 
as an investor of proprietary capital and as  
a manager of 3iN and other funds

•  Reduction in NAV and realisation potential, 

impacting shareholder returns

•  Higher value concentration in the portfolio 
increases the potential impact and profile  
of specific cases of underperformance

•  Underperformance impacts reputation 
as an investor of proprietary capital, a 
manager to 3iN, and may set back specific 
strategic initiatives

•  Regular monitoring of investment and divestment pipeline

•  Close oversight by management and early involvement 

of Investment Committee when key targets are identified

•  Disciplined approach to sourcing investment 

opportunities and pricing

•  Regular review of asset allocation

•  Focus on bolt-on acquisition opportunities, which can be 

more attractively priced and offer synergy benefits

•  Monthly portfolio monitoring of all investments to 

review operating performance, identify weaknesses 

and opportunities early and take action as appropriate

•  Additional monitoring of Action, including  

3i Chief Executive membership of the Action board

•  ESG and governance requirements and monitoring

•  Investment Committee maintained a cautious stance, 

declining a number of investment proposals where price 

and risk and reward failed to meet Group requirements

•  Invested in two new Private Equity companies, reinvested 

in Scandlines and completed eight bolt-on acquisitions to 

support buy-and-build strategies 

•  As 3iN’s Investment Manager, we completed investments 

in Tampnet and Attero, its acquisition of Alkane Energy by 

Infinis and three bolt-on acquisitions for existing portfolio 

companies. In March 2019, 3iN announced its commitment 

to invest in Joulz

•  Responsible Investment/ESG risk evaluation reviewed  

semi-annually at the portfolio company reviews and GRC 

•  Regular portfolio monitoring tracked performance and, 

where appropriate, identified assets promptly where a 

deeper review was needed, such as Schlemmer

•  Rigorous initial assessment of new investment 

•  93% of the assets valued on an earnings basis grew their 

opportunities to maintain quality of our investment pipeline

earnings over the last 12 months

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

Movement in risk 

Realise investments with  
good cash-to-cash returns

Use our strong  
balance sheet

Increase shareholder 
distributions

•  Restricts our ability to attract the best people

•  Potential to undermine investor/ 

shareholder confidence

•  Potential to delay execution of strategic plan

•  Specific focus by Remuneration Committee which 

approves all material incentive arrangements to ensure 

they reflect market practice

•  Annual Board review of succession planning

•  Regular review of resourcing and key man exposures as 

part of business line reviews and the portfolio company 

review process

•  Organisational capability and succession plan reviewed  

by the Board in September 2018

•  Smooth transition in change in Private Equity leadership

Investment

Key risk factors

Investment rate or quality is  
lower than expected because  
we pay the wrong price

Underperformance of 
portfolio companies

Operational

Key risk factors

Failure to recruit, develop  
and retain key people

52

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Investment

Key risk factors

Investment rate or quality is  

lower than expected because  

we pay the wrong price

Underperformance of 

portfolio companies

Operational

Key risk factors

Failure to recruit, develop  

and retain key people

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

Movement in risk 
status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

Grow investment  

portfolio earnings

Use our strong  

balance sheet

Increase shareholder 

distributions

Grow investment  

portfolio earnings

Realise investments with  

good cash-to-cash returns

Increase shareholder 

distributions

•  Impacts longer-term returns and capital 

management and therefore ability to deliver 

strategic plan

•  May impact progress with specific 

strategic initiatives

•  Reduces staff morale and confidence

•  Cost base may not be sustainable

•  Poor investment impacts Group’s reputation 

as an investor of proprietary capital and as  

a manager of 3iN and other funds

•  Reduction in NAV and realisation potential, 

impacting shareholder returns

•  Higher value concentration in the portfolio 

increases the potential impact and profile  

of specific cases of underperformance

•  Underperformance impacts reputation 

as an investor of proprietary capital, a 

manager to 3iN, and may set back specific 

strategic initiatives

•  Regular monitoring of investment and divestment pipeline

•  Close oversight by management and early involvement 
of Investment Committee when key targets are identified

•  Disciplined approach to sourcing investment 

opportunities and pricing

•  Regular review of asset allocation

•  Focus on bolt-on acquisition opportunities, which can be 

more attractively priced and offer synergy benefits

•  Investment Committee maintained a cautious stance, 

declining a number of investment proposals where price 
and risk and reward failed to meet Group requirements

•  Invested in two new Private Equity companies, reinvested 
in Scandlines and completed eight bolt-on acquisitions to 
support buy-and-build strategies 

•  As 3iN’s Investment Manager, we completed investments 
in Tampnet and Attero, its acquisition of Alkane Energy by 
Infinis and three bolt-on acquisitions for existing portfolio 
companies. In March 2019, 3iN announced its commitment 
to invest in Joulz

•  Rigorous initial assessment of new investment 

•  93% of the assets valued on an earnings basis grew their 

opportunities to maintain quality of our investment pipeline

earnings over the last 12 months

•  Monthly portfolio monitoring of all investments to 

review operating performance, identify weaknesses 
and opportunities early and take action as appropriate

•  Additional monitoring of Action, including  

3i Chief Executive membership of the Action board

•  ESG and governance requirements and monitoring

•  Responsible Investment/ESG risk evaluation reviewed  

semi-annually at the portfolio company reviews and GRC 

•  Regular portfolio monitoring tracked performance and, 
where appropriate, identified assets promptly where a 
deeper review was needed, such as Schlemmer

Link to strategic objectives

Potential impact

Risk management and mitigation

Realise investments with  

good cash-to-cash returns

Use our strong  

balance sheet

Increase shareholder 

distributions

•  Restricts our ability to attract the best people

•  Potential to undermine investor/ 

shareholder confidence

•  Potential to delay execution of strategic plan

•  Specific focus by Remuneration Committee which 

approves all material incentive arrangements to ensure 
they reflect market practice

•  Annual Board review of succession planning

•  Regular review of resourcing and key man exposures as 
part of business line reviews and the portfolio company 
review process

Movement in risk 
status in FY2019

FY2019 outcome

•  Organisational capability and succession plan reviewed  

by the Board in September 2018

•  Smooth transition in change in Private Equity leadership

Risk exposure has increased

No significant change in risk exposure

Risk exposure has decreased

53

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Sustainability

We are committed to achieving our 
strategic and investment objectives while 
behaving responsibly as an employer, 
as an investor and as an international 
corporate citizen. We take responsibility 
for our actions, carefully consider how 
others will be affected by our choices 
and ensure that our values and ethics 
are integrated into our formal business 
policies, practices and plans. We believe 
that encouraging this approach in our 
portfolio companies is a driver of long-
term outperformance.

This section aims to provide a brief summary of our approach  
to sustainability. For the full picture, please read it in conjunction  
with our Sustainability report, available on our website.

Further information on our approach to corporate responsibility, 
including summaries of relevant policies, can also be found on 
our website. 

For more information,  
visit www.3i.com/sustainability

54

Our sustainability strategy is defined by 
three key priorities:

1. Recruit and develop a diverse pool of talent
2. Invest responsibly
3. Act as a good corporate citizen

We are committed to communicating both financial and non-
financial performance in a clear, open and comprehensive manner 
and to maintaining an open dialogue with stakeholders. Accordingly, 
we welcome the publication of the Recommendations of the 
Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) in 2017. 
Our TCFD disclosures are available on pages 57 to 59 of this report.

A responsible employer
The skills, capabilities and expertise of our employees are vital  
to our success. Recruiting, retaining and developing our talent are 
therefore among our key priorities. We communicate openly and 
consistently with our employees, provide training and opportunities 
for career advancement, reward our employees fairly and encourage 
direct feedback to senior management. We are a meritocracy and 
our employees are recruited, promoted and remunerated strictly 
on the basis of merit, ability and performance.

We recognise the importance of providing a supportive working 
environment and of providing a healthy work/life balance for all our 
employees. 3i has a suite of human resources policies and procedures 
covering areas including recruitment, vetting and performance 
management, equal opportunities and diversity, family-friendly 
policies, medical insurance and health checks, health and safety 
and flexible working, and appropriate processes to monitor their 
application. Further details of our human resources policies and 
procedures are available in our Sustainability report, and summaries 
of a number of these policies can be found on our website.

Human rights
Whilst 3i does not have, nor need, a formal human rights policy, 
our policies are consistent with internationally recognised human 
rights principles such as the UN Global Compact. We comply fully 
with applicable human rights legislation in the countries in which we 
operate, for example covering areas such as freedom of association 
and the right to collective bargaining, equal remuneration and 
protection against discrimination. 3i is an equal opportunities 
employer and has clear grievance and disciplinary procedures,  
an employee assistance programme and an independent, external 
“whistle blowing” hotline service which allows employees to report 
concerns anonymously.

We are committed to ensuring that the businesses we invest in 
comply with all applicable laws in relation to their employees 
(amongst other things) and, where appropriate, that they work 
towards meeting relevant international standards (such as the 
International Labour Organisation (“ILO”) Fundamental Conventions) 
where those are more stringent. We also encourage our business 
partners and suppliers to adopt the same standards with respect 
to human rights.

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Equal opportunity and diversity
3i is fully committed to being an equal opportunities employer,  
and prohibits unlawful and unfair discrimination. We believe that  
a diverse and varied workforce is a great benefit to the organisation. 
Although we do not set specific diversity targets, we seek to ensure 
that our corporate culture and policies create an inclusive work 
environment that helps to bring out the best in our employees. 

3i’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy establishes that 
all 3i employees (temporary and permanent), contract workers 
and job applicants are treated fairly and are offered equal 
opportunity in selection, training, career development, promotion 
and remuneration. During the year, we recorded no incidents of 
discrimination. To reinforce our commitment to equal opportunities, 
during the year we rolled out a training programme with managers 
across the organisation to guard against unconscious bias. 

Achieving better gender diversity is important to 3i, and we believe 
we are making reasonable progress in that respect, within the 
constraints imposed by being a small organisation with limited 
staff turnover. Of the new hires we made during the year, 58% were 
female and 42% were male. At 31 March 2019, 3i had a total of 240 
employees of which 159 were employed in the UK. The breakdown 
by gender was as follows:

Number

All 3i employees
3i Group Directors1
Senior managers2

Total

240
9
38

Male 

Female

144
6
29

96
3
9

1  Includes non-executive Directors who are not 3i employees.

2  Senior managers excludes Simon Borrows and Julia Wilson (our Chief Executive and 
Group Finance Director, who are included as Directors of 3i Group plc) and includes 
21 people who were directors of undertakings included in the consolidated Group 
accounts, of whom 19 were male and two were female.

Employee engagement
We encourage a culture of open communication between our 
employees and senior and executive management. We benefit from 
being a small organisation, operating in a relatively flat structure, 
with few hierarchies. The members of our Executive Committee have 
an open-door policy and know most employees by name.

Graduate training scheme
Our graduate recruitment scheme, designed to develop our next 
generation of trusted investment professionals, was launched in 
2015. We are a small organisation, however we believe this programme 
is important in fostering a distinctive 3i culture. Our first five graduate 
analysts joined us in 2015 and we have since been joined by five 
in September 2016 and three in each of September 2017 and 
September 2018. A further four are due to join us in September 2019.

Since 2016, only 14% of total applications have been from female 
candidates. However, out of the 20 graduate positions offered since 
2015, eight, or 40% of the total, were offered to women. The top 
performers on the programme are offered the opportunity to be 
fast-tracked directly into our business.

Further information on our performance as a responsible employer 
is available in our Sustainability report 2019.

A responsible investor
With fewer than 250 employees across eight office locations, as  
a company we have a relatively small direct impact in terms of the 
environment and other sustainability issues. However, with assets 
under management of approximately £13 billion we have the 
opportunity to have a greater positive impact through the decisions 
we make within our portfolio. 

We are committed to investing responsibly and believe that:

•  it is vital that we seek to identify all material ESG risks and 

opportunities through our due diligence at the point we invest 
and manage those risks and opportunities effectively during  
the period of 3i‘s investment;

•  the effective assessment and management of ESG risks and 

opportunities has a positive effect on the value of our investee 
companies and of 3i Group itself; and

•  compliance with local laws and regulations may not be enough 
to meet global expectations, deliver value and enhance our 
reputation and license to operate.

We are uniquely well positioned to make a difference as a 
responsible investor:

We promote and facilitate the ownership of 3i shares among 
employees through variable compensation or share investment 
plans. As a result, most of our employees are shareholders in the 
Company and feel invested in the success of the organisation. 
We pride ourselves on the engagement and the sense of ownership 
we have fostered over the years.

•  for more than a decade we have carried out our investment 
activities under our Responsible Investment policy, which 
is embedded in our investment and portfolio management 
processes and is considered rigorous by industry standards. 
We have been signatories of the UN Principles for Responsible 
Investment since 2011;

87% participation in UK SIP1
8% unplanned employee turnover rate

1  Proportion of UK-based employees who subscribe to a Share Incentive Plan available to 

UK employees only.

•  we have a medium to long-term investment horizon, typically 
buying majority stakes in our portfolio companies and being 
represented on their boards. We are therefore well placed to drive 
sustainable growth in our portfolio. This involves the continuous 
assessment, monitoring and management of ESG risks, as well as 
making targeted investments through new or existing portfolio 
companies in opportunities arising from developments such as 
climate change regulation, changes to consumer preferences 
in response to environmental issues and the development of 
business solutions to global sustainability challenges; and

•  we make a limited number of investments each year, allowing  

us to be selective in our approach to new investment.

55

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Sustainability

continued

Our Responsible Investment policy
We have a clear and comprehensive Responsible Investment 
(“RI”) policy which is embedded into our investment and portfolio 
monitoring processes. In our experience, there is a strong link 
between companies that have high ESG standards and those that are 
able to achieve sustainable business growth. This policy sets out the 
businesses in which 3i will not invest, as well as minimum standards 
in relation to ESG matters which we expect new portfolio companies 
to meet, or to commit to meeting over a reasonable time period. 
The policy applies to all our investments, irrespective of their country 
or sector.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the RI policy, including  
for the review and approval of any material changes. The Investment 
Committee is responsible for the implementation of the RI policy,  
and for ensuring that it is executed in a meaningful way by 3i’s  
investment teams in all investment and portfolio management processes.

Our RI policy has been integrated into our investment and portfolio 
management processes and procedures, which are described in the 
Risk management section on page 47, and is supported by detailed 
guidance notes, a global network of specialist external advisers and 
dedicated internal resource.

3i commits to use its influence as an investor to promote a commitment 
in our investee companies to:

•  comply, as a minimum, with applicable local and international laws 
and regulations and, where appropriate, relevant international 
standards (such as the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) 
Performance Standards and the ILO Fundamental Conventions), 
where these are more stringent than applicable laws;

•  mitigate any adverse environmental and social impacts and 

enhance positive effects on the environment, workers and relevant 
stakeholders; and 

•  uphold high standards of business integrity and good 

corporate governance.

Every six months, the Private Equity and Infrastructure businesses 
carry out detailed reviews of each of their material portfolio 
companies. These reviews are typically attended by the Investment 
Committee, which includes the Group Finance Director and Group 
Strategy Director and is chaired by the Chief Executive, as well as by 
senior members of the investment teams. Non-executive Directors 
are also invited to attend. The reviews in March of each year include 
a detailed ESG assessment which seeks to track progress in relation 
to existing, identified ESG risks as well as identifying potentially new 
and emerging risks and opportunities. Any material ESG issues are 
discussed at the six-monthly review meeting and relevant actions 
points are minuted, followed up by the investment teams and 
reviewed at the following six-monthly meeting. 

This year, as part of our commitment to the continuous evolution 
and refinement of our approach to ESG risks and opportunities, we 
reviewed and updated the assessment question set. With reference 
to our most recent investments, the data we routinely collect on our 
portfolio as well as third-party frameworks, we expanded the scope 
of the assessment to look more deeply at the policies, procedures 
and targets that our portfolio operates with. As a result of this more 
granular review we have identified a number of themes across 
our portfolio that will allow us better to manage the various sub 
categories of ESG risk. We have also focused our investment and 
management teams on a number of new value creation opportunities 
which can be explored. 

56

A good corporate citizen
As a company, we strive to embed responsible business practices 
throughout the organisation. Good corporate citizenship is 
achieved by having robust policies and processes in place and by 
promoting the right values and culture within our organisation. 
All employees are assessed annually against our corporate values 
of ambition, rigour and energy, integrity and accountability and 
have a responsibility to be aware of, and abide by, 3i’s compliance, 
behaviour, environmental, ethical and social policies and procedures.

For more information on our corporate values, policies and 
processes, please see our Sustainability report 2019.

Governance
Good corporate governance is fundamental to 3i and its activities 
and is critical to the delivery of value to our stakeholders. For full 
details of our governance structure and processes, please see the 
Corporate Governance section of this report.

Anti-bribery and corruption
3i does not offer, pay or accept bribes and we only work with third 
parties whose standards of business integrity are substantively 
consistent with ours. We expect the businesses we invest in to 
operate in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and, 
where appropriate, work towards meeting relevant international 
standards where these are more stringent. This includes, in 
particular, upholding high standards of business integrity, avoiding 
corruption in all its forms and complying with applicable anti-bribery, 
anti-fraud and anti-money laundering laws and regulations.

Modern slavery
We published our statement on modern slavery for the financial 
year ending 31 March 2018 on our website in September 2018, and 
will update this statement in September 2019. 3i is committed to 
ensuring that:

•  there is no slavery or human trafficking in any part of its business 

or supply chains; and

•  the companies in which it invests are also committed to ensuring 
that there is no slavery or human trafficking in any part of their 
businesses or supply chains. 

Data protection
3i’s data protection policy reflects the requirements of the general 
European data protection legislation, supplemented or adapted 
as necessary for local regulatory requirements. 3i is committed to 
protecting the data of its staff, customers and contacts and using 
it in an appropriate manner. We recognise the rights afforded to 
individuals by data protection legislation and that we must notify 
data subjects of the fact that we process their personal data and the 
specific purposes for which we do so. 

For more information on our approach to responsible investing,  
please see our Sustainability report. A summary of our  
Responsible Investment policy is available on www.3i.com

Our latest Modern Slavery disclosure is available on our website  
at www.3i.com/sustainability/modern-slavery

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 20193i maintains an Information Security Management System that:  
(i) ensures that the risks to the confidentiality, integrity and 
availability of information are managed to an acceptable level 
using a standard risk management framework; (ii) seeks to 
protect information from accidental or intentional damage, loss, 
unauthorised disclosure or modification; (iii) provides secure 
and reliable information to enable 3i employees to conduct 
their job effectively; and (iv) ensures compliance with legal 
and statutory obligations. 

Environmental impact
Please refer to our TCFD disclosures opposite and on pages  
58 and 59. 

Community
We focus our charitable activities principally on the disadvantaged, 
on the elderly, on young people and on education. The charities 
we partner with are supported on the basis of their effectiveness 
and impact. We also support staff giving and sponsorship through 
matching donations. 

Our charitable giving for the year to 31 March 2019 totalled £550,000 
(2018: £390,000). Further details of the charities we support are 
available in our Sustainability report 2019.

Further information on our corporate citizenship performance  
is available in our Sustainability report 2019.

External benchmarking
We believe that it is important to evidence our commitment 
to operating responsibly and to show how we are performing. 
Accordingly, we provide information to shareholders and other 
interested stakeholders.

Sustainability indices
We have been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe 
Index and of the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2002 and 2011 
respectively. In addition, 3i became a member of the Ethibel 
Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe in September 2016 and 
was reconfirmed as a constituent of that index in March 2019.

For more information, please see www.sustainability-indices.com
www.ftse.com/products/indices/FTSE4Good
www.forumethibel.org/content/ 
ethibel_sustainability_index_excellence_europe.html

Carbon Disclosure Project
CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) is an international, 
not-for-profit organisation providing a framework which enables 
businesses to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and other 
metrics voluntarily.

3i has been making annual submissions to CDP since 2006. 3i‘s score 
in the 2018 CDP assessment was B. For more information, please see 
www.cdp.net.

Equileap
3i ranked 59th among the Top 200 companies, and 7th among UK 
companies, in Equileap’s 2018 Gender Equality Global Report and 
Ranking. Equileap is a social venture that aims to accelerate progress 
towards gender equality in the workplace as a vital lever in reducing 
poverty and inequality. 

Our TCFD disclosures
These disclosures reflect 3i’s response to the recommendations of 
the TCFD, published in June 2017. They set out how we incorporate 
climate-related risks and opportunities into our governance, 
strategy, risk management and targets. What follows should be 
read in conjunction with the rest of the Annual report and with our 
Sustainability report. We have cross referenced the relevant sections 
of these two documents under each of the headings below. 

Governance
The Board as a whole reviews our approach to sustainability, 
corporate responsibility and related policies and addresses specific 
issues if they arise. It is also accountable for our Responsible 
Investment policy, for monitoring its implementation and for 
approving material changes to it. It has established a committee 
structure to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. 
Of particular relevance to the assessment and monitoring of 
sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities are: 

•  the Audit and Compliance Committee, which, among other areas, 

is also responsible for internal controls and risk management, 
including the assessment and management of ESG risks and 
opportunities, and for ensuring compliance with environmental 
legislation and regulation. The Audit and Compliance Committee 
is also responsible for reviewing and approving our disclosures 
under the TCFD framework; and 

•  the Valuations Committee, which considers the valuation impact 
of ESG-related risks and opportunities on our portfolio, including 
climate-related risks. 

Day-to-day accountability for sustainability, including climate 
change-related issues, rests with executive management and, 
in particular, the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive has also 
established a number of committees to support him in overseeing 
and monitoring policies and procedures and to address issues if 
they arise. These include the Investment Committee and the Group 
Risk Committee.

The Investment Committee is responsible for overseeing the 
implementation of the Responsible Investment policy, as well 
as being the body responsible for making decisions concerning 
the acquisition, management, ongoing monitoring and disposal 
of investments, as well as making decisions concerning major 
investments made by our portfolio companies. In evaluating new 
and existing investments, the Investment Committee takes account 
of climate-related risks, including the impact of climate change on 
the markets each company serves and demand for its products; 
the climate change resilience of each company’s assets and supply 
chain; and, in the case of energy-intensive industries, the feasibility 
and potential cost of GHG emissions abatement.

The Group Risk Committee oversees the Group’s risk 
management framework.

Responsibilities and accountabilities: Sustainability report p06
Governance framework: Annual report p60-95; Sustainability report p07

57

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Sustainability

continued

Strategy
Our objective is to generate attractive returns for our shareholders 
and the investors in our funds, by investing in and managing private 
equity and infrastructure assets. We create value through disciplined 
investment and the responsible stewardship of our assets, driving 
sustainable growth in our investee companies. 

Portfolio  Our investment strategy is to make a limited number of 
new investments each year in our Private Equity and Infrastructure 
businesses, selected within our target sectors and geographies on 
the basis of their compatibility with our return targets. We do not 
manage any sustainability-driven investment strategies, nor is it our 
intention to do so. 

However, in our experience, there is a strong link between 
companies that have high ESG standards and those that are able 
to achieve sustainable business growth. As set our earlier in this 
section and in our Sustainability report, for more than a decade we 
have carried out our investment activities under our Responsible 
Investment policy, which is embedded in our investment and 
portfolio management processes and is considered rigorous by 
industry standards. We have the flexibility to screen out businesses 
which have unsustainable environmental practices. Once invested, 
we use our influence to encourage the development of more 
environmentally sustainable behaviours in our portfolio companies, 
as well as investments to mitigate our portfolio companies’ 
environmental impact. 

We are committed to improve our role as a responsible investor 
on an ongoing basis. We will continue to develop and refine our 
Responsible Investment policy and ensure it is implemented through 
our investment and asset management activities.

3i Group  3i has a very limited direct impact on the environment and 
is not a significant producer of greenhouse gas emissions. We do, 
however, try to minimise our direct impact on the environment 
and have implemented initiatives across the organisation to try to 
achieve that objective. Our London and Luxembourg offices, which 
account for over 80% of our overall electricity consumption, already 
purchase electricity from 100% renewable sources.

Risk management
Portfolio  We monitor all relevant portfolio risks, including climate-
related risks and changing consumer preferences in response to 
environmental issues, through our rigorous investment assessment 
and portfolio monitoring processes. This is critical to protecting 
and enhancing the value of our assets and is at the core of what we 
do. We undertake ESG due diligence, including environmental due 
diligence, before making new investments, and monitor ESG risks 
throughout the life of our investments. Our processes are described 
in our Sustainability report and on page 47.

We will continue to develop our governance and risk management 
framework to ensure that sustainability-related risks in our portfolio 
remain an important part of our agenda and are treated as a priority 
by our portfolio company management teams. 

3i Group  As a business, we are not exposed to material 
environmental risks. We employ fewer than 250 employees 
globally and our offices are leased. We have a comprehensive risk 
governance framework and compliance processes and procedures 
to ensure that all risks, including ESG risks, are monitored and 
managed with due care and diligence and that 3i is fully compliant 
with all applicable environmental legislation.

Our business model: Annual report p10-11; Sustainability report p04 
A responsible investor: Sustainability report p23-30
Investment case studies: Sustainability report p31-33  
Environment: Sustainability report p41-43

Governance framework: Annual report p60-95; Sustainability report p07 
A responsible investor: Sustainability report p23-33
Risk management: Annual report p44-53; Sustainability report p07 

58

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019We quantify and report our organisational GHG emissions in 
alignment with the World Resources Institute’s Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and 
in alignment with the Scope 2 Guidance. We consolidate our 
organisational boundary according to the operational control 
approach, which includes all our offices. We have adopted a 
materiality threshold of 5% for GHG reporting purposes. The GHG 
sources that constituted our operational boundary for the year to 
31 March 2019 are:

•  Scope 1: natural gas combustion within boilers and fuel 

combustion within leased vehicles; and

•  Scope 2: purchased electricity and heat consumption for our 

own use.

In some cases, where data is missing, values have been estimated 
using either extrapolation of available data or data from the previous 
year as a proxy.

The Scope 2 Guidance requires that we quantify and report Scope 
2 emissions according to two different methodologies (“dual 
reporting”): (i) the location-based method, using average emissions 
factors for the country in which the reported operations take place; 
and (ii) the market-based method, which uses the actual emissions 
factors of the energy procured.

Whilst we have a very low footprint on the environment, we are 
committed to reducing it further. As noted earlier, in our London 
and Luxembourg offices, which account for over 80% of our overall 
electricity consumption, we purchase all of our electricity from 100% 
renewable sources.

Metrics and targets
Portfolio  Due to the concentrated nature of our portfolios, we do 
not carry out portfolio-wide scenario analyses, and do not intend 
to publish aggregated resource intensity or carbon intensity data. 
As our portfolios are subject to continuous change as a result of 
asset rotation, such portfolio-wide scenario analyses and data 
aggregation would not be meaningful or comparable year-on-year. 
Where appropriate and relevant, we carry out scenario analyses 
on an asset-by-asset basis, both before making an investment and 
subsequently as part of our ongoing portfolio monitoring and 
asset management. 

While we do not publish aggregated data, we monitor the 
environmental performance of our investee companies, and use our 
influence as an investor to promote a commitment in our investee 
companies to minimise their environmental footprint, invest in the 
mitigation of their environmental impact and implement energy 
efficiency measures. This is an important part not only of our 
portfolio risk management procedures, but also of the value creation 
plan for each of our investments. 

3i Group  This section has been prepared in accordance with our 
regulatory obligation to report greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions 
pursuant to section 7 of the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report 
and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013.

During the year to 31 March 2019, our measured Scope 1 and 2 
emissions (location-based) totalled 625.8 tCO2e. This comprised:

Scope

1
2 Location-based
3 Market-based1

FY2019

142.2
483.6
126.7

FY2018

156.4
594.4
137.4

1  Emissions from the consumption of electricity outside the UK and emissions from 

purchased electricity are calculated using the market-based approach using supplier-
specific emission factors and are reported in tCO2 rather than tCO2e because actual 
emission factors are available. 

This is equivalent to 2.6 tCO2e per full-time equivalent employee, 
based on an average of 240 employees during the year (2018:  
3.1 tCO2e; 241 employees). Overall our Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
decreased by 16.6% in the year due to the full impact of the 
closure of our Madrid office and a 19.5% decrease in the UK grid 
emission factor.

Our emissions have been verified to a reasonable level of assurance 
by an external third party according to the ISO 14064-3 standard. 

A responsible investor: Sustainability report p23-33 
Environment: Sustainability report p41-43

For the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006,  
the Strategic report of 3i Group plc comprises pages 4 to 59.

By order of the Board

Simon Borrows
Chief Executive 
15 May 2019

59

Performance, risk and sustainability3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Governance

Sets out how we maintain strong 
and effective oversight with rigorous 
controls to ensure the long-term 
sustainable success of the Company

60

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

Corporate governance statement

The Company seeks to comply with established best practice in 
the field of corporate governance. The Board has adopted core 
values and global policies which set out the behaviour expected 
of staff in their dealings with shareholders, customers, colleagues, 
suppliers and others who engage with the Company. 

Throughout the year, the Company complied with the provisions 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) published 
by the Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) in September 2016 
which is available on the FRC website. This Governance section 
of the Annual report and accounts outlines how we have applied 
the Code’s principles and provisions throughout the year. 
The Company is taking steps intended to enable it to comply 
with the revised 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the “2018 
Code”) published by the FRC in July 2018 which has applied to the 
Company from 1 April 2019.

Chairman’s introduction

Effective corporate governance is 
fundamental to the way 3i, and its 
portfolio companies, conduct business. 
By encouraging entrepreneurial and 
responsible management, it supports  
the creation of long-term, sustainable value 
for shareholders and for wider society.

In the current uncertain economic and political environment, 
effective oversight of strategy and risk is particularly 
important to promote the long-term success of the Group. 
In performing this role, the Board seeks to be responsive 
to both the evolving regulatory environment and changing 
expectations about the role of business in society. 
In particular, the Board seeks to ensure that the Group’s 
culture is aligned with its purpose and values, and that the 
Company has the necessary financial and human resources 
to deliver its strategy.

Simon Thompson
Chairman 

61

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Leadership
Board of Directors

Simon Thompson
Chairman

Simon Borrows
Chief Executive

Julia Wilson
Group Finance Director

Non-executive Director since 2015 and appointed non-
executive Chairman with effect from close of the 2015 
AGM. Chairman of Rio Tinto plc.

Previous experience
Until 2017 Chairman of Tullow Oil plc. Formerly an 
executive director of Anglo American plc and chairman 
of the Tarmac Group. Non-executive director of 
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Newmont Mining Corporation 
and Sandvik AB. Senior Independent Director of Amec 
Foster Wheeler plc. Previous career in investment 
banking with N M Rothschild and S.G. Warburg.

Chief Executive since 2012, and an Executive Director 
since he joined 3i in 2011. Chairman of the Group’s Risk 
Committee, Executive Committee and Investment 
Committee. Member of the Supervisory Board of Peer 
Holding I B.V., the Dutch holding company for the 
Group’s and EFV’s investment in Action. 

Previous experience
Formerly Chairman of Greenhill & Co International LLP, 
having previously been Co-Chief Executive Officer 
of Greenhill & Co, Inc. Before founding the European 
operations of Greenhill & Co in 1998 he was the 
Managing Director of Baring Brothers International 
Limited. Formerly a non-executive Director of the 
British Land Company PLC and Inchcape plc.

Group Finance Director and member of the Executive 
Committee since 2008. A member of the Investment 
Committee since 2012. Joined 3i in 2006 as Deputy 
Finance Director. Also a non-executive director of 
Legal & General Group Plc.

Previous experience
Formerly Group Director of Corporate Finance at 
Cable & Wireless plc, having previously held a variety 
of tax and finance roles at Cable & Wireless plc, 
Hanson plc and Tomkins plc.

Jonathan Asquith
Deputy Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director

Deputy Chairman since 2015 and Senior Independent 
Director since 2014. Non-executive Director since 2011. 
Chairman of the Risk and Audit Committee of Tilney 
Group Limited and a non-executive Director of CiCap 
Limited, the parent company of Coller Capital.

Previous experience
Formerly Chairman of Citigroup Global Markets Limited, 
Dexion Capital plc and AXA Investment Managers. 
Non-executive director of Ashmore Group plc. 
Director of Schroders plc from 2002 to 2008, during 
which time he was Chief Financial Officer and later 
Vice Chairman. Previously spent 18 years in investment 
banking with Morgan Grenfell and Deutsche Bank.

Caroline Banszky
Independent non-executive Director

Stephen Daintith
Independent non-executive Director

Non-executive Director since 2014. Also a non-
executive Director of Gore Street Energy Storage  
Fund plc and IntegraFin Holdings plc.

Non-executive Director since October 2016. 
Chief Financial Officer and an executive director  
of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc.

Previous experience
Formerly the Chief Executive of the Law Debenture 
Corporation p.l.c. from 2002 to 2016. Chief Operating 
Officer of SVB Holdings PLC, now Novae Group plc, 
a Lloyd’s listed integrated vehicle, from 1997 to 2002. 
Previously, Finance Director of N M Rothschild & Sons 
Limited from 1995 to 1997, having joined the bank in 
1981. She originally trained at what is now KPMG. 

Previous experience
Formerly Finance Director of Daily Mail and General 
Trust plc (“DMGT”) from 2011 to 2017. Non-executive 
director of ZPG Plc. Prior to joining DMGT he was Chief 
Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Dow 
Jones and prior to that Chief Financial Officer of News 
International. He originally qualified as a chartered 
accountant with Price Waterhouse (now part of PwC).

62

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Peter Grosch
Non-executive Director

David Hutchison
Independent non-executive Director

Coline McConville 
Independent non-executive Director

Non-executive Director since November 2015. 
Chairman of Euro-Diesel S.A., a 3i investee company.

Non-executive Director since December 2013. 
Chief Executive of Social Finance Limited.

Previous experience
Formerly CEO and President of Diehl Aerospace 
and Defence Systems, Executive Vice President 
DaimlerChrysler Off-Highway and Managing Director 
and Board Member of MTU Friedrichhafen (now 
Rolls-Royce Power Systems).

Previous experience
Until 2009 Head of UK Investment Banking at Dresdner 
Kleinwort Limited and a member of its Global Banking 
Operating Committee. From 2012 to 2017, a non-
executive director of the Start-Up Loans Company.

Non-executive Director since November 2018. 
Also a non-executive Director of Fevertree Drinks plc, 
Inchcape plc and Travis Perkins plc and a member of 
the Supervisory Board of Tui AG.

Previous experience
Formerly a non-executive Director of Tui Travel plc, 
UTV Media plc, Wembley National Stadium Limited, 
Shed Media plc and HBOS plc. Prior to that was 
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer 
Europe of Clear Channel International Limited and had 
previously worked for McKinsey.

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings

Total meetings held1

Number attended:
S R Thompson
S A Borrows
J S Wilson
J P Asquith
C J Banszky
S W Daintith
P Grosch
D A M Hutchison
C McConville

Independence

Independent on appointment
Executive Director
Executive Director
Senior Independent Director
Independent
Independent
Not independent2
Independent
Independent

Board

7

7(7)
7(7)
7(7)
7(7)
7(7)
6(7)
7(7)
7(7)
1(2)

Audit and  
Compliance Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Valuations 
Committee

6

6(6)
6(6)
6(6)

2(2)

4

4(4)

4(4)
4(4)
4(4)
4(4)
4(4)
2(2)

5

5(5)
5(5)

5(5)
1(1)

4

4(4)
4(4)
4(4)

4(4)
4(4)
4(4)

1  This table shows the number of scheduled meetings of the Board and its Committees attended by each Director in the year, together with (in brackets) the number of meetings they were 

eligible to attend.

2  Mr P Grosch is not considered independent because of his links with the Group’s Private Equity business including his position as chairman of Euro-Diesel,  

a company in which the Group is invested. Mr P Grosch receives director’s fees from and is a shareholder in Euro-Diesel. 

Non-executive Directors also attended a number of other Company meetings to increase their understanding of the principal risks in the business 
and the strength and depth of our people.

63

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Leadership
Executive Committee

Simon Borrows
Chief Executive 

See profile on page 62

Julia Wilson
Group Finance Director

See profile on page 62

Rob Collins 
Managing Partner, Head of North 
American Infrastructure 

Joined 3i in 2017 as the Managing Partner for North 
American Infrastructure. A member of the Executive 
Committee since May 2018. 

Previous experience
Prior to joining 3i, led Hastings’ infrastructure 
investment team in North America and Europe. 
Founded the infrastructure M&A practice at Morgan 
Stanley and Greenhill where he was a Managing 
Director at both firms. Started his infrastructure 
career at Goldman Sachs after serving as a nuclear-
power officer in the US Navy. Holds an MBA from 
The Wharton School, a masters equivalent in nuclear 
engineering from BRES, and a B.E. in chemical 
engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Pieter de Jong
Co-Head Private Equity

Joined 3i in 2004, has been Managing Director of 3i 
Benelux since 2011, and a member of the Executive 
Committee since April 2019. Also a non-executive 
director of Basic-Fit, Royal Sanders and WP.

Previous experience
Started his career at Stork in the USA, before joining 
Van Den Boom Group, a corporate finance consulting 
firm in Benelux, where he became partner/owner 
responsible for M&A. After selling the firm to NIBC in 
2000, he headed the M&A department until 2003.

Kevin Dunn
General Counsel and Company Secretary

Phil White
Managing Partner, Head of Infrastructure

Peter Wirtz
Co-Head Private Equity

Responsible for 3i’s legal, compliance, internal audit, 
human resources and company secretarial functions. 
A member of the Executive Committee since joining 
3i in 2007.

Previous experience
Prior to joining 3i, was a Senior Managing Director, 
running GE’s European Leveraged Finance business 
after serving as European General Counsel for GE. 
Prior to GE, was a partner at the law firms Travers Smith 
and Latham & Watkins.

Joined 3i in 2007. A member of the Executive Committee 
since 2014.

Previous experience
Prior to joining 3i, experience in infrastructure 
investment, advisory and financing, including roles at 
Macquarie, WestLB and Barclays. Holds an MBA from 
London Business School.

Joined 3i in 1998. Served as 3i Germany Co-Head 
between 2009 and 2019. A member of the Executive 
Committee since April 2019. Also non-executive 
director of Christ, Scandlines, ICE and Lampenwelt.

Previous experience
Prior to joining 3i, worked for Deutsche Bank and 
spent four years with Procter & Gamble in various 
finance functions.

64

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019The role of the Board

How the Board operates
The Board is accountable for the long-term sustainable success of 
the Company by approving the Group’s strategic objectives and 
monitoring performance against those objectives. The Board meets 
formally on a regular basis and, at each meeting, considers business 
performance. There is a clearly defined schedule of matters reserved 
for the Board. 

Meetings are usually held in London, except for one meeting a year 
which is held in one of our other offices, providing a chance for  
non-executive Directors to meet our local teams and visit some  
of our portfolio companies.

The Board is assisted by various Principal Committees of the Board, 
which report to it regularly and details of their activity in the year are 
provided on pages 69 to 89. 

Matters delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive include 
implementation of the Board approved strategy, most investment 
decisions, day-to-day management and operation of the business, 
the appointment and most remuneration of staff below the 
Executive Committee and risk management.

Day-to-day management of the Group is the responsibility of the 
Chief Executive. To assist him in this role, the Chief Executive has 
established a number of additional management committees, 
including the Investment Committee, which are outlined in the Risk 
management section of the Strategic report on page 44.

Role of the Chairman

•  Leads the Board and is responsible for its overall effectiveness 
in directing the Company. Promotes a culture of openness 
and debate.

•  Leads the Board in establishing the purpose, values and culture 

of the Company.

•  Leads the Board in setting its agenda, approving strategy, 
monitoring financial and operational performance, and 
establishing the Group’s risk appetite.

•  Organises the business of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness, 

and maintains an effective system of internal controls.

•  Ensures that Directors receive accurate, timely and clear 

information. This includes ensuring that the non-executive 
Directors receive regular reports on shareholders’ views on 
the Group.

•  Responsible for the composition of the Board, facilitates 

the effective contribution of all non-executive Directors and 
promotes constructive Board relations.

Role of the Chief Executive

•  Direct charge of the Group on a day-to-day basis and is 

accountable to the Board for the financial and operational 
performance of the Group.

•  Chairs the Investment Committee to review the acquisition, 

management and disposal of investments.

•  Leads the Executive management team to develop and 
implement the Group’s strategy and manage the risk  
and internal control framework.

•  Reports to the Board on financial and operational performance, 

risk management and progress in delivering the strategic 
objectives.

•  Regularly engages with shareholders and other key stakeholders 

on the Group’s activities and progress.

Role of non-executive Directors

•  Provide constructive challenge, strategic guidance and hold 

management to account.

•  Scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed 

objectives and monitor the reporting of performance.

•  Seek assurance on the integrity of the financial information 

and that financial controls and systems of risk management are 
robust and defensible.

•  Determine appropriate levels of remuneration for Executive 
Directors and Executive Committee and have a prime role in 
appointing Directors and in succession planning.

•  Constructively challenge and help develop proposals on 

strategy; this occurs at meetings of the Board, and in particular 
at the annual review meeting to discuss ongoing strategy, the 
most recent of which took place in December 2018.

65

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Leadership 
Relations with shareholders

Approach to Investor Relations
The Board recognises the importance of maintaining a purposeful 
relationship with shareholders. The Group has a comprehensive 
Investor Relations programme to help existing and potential 
investors to understand its activities, strategy and financial 
performance. The Chief Executive and the Group Finance Director 
meet with the Company’s principal shareholders to discuss relevant 
issues as they arise. The Chairman seeks to engage with major 
shareholders on corporate governance, strategy and management 
once a year, and is available more often as required. Non-executive 
Directors are also available to meet shareholders, as required.

Board oversight
The Executive Directors brief the Board on a regular basis on 
the implementation of the Investor Relations programme and on 
feedback received from analysts and investors. Any significant 
concern raised by shareholders in relation to the Group is 
communicated to the Board. The Board also receives periodic 
feedback from existing shareholders and potential investors through 
3i’s corporate brokers, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays and 
Numis Securities.

Investor Relations programme 
Meetings with shareholders
The Executive Directors meet with the Group’s principal 
shareholders on a twice-yearly basis, following the publication 
of annual and half-yearly results and as required during the year. 
The Chairman and Senior Independent Director are also available 
to meet with shareholders as required. The Investor Relations team 
manages a programme of engagement with smaller shareholders, 
implemented through regular presentations and meetings.

Meetings with potential investors
During the year, the Executive Directors and the Investor Relations 
team held regular meetings with potential investors, as part of 
arranged UK and international roadshows, to communicate the 
strategy and performance of 3i.

Annual and half-yearly results presentations
The Executive Directors present the annual and half-yearly results to 
institutional investors and analysts. These presentations are webcast 
live on 3i’s website, and the on-demand webcast remains available 
on the website for a period of 12 months.

Investor conferences
Throughout the year, the Executive Directors and Investor Relations 
team also participated in a number of investor conferences organised 
by investment banks for institutional investors. 

These included conferences organised by Morgan Stanley, Société 
Générale, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and JPMorgan Cazenove.

Capital markets seminars
3i held two capital markets seminars in London in FY2019, including 
one on Action, 3i’s largest investment, and one on three other 
assets in the Private Equity portfolio. The Action capital markets 
seminar, held in March 2019, consisted of presentations to 
significant shareholders and analysts by the 3i Chief Executive and 
the management team of Action. This event focused on Action’s 
business model and strategy and on its financial performance. 
A recording of the seminar and the presentation materials used 
were made available on 3i’s website. The Private Equity capital 
markets seminar, held in September 2018, involved presentations on 
three of our most recent Private Equity investments: Audley Travel, 
Cirtec Medical and Lampenwelt. The presentations were delivered 
by the Private Equity investment partners responsible for those 
investments. The presentation materials used during the seminar 
were made available on 3i’s website. 

Individual investors
Individual investors are encouraged to engage with the Group 
and provide feedback through the Investor Relations team and 
the Company Secretary, whose contact details are available on 
the website.

Annual General Meeting
The Company also uses its AGM as an opportunity to communicate 
with its shareholders. At the Meeting, business presentations 
are generally made by the Chairman and the Chief Executive. 
The Chairmen of the Remuneration, Audit and Compliance, 
and Nominations Committees are generally available to answer 
shareholders’ questions. Business to be discussed at the Meeting is 
notified to shareholders in advance through the Notice of Meeting 
and covers matters such as the annual election of Directors, the 
appointment of the Auditor and the dividend declaration. During the 
Meeting, shareholders are also asked to approve the financial 
statements and reports of the Directors and the Auditor. In addition, 
shareholders are asked to approve the Directors’ remuneration 
report. The 2018 Notice of AGM was dispatched to shareholders 
not less than 20 working days before the Meeting. At that Meeting, 
voting on each resolution was taken on a poll and the poll results 
were made available on the Company’s website.

Website
3i’s website provides a brief description of 3i’s history, current 
operations and strategy, as well as an archive of over 10 years of 
news and historical financial information on the Group and details of 
forthcoming events for shareholders and analysts. 

May

Full-year results
17.05.18

Roadshows
from 18.05.18

June

AGM
28.06.18

July

Sept

Nov

Jan

March

Performance  
update
25.07.18

Capital markets  
seminar
17.09.18

Half-year results
15.11.18

Roadshows
from 16.11.18

Q3 Performance  
update
31.01.19

Capital markets  
seminar
19.03.19

66

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Responsibility, succession and evaluation 
Performance and risk management

Training and advice
The Company has a training policy which provides a framework 
within which training for Directors is planned with the objective of 
ensuring Directors understand the duties and responsibilities of 
being a director of a listed company. All Directors are required to 
keep their skills up-to-date and maintain their familiarity with the 
Company and its business. 

On appointment, all non-executive Directors have discussions 
with the Chairman and the Chief Executive following which 
appropriate briefings on the responsibilities of Directors, the 
Company’s business and the Company’s procedures are arranged. 
The Company provides opportunities for non-executive Directors 
to obtain a thorough understanding of the Company’s business 
by meeting members of the senior management team who in turn 
arrange, as required, visits to investment or support teams.

The Company has procedures for Directors to take independent 
legal or other professional advice in relation to the performance 
of their duties. In addition, Directors have access to the advice 
and services of the General Counsel and Company Secretary, who 
advises the Board, through the Chairman, on governance matters.

What the Board did in FY2019
The Board met for seven scheduled meetings during FY2019. 
In addition, the Board held a strategy day in December 2018 and 
held two ad hoc meetings to deal with specific matters as they arose. 
A table of individual Board member attendance at the scheduled 
Board and Committee meetings is provided on page 63. This shows 
the number of scheduled meetings of the Board and its Committees 
attended by each Director in the year together with (in brackets) the 
number of such meetings they were eligible to attend. 

The Board’s agenda is set by the Chairman. Board members and, 
as appropriate, executives from the relevant business areas are 
invited to present on key items allowing the Board the opportunity 
to debate and challenge initiatives directly with the senior 
management team.

The principal matters considered by the Board during the year (in 
addition to matters formally reserved to the Board) included:

•  the Group’s strategic plan, related KPIs and annual budget;

•  regular reports from the Chief Executive;

•  reviews of and updates on the Group’s Private Equity and 

Infrastructure businesses as well as reports and updates on the 
investment portfolio and specific investments;

•  regular reports from the Board’s Committees;

•  remuneration and pension matters including remuneration 

philosophy and strategy;

•  the recommendations of the Valuations Committee on valuations 

of investments;

•  the Annual report and accounts, Half-yearly report and quarterly 

performance updates together with the Notice of AGM;

•  dividend policy and dividends;

•  the clarification to the Company’s published investment policy 

explained in the 2018 Accounts;

•  the audit tender process including receiving recommendations 

from Audit and Compliance Committee and selecting the 
new Auditor;

•  reports on the progress and implementation of plans to mitigate 

against impacts of Brexit;

•  governance and regulatory matters including significant 

regulation affecting the Group, the introduction of the new 2018 
Corporate Governance Code, review of Board Committee terms 
of reference and Matters Reserved to the Board, the annual Board 
and Chairman performance evaluation, independence of non-
executive Directors, and non-executive Director fees; and

•  organisational capability and succession plans. 

67

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Responsibility, succession and evaluation 
 Performance and risk management

 continued

Performance and evaluation
During the year, the Board conducted its annual evaluation of 
its own performance and that of its committees and individual 
Directors. This year, the evaluation process was externally facilitated 
by Lintstock Limited. Lintstock Limited has no other connections 
with the Company. The evaluation consisted of a questionnaire 
completed by Board members, an upward review of Board 
performance by other members of the Executive Committee,  
one-to-one interviews, and a report from Lintstock Limited  
to the Board. Points arising from the evaluation were discussed  
at a Board Meeting.

Overall, the results of the evaluation were positive, reflecting strong 
and improving performance by the Board and its Committees, 
including in relation to: Board and management succession 
planning; understanding of the markets in which the Group operates 
and the views of its stakeholders; oversight of strategy; and decision 
making. The evaluation noted a consensus among Board members 
on the shorter-term priorities for the Board and management. 
These included maintaining the Group’s disciplined approach 
to investment; delivering on objectives in relation to specific 
investments; and being prepared for future changes within the 
Board and senior management team, and external to the Group. 

The review identified a number of relatively minor actions to further 
improve Board processes.

In his role as Senior Independent Director, Jonathan Asquith led  
a review by the Directors of the performance of the Chairman, which 
was also facilitated with a questionnaire prepared by Lintstock 
Limited. Mr Asquith subsequently reported back to the Board  
and provided feedback to the Chairman.

The topics covered by the annual Board 
evaluation included: 

•  Board composition and expertise;

•  Board dynamics;

•  time management and Board support;

•  the performance of the Board’s Committees;

•  the Board’s strategic and operational oversight; 

•  risk management and internal control; 

•  succession planning and human resources management; and

•  priorities for change.

Risk management and internal control
The Board has overall responsibility for risk management and 
internal control, including the determination of the nature and 
extent of the principal risks it is willing to take to achieve its strategic 
objectives and ensuring that an appropriate culture has been 
embedded throughout the organisation. 

The Board has put in place an organisational structure with 
clearly defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority. 
Details of the risk management framework can be found in the Risk 
management section of the Strategic report on pages 44 to 47. 
The framework includes the Group Risk Committee, a management 
committee formed by the Chief Executive.

The overall risk management and internal control process is regularly 
reviewed by the Board and the Audit and Compliance Committee 
and complies with the Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council. The Audit and Compliance Committee 
performed its annual review of the system’s effectiveness and 
reported its conclusions to the Board. The process has been  
in place for the year under review and up to the date of approval  
of this Annual report and accounts 2019. 

Financial reporting
In the context of the Group’s internal control and risk management 
systems, there are specific processes in place in relation to financial 
reporting, including:

•  comprehensive system of key control and oversight processes, 
including regular reconciliations, line manager reviews and 
systems’ access controls;

•  updates for consideration by the Audit and Compliance Committee 
of accounting developments, including draft and new accounting 
standards and legislation;

•  a separate Valuations Committee which considers the Group’s 

investment valuation policies, application and outcome;

•  approval of the Group’s budget by the Board and a comprehensive 
system of financial reporting to the Board, based on the annual 
budget with monthly reporting of actual results, analysis of 
variances, scrutiny of key performance indicators and regular  
re-forecasting;

•  reports from Internal Audit on matters relevant to the financial 
reporting process, including periodic assessments of internal 
controls, processes and fraud risk;

•  independent updates and reports from the external Auditor on 
accounting developments, application of accounting standards, 
key accounting judgements and observations on systems 
and controls;

•  appointment of experienced and professional staff, both by 

recruitment and promotion, of the necessary calibre to fulfil their 
allotted responsibilities; and 

•  appropriate Board oversight of external reporting.

68

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Nominations Committee report

Membership during the year

Name

Membership status

Simon Thompson

Member since April 2015 and  
Chairman since June 2015

Jonathan Asquith

Member since March 2011

Caroline Banszky

Member since July 2014

Stephen Daintith

Member since October 2016

Peter Grosch

Member since November 2015

David Hutchison

Member since November 2013

Coline McConville

Member since November 2018

Read more about the Composition of the Board p62

Further information on the Nominations Committee’s  
terms of reference can be found on www.3i.com

Composition of the Board

Sector
experience

Tenure

Gender
diversity

55% Financial services

11% >9 years

45% Other

22% 6–9 years

45% 3–6 years

11% 1–3 years

11% 0–1 years

67% Male

33% Female

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Nominations Committee report for 
the year ended 31 March 2019. My report explains the role of the 
Committee as well as its work this year.

The Committee’s principal role is to ensure that the Board has the 
necessary skills and experience to enable the Group to deliver its 
current and future strategic objectives. We regularly review the balance 
and composition of the Board, and develop appropriate succession 
plans, including contingency plans. 

Directors
Directors’ biographical details are set out on pages 62 and 63. 

All Directors are subject to re-appointment every year. Accordingly,  
at the AGM to be held on 27 June 2019, all the Directors will retire  
from office. All the Directors are eligible for and seek appointment or 
re-appointment. The Board’s recommendation for the appointment 
and re-appointment of Directors is set out in the 2019 Notice of AGM.

Jonathan Asquith served as Senior Independent Director (“SID”) 
throughout the year. The SID supports me and I meet him regularly. 
He is also available to the Company’s shareholders to address any 
concerns that they have not been able to resolve through me,  
Simon Borrows or Julia Wilson, or where they consider these channels 
to be inappropriate.

Diversity
Further to the publication of the Davies Report on Women on Boards, 
the subsequent Hampton-Alexander Review and Code Provision B.2.4, 
the Board strongly supports the principle of boardroom diversity,  
of which gender is one important aspect. The Board’s aim is to have 
a diverse Board in terms of gender, industry experience, skills and 
educational background, and nationality and makes appointments  
on merit and against objective criteria. 

We have a formal, rigorous and transparent process for the 
appointment of Directors, with the objective of identifying the 
skills and experience required of new Directors, and identifying 
and appraising suitable candidates. In the case of non-executive 
Directors, the appraisal includes an assessment of whether 
potential candidates have sufficient time available to fulfil their roles. 
Specialist recruitment consultants assist the Committee with this 
process. Our recommendations for appointment are put to the full 
Board for approval. The external search consultancies we engage 
are instructed to put forward for all Board positions a diversity 
of candidates. 

Activities 
This year we worked with external search consultants JCA Heidrick  
and Struggles which led to the appointment of Coline McConville  
as a non-executive Director. As set out in her biography on page 63, 
Coline brings a wealth of executive and non-executive experience, 
including of remuneration policy. The Board (as well as certain of  
3i’s portfolio companies) also worked with executive search 
consultants Egon Zehnder in the year. 

JCA Heidrick and Struggles and Egon Zehnder delivered no other 
services to 3i.

Simon Thompson
Chairman, Nominations Committee 
15 May 2019

69

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
Audit, risk and internal control
Audit and Compliance Committee report

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Audit and Compliance Committee 
report for the year ended 31 March 2019. My report explains the 
Committee’s work this year. 

We held six regular scheduled meetings this year, four of which were 
coordinated with 3i’s external reporting timetable, as well as one other 
additional ad hoc meeting to discuss the audit tender. As discussed in 
last year’s report, the Committee conducted an audit tender process 
in the summer of 2018. In July 2018 the Committee recommended to 
the Board the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Group’s new external 
auditor for the year ending 31 March 2021, replacing Ernst & Young 
LLP. A resolution will be proposed at the 2020 AGM for shareholders to 
approve the appointment of KPMG LLP. Further detail on the tender 
process is included within the report. 

In addition to the audit tender, the Committee focused on internal 
controls and the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting, 
reviewed the implementation of IFRS 15 and received an update 
on management’s approach to cyber security. The Committee also 
received its annual update on tax reporting. 

In advance of each Committee meeting, I met the Group Finance 
Director, the Group Financial Controller and the Heads of Compliance 
and Internal Audit to discuss their reports as well as any relevant issues. 
I also met privately with the external Auditor and, periodically, with 
other members of the 3i senior management team.

I regularly meet with the Ernst & Young LLP audit team as part of my 
ongoing review of their effectiveness. As part of my year-end review, 
I also met Ernst & Young LLP’s Head of Audit Quality for UK Financial 
Services to discuss their approach to audit quality and what assurance 
had been taken in connection with their audit of 3i. The Financial 
Reporting Council’s (“FRC”) Audit Quality Review team reviewed 
Ernst & Young LLP’s audit for 3i’s financial year to 31 March 2018. I am 
pleased to report that there were no significant findings arising from 
their review. 

The rest of the report sets out in detail the Committee’s activities in the 
year. It is structured into five parts:

•  Governance 
•  Report on the year 

•  Internal audit 
•  External audit

•  Audit tender

I look forward to engaging with you on the work of the Committee. 

Caroline Banszky
Chairman, Audit and Compliance Committee 
15 May 2019

Internal control and risk management

•  Review of 3i’s system of control and risk management
•  External and internal audit reports
•  Review of the viability statement and the supporting stress test scenarios
•  Update on cyber security and GDPR
•  Staff annual verification exercise
•  Update on compliance with HMRC’s Senior Accounting Officer Regime

Membership during the year

Name

Membership status

Caroline Banszky

Member since July 2014 and  
Chairman since January 2015

Jonathan Asquith

Member since March 2011

Stephen Daintith

Member since October 2016

Coline McConville

Member since November 2018

Other regular attendees at the Committee meetings include 
the following: Group Chairman; Chief Executive; Group Finance 
Director; Group General Counsel; Group Financial Controller; 
the Head of Internal Audit; the Head of Compliance; and the 
external Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Further information on the Audit and Compliance Committee’s 
terms of reference can be found on our website www.3i.com

What the Committee reviewed in FY2019
Financial reporting

•  Annual and half-year reports
•  Quarterly performance updates
•  Key accounting judgements and estimates
•  Update on the relevant thematic reviews from the FRC
•  Update on the Group’s implementation of IFRS 9 and 15
•  Reviewed the rationale for introducing Corporate Assets  

as an operating segment of the Group

•  Reviewing the Annual report to ensure that it is fair, balanced 

and understandable

70

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Governance
All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
Directors. The Board believes members have the necessary range of 
financial, risk, control and commercial experience required to provide 
effective challenge to management. In particular, the Board is satisfied 
that Caroline Banszky has the recent and relevant financial experience 
as outlined in the FRC’s Corporate Governance Code. The attendance 
of members at meetings is shown in the table on page 63.

Taxation
The Committee received its annual update from the Group Tax Director 
on the Group’s taxation status. This year’s report covered results 
of HMRC’s latest business risk review, the upcoming EU Disclosure 
requirements and an update on the Senior Accounting Officer 
regime. In addition, the Committee was briefed on the recruitment 
of a new Group Tax Director following the retirement of the long-
standing incumbent. 

The Committee meets privately for part of its meetings and also has 
regular private meetings with the external Auditor, the Group Finance 
Director, the Head of Internal Audit and the Head of Compliance in the 
absence of other management. 

Report on the year
In addition to the areas of significant accounting judgement and 
monitoring the effectiveness of 3i’s risk management, the Committee 
particularly focused on a number of topics, which are set out below.

Accounting policies and practices 
The Committee discussed a report from management on the new 
accounting standards IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) and IFRS 15 
(Revenue Recognition), which became effective for 3i on 1 April 2018. 
In particular, the Committee discussed the key technical decisions, 
critical judgements and interpretations required by IFRS 15, and 3i’s 
approach to these, together with the Group’s disclosure in the Financial 
review and on page 104 of the financial statements. 

Financial reporting regulators
The Committee considered comment letters and papers from the 
FRC, including their Year End Advice Letter to Audit Committee Chairs 
and Finance Directors in October 2018 and their published thematic 
reviews. The Committee reviewed a paper prepared by management, 
which detailed how they had taken due account of the matters raised 
and the enhancements they proposed to relevant disclosures in the Half 
yearly accounts 2018 and Annual report and accounts 2019. 

Going concern and viability
The Directors are required to make a statement in the Annual report as 
to 3i’s long-term viability. The Committee provides advice to the Board 
on the form and content of the statement, including the underlying 
assumptions. In advance of the year end the Committee reviewed 
the Group’s proposed stress test scenarios to support the Viability 
Statement. At the year end, the Committee evaluated a report from 
management setting out its view of 3i’s long-term viability and content 
of the proposed Viability statement. This report was based on the 
Group’s five-year strategic plan and covered forecasts for investments 
and realisations, liquidity and leverage, including forecast outcomes of 
the stress test of the plan and forecast capital and liquidity performance 
against an assessment of the Group’s risk profile. To address feedback 
from the FRC in its thematic review, the Committee discussed whether 
the choice of the three-year period remained appropriate. However, it 
concluded that it remained the most appropriate and provided more 
certainty on the Group’s performance due to the nature of the Group’s 
business and its risk appetite to invest in Private Equity investments for 
a period of four to five years.

Taking into account the assessment of the Group’s stress testing 
results and its risk appetite statement (as disclosed on page 44), the 
Committee agreed to recommend the Viability statement and three-
year viability period to the Board for approval.

Areas of accounting judgement and control focus
The Committee pays particular attention to matters it considers to be 
important by virtue of their size, complexity, level of judgement and 
potential impact on the financial statements and wider business model. 
Significant areas of focus considered by the Committee are detailed 
in the table on the following page, alongside the actions taken by the 
Committee (with appropriate challenge from the external Auditor) to 
address them.

External audit

Risk reviews

•  Confirmation of the external Auditor’s independence
•  Policy and approval for non-audit fees
•  The FY2019 Audit plan, including significant audit risks (being the valuation  
of the unquoted investment portfolio and the calculation of carried interest) 
as well as the area of audit focus (revenue recognition) 

•  Audit results report, including the results from testing Key Audit Matters
•  Auditor performance and effectiveness
•  The Group’s audit tender process, completed in July 2018

•  Discussed Audit Quality Review team findings

•  Valuation reports and recommending the investment portfolio  

valuation to the Board

•  Review of investment themes from portfolio company review  

process and portfolio performance 

•  Regular reviews of compliance with regulatory rules and compliance 

monitoring findings

•  Review of strategy to address Brexit related regulatory challenges
•  Annual tax update, including the result of HMRC’s Business Risk Review
•  Reports on approach to tax policy and strategy
•  Litigation
•  Liquidity and going concern
•  Review of the on-shoring of 3iN

71

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audit, risk and internal control
Audit and Compliance Committee report

continued

Area of significant attention

What the Committee reviewed and concluded

Valuation of the proprietary capital investment portfolio

The most material area of judgement in the financial statements, 
and noted as a significant risk and Key Audit Matter by the external 
Auditor, relates to the valuation of the unquoted Proprietary Capital 
investment portfolio, which at 31 March 2019 was £6,555 million, or 
83% of net assets, under the Investment basis.

In recognition of the importance of this area, the Board has a 
Valuations Committee to review the valuations policy, process and 
application to individual investments. The Valuations Committee 
provides quarterly oral reports to the Audit and Compliance 
Committee and the Board.

On behalf of the Board, the Committee received and evaluated 
quarterly reports from the Chairman of the Valuations Committee 
and the external Auditor, with particular focus on the assumptions 
supporting the unquoted asset investments, any valuation 
uncertainties and the proposed disclosure in the financial 
statements. Members of the Committee also attend the  
Valuations Committee meetings.

The detail on the key valuation considerations and the review and 
challenge undertaken in the year is included in the Valuations 
Committee report on pages 75 to 78. 

Carried interest payable and receivable

The valuation of the proprietary capital portfolio is a primary input 
into the carried interest payable and receivable balances, which are 
determined by reference to the valuation at 31 March 2019. 

We are through the hurdle to recognise carried interest receivable 
from EFV on an accounting basis. Carried interest receivable has 
been recognised in accordance with IFRS 15 in FY2019. 

We are also through the hurdle to pay carried interest to investment 
teams on 3i’s proprietary capital invested in the 2010-2012 vintage.

Internal Audit reviews the carried interest balances and carry plan 
distributions made to plan participants before the payments are 
made. Summaries of the work done are included in updates to 
the Committee.

The Committee reviewed the carried interest payable and 
receivable as part of the overall summary prepared by 
management to support the Annual report and accounts 2019. 

In addition, the Committee reviewed a paper from management 
on the Group’s recognition of carried interest receivable from EFV 
in accordance with IFRS 15, and the disclosure in the Annual report 
and accounts 2019. 

Fair, balanced and understandable and the presentation of 3i’s results

Under the UK Corporate Governance Code the Board should 
establish arrangements to ensure the Annual report presents a fair, 
balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s position 
and prospects.

The Group prepares the non-GAAP Investment basis financial 
statements to ensure that its results remain understandable.

The Committee reviewed the Half-yearly and Annual financial 
statements as well as the Quarterly Performance Updates with 
management, focusing on the integrity and clarity of disclosure 
and enabling the Board to provide the fair, balanced and 
understandable confirmation to shareholders in the Annual report 
and accounts 2019. The Committee also reviewed the level of 
segmental reporting following the introduction of Corporate 
Assets in the year. 

A report summarising the considerations for the Annual report and 
accounts 2019 was reviewed by the Committee in advance of the 
year end and a summary of the detailed procedures undertaken 
was prepared alongside the Annual report and accounts 2019.

The external Auditor also confirmed that the inclusion of the 
Investment basis remained consistent with the prior year.

72

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Internal audit 
The Committee continued to monitor the scope, activity, and resources 
of the Group’s internal audit function, including approving the internal 
audit plan and whether its operating model remained effective. 
The Committee monitors Internal Audit activity quarterly, which 
includes the results of their reviews of 3i’s investment offices as well as 
other areas of identified higher risk. They also reviewed Internal Audit’s 
self-assessment of quality in the year. The Committee concluded that 
the Internal Audit function remained appropriate. 

Risk and internal control reviews
The Committee is responsible on behalf of the Board for overseeing 
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal control 
systems. It monitors the activities of the Group Risk Committee 
(“GRC”), the risk management processes in place and Internal Audit’s 
assessment of the effectiveness of controls, the use of the Group’s 
whistleblowing facility and compliance with the UK Bribery Act.

As highlighted on page 44 in the Risk management section, a report 
summarising each quarterly GRC meeting, along with the risk report 
considered, is provided to the Committee for review and discussion. 
In addition, the Head of Internal Audit prepares an annual report 
providing an independent assessment of the effectiveness of 3i’s risk 
management and internal control systems for presentation to the 
Committee. Additional information can be found on page 68 of the 
Corporate Governance report. 

External audit
The Committee has responsibility for making recommendations to the 
Board on the re-appointment of the external Auditor, determining its 
independence from the Group and its management and agreeing the 
scope and fee for the audit. 

Auditor independence
The Group has a policy for setting out what non-audit services can be 
purchased from the firm appointed as external Auditor. The aim of the 
policy is to support and safeguard the objectivity and independence 
of the external Auditor and to comply with the FRC’s Ethical Standards 
for auditors. It also ensures that where fees for approved non-audit 
services are greater than a pre-determined limit, they are subject to the 
Committee Chairman’s prior approval. 

The policy permits certain non-audit services to be procured, following 
approval, when the Committee continues to see benefits for the Group 
in engaging Ernst & Young LLP. Examples of this include work:

•  that is closely related to the external audit;

•  where a detailed understanding of the Group is required; and

•  where Ernst & Young LLP is able to provide a higher quality and/or 

better value service than other potential providers.

The key principle of our policy is that permission to engage the external 
Auditor will always be refused when a threat to independence and/or  
objectivity is perceived. The Committee Chairman is asked to approve 
all assignments to be allocated to Ernst & Young LLP over a defined 
limit, other than those related to due diligence undertaken as part  
of the Group’s investment process. Appointments in relation to the  
investment process are independent of the audit team and are reviewed 
separately by the Investment Committee. Ernst & Young LLP inform  
the Group of all due diligence engagements before they accept them  
and all material due diligence commitments are reported to the 
Committee Chairman. 

Ernst & Young LLP has reviewed its own independence in line with 
these criteria and its own ethical guideline standards. This includes 
the review of due diligence processes undertaken within the Group’s 
investment activities. Ernst & Young LLP has confirmed to the 
Committee that following its review it is satisfied that it has acted in 
accordance with relevant regulatory and professional requirements. 

Audit and non-audit fees 
The total audit fee for the year was £1.9 million (2018: £1.9 million). 
Non-audit fees paid to the external Auditor were £0.6 million 
(2018: £0.4 million). The Committee concluded that all of these fees fell 
within its criteria for engaging Ernst & Young LLP and does not believe 
they pose a threat to the Auditor’s independence or objectivity. 

Assessing external audit effectiveness
The Committee reviews the effectiveness of Ernst & Young LLP through 
the use of questionnaires completed by management, by considering 
the extent of their contribution at its meetings throughout the course of 
the year, and in one-to-one meetings. 

The FY2019 evaluation also reviewed the quality of the audit process, 
the use of Ernst & Young LLP’s valuation specialists to support the audit 
of the portfolio valuations, the technical knowledge of the team and 
staff turnover within the Ernst & Young LLP audit team. The Committee 
concluded that the audit was effective and that there should be a 
resolution to shareholders to recommend the re-appointment of Ernst 
& Young LLP at the 2019 AGM. 

The Financial Reporting Council’s Audit Quality Review team 
reviewed Ernst & Young LLP’s audit for 3i’s financial year to 31 March 
2018. The Committee reviewed the correspondence from the FRC, 
which noted that there were no significant findings arising from the 
FRC’s review. 

3i is in compliance with the requirements of The Statutory Audit 
Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) 
Order 2014, in the year ended 31 March 2019.

73

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audit, risk and internal control
Audit and Compliance Committee report 

continued

Audit tender
Ernst & Young LLP (including its predecessor firms) has been the 
Group’s external Auditor since November 1973. In line with the 
Competition and Markets Authority Statutory Audit Services Order, the 
Group must appoint a new Auditor for its year ending 31 March 2021. 
As noted in previous annual reports, the Committee had delayed the 
rotation of the current auditor to no later than 1 April 2020. This was due 
to the scale of the current engagements across the Group as well as its 
portfolio companies with the firms that could have participated in any 
tender, as well as the complexities around how the rules on non-audit 
services apply to private equity investments. 

Planning for the tender had begun informally in 2017, in recognition 
of the possible independence complexities and the need to assess a 
broad range of recipients. The process formally started in January 2018. 
The Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee led the process 
and oversaw the work of management, who supported the Committee 
in developing and implementing the planned approach. The Chairman 
met with the tender project team (the Group Finance Director and 
the Group Financial Controller) regularly throughout. The Chairman 
received and commented on the tender materials before they were 
issued, either to the Committee or to the participating firms. 

The process was designed to be transparent and efficient and give 
as many firms as practicable an equal opportunity to tender for the 
services. Prior to the tender announcement in the FY2018 report, the 
prospective participating firms were given the opportunity to meet 
with 3i’s employees. Procedures for managing conflicts of interest, 
including gifts and hospitality, were communicated to each firm and 3i 
employees. Access to employees and the Board was restricted when 
the Request for Proposal had been circulated and accepted. 

Except for Ernst & Young LLP, no other firm was prohibited from taking 
part in the tender. However, the Committee agreed that only Deloitte, 
KPMG and PWC should be issued with the Request for Proposal (“RFP”).  
Grant Thornton were not invited to participate following their decision  
not to tender for FTSE 350 audits. Following meetings with management  
and a review of their capabilities, the Committee considered that 
the remaining firms did not have the sufficient valuations expertise 
to audit the valuation of 3i’s mid-market, unquoted and international 
investments. In addition, none of the other firms had maintained 
significant, or material, relationships with 3i. 

In line with FRC guidance, each firm was assessed against the following 
key criteria (in no particular order):

•  audit approach to corporate entities;

•  audit approach to partnership entities;

•  audit approach to valuing the Group’s investment portfolio, 

including the requirement to propose a separate partner with 
valuations expertise;

•  audit quality;

•  audit team capability; 

•  extent of existing relationships and commercial value to the Group  

of non-audit services; 

•  fee proposals; and

•  organisational capability and service delivery.

The Committee’s final evaluation of the firms took into account the 
following selection criteria:

•  analysis of RFP submission;

•  assessment of the firm’s approach to audit quality, including reports 
from the Committee Chairman of her meetings with each firm’s audit 
quality practice; 

•  audit workshops with the Company’s management and 

the Committee;

•  due diligence, which included reference calls on the lead audit 
partner and valuations partners and meetings with the firms’ 
senior management;

•  performance in the final presentation to the Audit and Compliance 

Committee; and

•  performance of the firms in the FRC’s Audit Quality Reviews, issued  

in June 2018.

The Committee concluded that KPMG scored higher in a significant 
majority of the selection criteria. KPMG demonstrated their 
commitment to the Committee, both through individual meetings as 
well as workshops and presentations, to provide 3i with a high quality 
audit. Led by strong audit and valuations partners, the proposed 
audit team demonstrated a good understanding of the Group’s key 
audit judgements. KPMG also showed the Committee that they had 
a comprehensive internal process to ensure audit quality. In line with 
FRC guidelines, the Committee recommended a first (KPMG) and 
second placed firm to the Board supported by a rationale for the 
recommendation to appoint KPMG as auditor.

Planning for the transition to KPMG has commenced, including steps 
to ensure that they are fully independent by 1 April 2020. The most 
material change required is the transfer of the Group’s tax compliance 
services to another provider. 

74

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Valuations Committee report

Membership during the year

Name

Membership status

David Hutchison

Chairman and Member since 
December 2013

Simon Thompson

Member since June 2015

Stephen Daintith

Member since October 2016

Peter Grosch

Member since January 2016

Simon Borrows

Member since May 2012

Julia Wilson

Member since December 2008

Other regular attendees at the Committee meetings include the 
following: Audit Committee Chairman; Deputy Chairman; Group 
Financial Controller; Group General Counsel; Managing Partner 
of Private Equity; the external Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP.

Further information on the Valuations Committee’s terms  
of reference can be found on our website at www.3i.com

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Valuations Committee report for the year 
ended 31 March 2019. My report explains the role of the Committee 
as well as the work we reviewed this year. 

The Valuations Committee plays a key role in providing the Board 
with assurance that the valuation process is robust and independently 
challenged. We review and challenge the assumptions behind 
management’s proposed asset valuations and report to the Audit and 
Compliance Committee and the Board.

During the year, we met four times as part of the Group’s external 
reporting timetable. Our principal focus was the Group’s unquoted 
investments in Private Equity, as well as Scandlines and Smarte Carte, 
as a high level of judgement is required to value this portfolio of assets. 
This portfolio accounts for 86% of 3i’s proprietary capital invested. 

The valuation of the Group’s principal Infrastructure investment, its 
quoted holding in 3iN which represents 10% of 3i’s proprietary capital, 
requires less judgement given that it is based on the share price  
of the listed company.

At each meeting we received a detailed report from the Group Finance 
Director recommending the proposed valuation of the Group’s 
investment portfolio. This report highlights the main drivers of value 
movement analysed between performance (movement in earnings and 
net debt), multiple movements and other factors. At each meeting,  
we also reviewed selected assets for detailed discussion; examples  
of such assets covered during the year included Action, Audley Travel, 
Cirtec Medical, Euro-Diesel, Ponroy Santé, Q Holding, Scandlines, 
Schlemmer, WP and Smarte Carte.

I met the Group Finance Director and the Group Financial Controller  
in advance of each meeting to discuss the key valuation assumptions 
and review management’s paper before circulation. I also met the 
external Auditor privately to discuss the results of their quarterly 
reviews. In February 2019, the external Auditor and I discussed their 
approach to the year-end audit and the assets that they intended  
to select for their specialist valuations team’s in-depth review. 

In advance of the full-year and half-year reporting, management hold 
individual portfolio company reviews with the respective investment 
teams. Non-executive Directors, including members of the Committee, 
attended a significant proportion of the meetings held in September 
2018 and March 2019 and were represented at the reviews of the 
five largest Private Equity portfolio company investments as well 
as Scandlines. 

As valuations are the most material key audit risk area, I was closely 
involved in the Group’s recent audit tender. Alongside the Audit and 
Compliance Committee Chairman, I interviewed the valuations partner 
candidates from each of the three participating firms. I also attended 
the Audit and Compliance Committee workshops as well as the final 
presentations and provided my views on the preferred firm to the Audit 
and Compliance Committee Chairman. 

The rest of this report sets out in more detail what the Committee did 
in the year. 

David Hutchison
Chairman, Valuations Committee 
15 May 2019

75

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audit, risk and internal control
Valuations Committee report

continued

The Committee focused on the following significant issues in the FY2019:

Area of judgement

What the Committee did

Earnings and multiple assumptions

The majority (74%) of the portfolio is valued using a multiple 
of earnings. This requires judgement as the earnings of the 
portfolio company may be adjusted so that they are considered 
“maintainable”. We also apply a liquidity discount to the enterprise 
value using factors such as our alignment with management and 
other shareholders and our investment rights in the company. 

There is also a significant degree of judgement in selecting the set 
of comparable quoted companies to determine the appropriate 
multiple to generate an enterprise value. Multiples are selected by 
reference to the market valuation of quoted comparable companies, 
M&A transactions and input in certain cases from corporate finance 
advisers. We also take into account size, growth profile, geographic 
location, business mix, degree of diversification and leverage/
refinancing risk. The multiple implied by the quoted comparables 
may be adjusted if, in certain cases, the longer-term view (cycle or 
exit plan) supports the use of a different multiple. This continues 
to be an important exercise given the market volatility seen in the 
second half of the financial year.

Private Equity assets are typically valued using a multiple of 
earnings. However, alternative valuation methodologies, such as 
Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) valuations, may be considered as an 
alternative benchmark for potential values as a cross check relative 
to the earnings based value.

Assets valued using a DCF basis

For assets valued using DCF techniques, which represent 9% of 
the portfolio, the key valuation judgements relate to longer-term 
assumptions that drive the underlying business plan and cash flows 
and the decisions on the appropriate discount rates.

Earnings data is received monthly from Private Equity 
portfolio companies and monitored closely by management. 
Actual earnings may then be adjusted in management’s proposed 
valuations, for example, to reflect a full year’s trading of an 
acquired business, removing profit from discontinued activities, 
any forecast uncertainty or to exclude exceptional transaction 
costs. Material adjustments are highlighted to the Committee in 
the quarterly report for review and approval.

Management adjusted 16 of 21 multiples used where the longer-
term view (of the exit or multiple) supports the use of a different, 
typically lower, multiple. Notable changes in multiples in a quarter 
are presented to the Committee and adjustments are reviewed 
by the Committee at each meeting. Management provided the 
Committee with a detailed summary of their approach to adjusted 
multiples and comparable sets for the December 2018 and March 
2019 valuations, both of which were calculated during periods 
of notable market volatility. The Committee also reviewed the 
movement between the adjusted multiple and the comparable 
sets between the reporting quarter end and the Valuations 
Committee meeting date. 

The Committee reviewed the work done by management on 
the potential use of a DCF valuation for Action and agreed with 
management’s assessment that, while providing an informative 
reference point, the earnings based approach remained the 
most appropriate. 

Material assumptions in the DCF valuations and changes to these 
assumptions are reviewed by the Committee. This may include 
third-party support if available. Sensitivity to assumptions is also 
noted. Any material changes are reviewed by the Committee 
and external advice is sought from time to time. Scandlines and 
Smarte Carte are the only material investments valued using a 
DCF valuation. 

The Committee reviewed the updated DCF assumptions for the 
Group’s reinvestment in Scandlines. We challenged the discount 
rate selected by management, which was with reference to market 
transactions, weighted average cost of capital calculations and 
other public data. 

76

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Area of judgement

Imminent sale assets

At any point in time it is likely that a number of potential exit 
processes from the portfolio are underway. Judgement is applied 
by management as to the likely eventual exit proceeds and certainty 
of completion. This means that in some cases an asset may not 
be moved to an imminent sales basis until very shortly before 
completion; in other cases the switch may occur on signing, even 
if the time to completion is a period of some months. However, 
as a general rule an asset moves to an imminent sale basis only 
when a process is materially complete and the remaining risks are 
estimated to be small, given the completion risk around unquoted 
equity transactions.

What the Committee did

Assets that are within active sales processes are reviewed by the 
Committee including details such as the timeline to potential 
completion, the number and make-up of bidders for investments, 
execution and due diligence risks and regulatory or competition 
clearance issues. Management propose a treatment for each asset 
in a sales process, which the Committee reviews at each meeting.

The Committee focused on the disposals of Etanco and OneMed, 
which were at significant percentage uplifts to the March 2018 
opening valuation. In both cases, the disposal took place earlier 
than planned. Etanco and OneMed were 2011 assets and the final 
proceeds represented 1.3x and 0.9x cost respectively. 

Although not an area of valuation judgement, the Committee 
actively reviews the results of the back-testing that management 
prepares on all assets disposed in each quarter to reconcile the 
price achieved with the carrying value at the last balance sheet 
date. Typically, differences are due to increased earnings, the 
unwind of the liquidity discount and the circumstances of the buyer 
or the competitiveness of the sales process. This review acts as an 
important hindsight test of the fair value applied to assets in the 
quarters up to disposal. 

77

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audit, risk and internal control
Valuations Committee report

continued

Review process
As part of its challenge and review process, the Committee:

•  considered the management information provided to support  

the Committee’s review of the valuations, including management’s 
responses to any challenges raised by the Committee members  
or the external Auditor;

•  sought assurance from the external Auditor as to whether and how 

they had considered each of these areas; 

•  reviewed the consistency of the views of management and the 

external Auditor; and

•  reviewed and challenged the differential between carrying 

values and those implied by the floating multiple of comparable 
quoted companies. 

The Committee was satisfied that the application of the policy 
and process was appropriate during the period under review, and 
recommended the portfolio valuation to the Audit and Compliance 
Committee and the Board at each quarter end for approval by 
the Board. 

In addition, the Committee is responsible for keeping the Group’s 
valuation policy under review and recommending any changes to 
the policy to the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Board. 
The policy is reviewed at least annually, with the last update in January 
2019 incorporating the update to the IPEV guidelines published in 
December 2018. 

More information on our valuation methodology, including definitions 
and rationale, is included in the Portfolio valuation – an explanation 
section on pages 157 and 158.

External audit
As part of its external audit, Ernst & Young LLP reviews the proposed 
investment portfolio valuation to determine that the valuation policy 
is being complied with and that there is consistent application and 
support for the underlying assumptions. As part of its year-end audit, 
and to support its opinion on the Financial statements as a whole, 
Ernst & Young LLP’s specialist valuations team reviews a selection of 
investments to provide assurance on its overall audit conclusion on the 
appropriateness of 3i’s portfolio valuation. 

Portfolio trends
At least annually the Committee Chairman and management conduct 
a review of the valuation outcomes in the portfolio over the preceding 
three years. The Committee Chairman and Group Finance Director will 
report to the Board in June 2019 on the key observations.

78

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

Membership during the year

Name

Membership status

Jonathan Asquith

Chairman since May 2011 and Member 
since March 2011

Caroline Banszky

Member since November 2015

David Hutchison

Member since December 2013

Coline McConville

Member since December 2018

The Company Chairman, Chief Executive, the Remuneration 
Director and the General Counsel, Company Secretary and 
Head of Human Resources attend Committee meetings by 
invitation, other than when their personal remuneration is 
being discussed.

The policy is available on our website www.3i.com

Dear Shareholder
As Remuneration Committee Chairman, I am pleased to introduce 
the Directors’ remuneration report for the financial year 1 April 2018 
to 31 March 2019.

Our Remuneration policy was approved by shareholders at our 2017 
Annual General Meeting. The policy has served us well and we are 
not proposing any changes to it at this time.

The policy is available on our website www.3i.com.

Performance in the year
I am happy to report that this has been another successful year for 
the Group. The Committee’s decisions concerning the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration reflect our financial results and are 
underpinned by a balanced scorecard of both financial and strategic 
measures agreed by the Committee. While the facts driving our 
assessment of performance against that balanced scorecard are 
available elsewhere in this Annual report, they are summarised here 
for ease of reference.

Portfolio return
The Private Equity portfolio generated a very strong gross 
investment return of £1,148 million or 20% of opening portfolio value. 
This was achieved through a combination of good realisations at 
significant uplifts (eg OneMed) and continued growth in unrealised 
profits in the portfolio. Our investment in 3iN generated a total 
shareholder return of 33%, driven by positive investor sentiment, 
a strong exit valuation for Cross London Trains and good growth 
across the rest of the 3iN portfolio.

Investment
The Group sets expectations rather than targets for the volume of 
new investments and realisations each year, reflecting the need to 
be sensitive to market conditions when adding to our investment 
portfolio. Price expectations were high in 2019 and management, 
with the full support and encouragement of the Board, maintained 
its disciplined approach to pricing and increased its focus on bolt-on 
acquisitions to add to our platform assets. Net of the Scandlines 
reinvestment (£529 million), the Group invested £332 million in 
Private Equity assets in the year, including two new investments 
and eight bolt-on acquisitions. In addition, it announced a new 
investment of c.£139 million in Magnitude Software Inc at the end 
of the financial year, which completed on 2 May. The European 
Infrastructure business advised 3iN on £377 million of investment 
and commitments during the year. The North American 
Infrastructure business also signed its second investment,  
in Regional Rail LLC, which is expected to complete in the first  
half of FY2020. 

Operating performance
Management have continued to maintain a disciplined approach 
to cost control which resulted in a fall in cash operating costs to 
£109 million (2018: £115 million) and contributed to the Group 
recording an operating cash profit of £46 million.

79

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

continued

Strategy and people
We completed the sale of and our subsequent 35% reinvestment 
into Scandlines during the year. This investment is now a longer-term 
hold asset, managed separately from the Group’s Private Equity 
and Infrastructure businesses, reported under the Corporate Assets 
segment. During the year we received dividends of £28 million 
from Scandlines which contributed directly to the Group operating 
cash profit. 

Regulatory approval for our new corporate structure in Europe to 
manage the risks posed by Brexit was obtained and implemented  
in the year. 

Looking forward
The Executive Directors will be awarded a 1.5% salary increase 
effective 1 July 2019. The Group-wide salary increase is 3%, except 
for the most senior executives who are receiving 1.5%. There are no 
proposed changes to the rest of the remuneration package.

The Corporate Governance Code published in 2018 contains 
new requirements on how Directors’ remuneration, including 
post-employment shareholding requirements, long-term share 
award releases and the use of discretion (including the recovery 
or withholding of share awards). In reviewing its implications, the 
Committee has taken into account that:

The investment teams within both the Private Equity and Infrastructure  
businesses were further strengthened during the year through internal 
promotions and new hires.

(i)  our existing policy for pension contributions for Executive 

Directors is identical to our policy for other employees, and 
therefore fully compliant with the Code requirements; 

(ii)  existing vested deferred awards to Executive Directors under 

the Annual Bonus and LTIP plans mean that both of them would 
retain exposures of at least their current shareholding target for 
the succeeding two years if they were to leave the Company at 
any point in the next 12 months in most scenarios;

(iii)  annual bonus performance targets are a prompt and guide to 
judgement and the Committee retains full discretion to vary 
awards should circumstances warrant this; and

(iv)  all awards are subject to comprehensive malus and clawback 

restrictions including broad Committee discretions in 
their application.

As part of the review and submission of our new Remuneration 
Policy to shareholders at our 2020 AGM we will consider 
whether any adjustments to our policy are required and will 
implement accordingly.

The Committee is committed to maintaining a remuneration 
framework that rewards progress in meeting the Group’s strategic 
objectives and ensures alignment with shareholders while reflecting 
the risk profile of the firm. We will also continue to monitor and 
comply with relevant guidelines and regulatory changes.

Jonathan Asquith
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 
15 May 2019

Conclusion 
Having considered the strong performance against the targets and 
expectations set within the scorecard for the year, the Remuneration 
Committee has set annual bonuses for each Executive Director at 
92.5% of maximum. Absolute total shareholder returns over the 
last three years have been remarkable, delivering an annualised 
performance of 32.3%. This, combined with strong relative 
performance against the FTSE 350, has ensured that the maximum 
hurdles of the 2016 LTIP have been materially exceeded, as set out  
in this report.

Paying for performance 
The guiding principle of our approach to remuneration is to align  
the interests of the Executive Directors with those of our 
shareholders; to reward good performance and focus on share-
based remuneration. 3i pays its Executive Directors low base salaries 
compared to those on offer across the FTSE, but balances this by 
setting maximum salary multiples for its annual and long-term bonus 
schemes at relatively higher levels to ensure that total compensation 
opportunities are in line with those available at high-performing 
quoted peers. The net result is that in good years shareholders and 
Executive Directors benefit alike, while in bad years fixed costs are 
kept to a minimum. To provide additional shareholder alignment, 
80% of Executive Director annual bonuses and 100% of any LTIP 
awards are delivered in the form of shares.

Performance-driven incentive structures need to be designed and 
managed carefully. Executive Directors’ remuneration is structured 
to align them with shareholders’ interests, and they specifically  
do not participate in incentives directly linked to individual 
investments (eg carried interest plans) to avoid the potential for 
conflicts of interest arising out of individual investment decisions. 
Bonus schemes are capped, to avoid excessive risk-taking, and 
the Remuneration Committee retains broad discretions to reduce 
awards in exceptional circumstances.

The practical application of this philosophy can be observed in  
the remuneration history of the Chief Executive, set out in the  
chart on page 81. It is striking that during a five year period  
when the Group’s market capitalisation has increased by 146%  
(from £3.9 billion to £9.6 billion), reward opportunities for the  
Chief Executive have increased by 12.6% and yearly variations in 
single figure remuneration have been driven overwhelmingly by 
share price performance and dividends accrued on vesting stock.

80

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019The Annual report of remuneration (Implementation report)
During FY2019, we continued to operate under the remuneration policy approved at the 2017 AGM, which can be found on our website  
at www.3i.com.

Director remuneration for the year
Single total figure of remuneration for each Director

£’000

S A Borrows
J S Wilson
S Thompson
J P Asquith
C J Banszky
S W Daintith
P Grosch
D A M Hutchison
C McConville

FY2019

Salary/ 

fees Benefits

Pension

Annual 
bonus

LTIP

Total

Salary/ 
fees

Benefits

Pension

633
460
310
125
93
81
159
93
28

16
19
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

16
48
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2,359
1,072
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

4,853
2,206
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

7,877
3,805
310
125
93
81
159
93
28

615
447
310
139
107
95
175
107
–

15
16
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

16
47
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

FY2018

LTIP

Total

3,911
1,778
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

6,847
3,329
310
139
107
95
175
107
–

Annual 
bonus

2,290
1,041
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

•  Benefits include a car allowance, provision of health insurance and, for Mrs Wilson, the value of the Share Incentive Plan matching share awards.

•  Mr Borrows and Mrs Wilson received salary supplements in lieu of pension contributions of £16k and £48k respectively. These supplements were 

in line with pension contributions for the Group’s employees generally.

•  Annual bonus awards made in respect of the year are delivered as 60% payable in 3i Group plc shares deferred over four years, and the 

remaining 40% being half as a cash payment immediately and half as 3i Group plc shares which are subject to a six-month retention period. 
All annual bonus awards are subject to the malus/clawback policy. Those shares deferred over four years are released in four equal annual 
instalments commencing June 2020 and all share awards carry the right to receive dividends and other distributions.

•  In the case of Mr P Grosch, the sum shown includes €100k of fees paid to him by Euro-Diesel (a 3i portfolio company) for his role as Executive 

Chairman (2018: €100k).

•  In addition to the table above, dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested deferred share awards were paid during the year (Mr Borrows: 

£160k, Mrs Wilson: £70k).

•  The values shown in the LTIP column represent the performance shares vesting from the 2016 LTIP, together with the value of accrued dividends 
on those shares. The shares have been valued using the 29 March 2019 closing share price (984.8 pence). Further detail is provided on page 83.

•  The fees shown for the non-executive Directors include fees used to purchase shares in the Company. Non-executive Directors receive 

reimbursement for their reasonable expenses for attending Board meetings. The Group meets the associated tax cost.

•  In addition to the fees shown above, Mrs Wilson retained directors’ fees of £115k from Legal and General Group plc.

•  Since 1 April 2018, non-executive Directors have received a fixed proportion of their base fees as shares, having previously received a fixed 

number of shares.

Chief Executive’s single figure remuneration history (£’000)

FY2019

FY2018

666

646

472

458

FY2017

628

457

1,887

1,832

1,827

FY2016

610

432

1,727

FY2015

593

1,047

1,047

2,334

2,266

2,200

2,156

2,324

2,518

1,645

2,433

3,267

896

 Fixed remuneration

 Cash bonus

 Deferred Share Award

 Value of LTIP vesting at grant price

 Additional LTIP value due to share price growth and dividends

The graph above illustrates the relatively stable remuneration picture at 3i over the last five years, with much of the inter-year variation in total 
reward driven by differing share price performance. During this period, the Group’s market capitalisation rose from £3.9 billion to £9.6 billion. 
The Chief Executive’s fixed compensation of £666,000 was at the bottom end of the FTSE100 as of 31 March 2019.

81

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

continued

FY2019 performance
Formulaic performance measures (60% of total)
Area of strategic focus

Weighting Metric

Threshold

Maximum Performance

Portfolio returns

50% Private Equity Gross investment return  

10%

20%

20%

Portfolio returns
Operating performance 

(% of opening portfolio value) 

5% 3iN total return
5% Manage operating expenses

8%1
£136m

10%1
£131m

15%
£126m

Payout

100%

100%
100%

Qualitative performance measures (40% of total)
Area of 
strategic focus

Target/
Expectation

Weighting Metric

Performance

Portfolio  
returns

10%

Investment 
management

20%

Private Equity 
portfolio 
earnings growth

New capital 
invested in 
Private Equity

New 3iN capital 
committed in 
Core/PPP

E

>10% 16%

E

€800m €379m2

E

£225m £377m

Comments

93% by value of Private Equity assets delivered positive earnings growth 
in the year. The 16% overall value weighted average was achieved by a 
combination of strong organic growth and uplifts from successful 
bolt-on acquisitions.
Selective new investments and bolt-on acquisitions made by the  
Private Equity business. With the full support of the Board, 
management have maintained a disciplined and selective approach  
to investing to avoid overpaying for assets in markets which have high 
price expectations.
Another strong year of investment activity, with 3 investments made  
or committed by 3iN.

There has been good progress in developing a future investment pipeline in Private Equity and Infrastructure. There were more strategic 
acquisitions and bolt-ons for existing portfolio companies than in previous years. 

Strategy 
and people

10%

Achievement of strategy and people 
targets is measured against a balanced 
scorecard of objectives set by the 
Remuneration Committee

The new corporate structure in Europe to manage potential regulatory 
risks posed by Brexit is now fully operational.

Consistent shareholder support for the Group’s performance and 
strategy and a further broadening of the shareholder base.

The change and transition in the Private Equity leadership team has 
been well managed. The development, retention and succession 
plans for the Group’s key talent and leadership team are progressing 
according to plan.

1  The threshold and maximum return targets are set in line with 3iN’s public return objectives.

2  Net of the £529 million reinvestment into Scandlines.

T = Target  E = Expectation

Consistent with last year, the Board did not set a threshold to maximum range for all metrics and set expectations rather than targets for some 
metrics. This is because the timing of investments and realisations is highly sensitive to market conditions, and a more prescriptive approach would 
run the risk of creating perverse incentives for executives. For example, setting a target level of realisations may result in the earlier sale of assets 
than would otherwise be appropriate, and setting a target level of investments may result in investing at inflated prices. In relation to operating 
performance, the continued tight focus on managing operating costs is emphasised by specifying a narrow range of acceptable outcomes rather 
than a single numerical target. Operating costs as a percentage of assets under management compares favourably with other investment groups.

82

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Chief Executive and Group Finance Director annual bonus outcomes
In light of the achievements detailed above, and the exceptional performance of the Group in the year, the Committee awarded Mr Borrows 
a bonus in respect of FY2019 of £2,358,787 (being 92.5% of his maximum bonus opportunity), and awarded Mrs Wilson a bonus in respect of 
FY2019 of £1,072,328 (being 92.5% of her maximum bonus opportunity). In each case, 20% of the award will be paid in cash immediately, 20% will 
be delivered as shares with a retention period of six months and the remaining 60% will be deferred into the Company’s shares vesting in equal 
instalments over four years. Annual bonus awards are subject to the malus/clawback policy. 

Share awards vesting in 2019 subject to performance conditions
2016 Long-term incentive award
The long-term incentive awards granted in June 2016 to Mr Borrows and Mrs Wilson were subject to performance conditions based on absolute 
and relative Total Shareholder Return over the three financial years to 31 March 2019. The table below shows the achievement against these 
conditions and the resulting proportion of the awards which will vest in June 2019.

Weighting

Threshold

Maximum

Actual

Total Shareholder Return Measure

%

Performance

% vesting

Performance

% vesting

Performance

% vesting

Absolute Total Shareholder Return
Relative Total Shareholder Return  
(as measured against the FTSE 350 Index)

50%
50%

10% pa
Median

20%
25%

18% p.a.
Upper  
quartile 

32.3%
100%
100% Above Upper 
Quartile

100%
100%

The table below shows the grants made to each Executive Director on 30 June 2016 at a share price of 516.7 pence and the resulting number of 
shares that will vest due to the achievement against the performance targets as set out above. The value of the shares vesting has been included in 
the single figure table using the 31 March 2019 closing share price of 984.8 pence.

Basis of award at grant

S A Borrows
J S Wilson

Face value award of 4 times base salary of £583k
Face value award of 2.5 times base salary of £424k

Number of 
shares awarded 
at 516.7p 
per share

451,708
205,322

Face value 
at grant

£2,334k
£1,061k

Number of 
shares vesting

Value of share 
vesting at 984.8p 
per share

451,708
205,322

£4,448k
£2,022k

% vesting

100%
100%

The proportion of the award vesting will be released 50% in June 2019, 25% in June 2020 and 25% in June 2021 together with the value of dividends 
that would have been received during the period from grant to the release date.

Change in the remuneration of the Chief Executive compared to other employees
The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration awarded to the Chief Executive and employees as a whole, between the year to 
31 March 2018 and the year to 31 March 2019.

Chief Executive
All other employees

Salary

Benefits

Bonus

3%
6%

0%
0%

3%
2%

83

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

continued

Details of share awards granted in the year
LTIP
Performance share awards were granted to the two Executive Directors during the year as shown in the table below.

Description of award

Face value

Performance period

Performance targets

A performance share-based award, which releases shares, subject to satisfying the performance 
conditions, 50% on the third anniversary of grant and 25% on the fourth and fifth anniversaries.

Chief Executive – 400% of salary, being 245,891 shares. 
Group Finance Director – 250% of salary, being 111,759 shares.
The share price used to make the award was the average mid-market closing price over the five 
working days starting with the day of the announcement of the 2018 annual results (1,007.08p).

1 April 2019 to 31 March 2022.

50% of the award is based on absolute TSR measured over the performance period, and vests:

•  0% vesting below 10% pa TSR;
•  20% vesting at 10% pa TSR;
•  Straight-line vesting between 10% and 18% pa TSR; and
•  100% vesting at 18% pa TSR.

50% of the award is based on relative TSR measured against the FTSE 350 Index over the 
performance period, and vests:

•  0% vesting for below median performance against the index;
•  25% vesting for median performance against the index;
•  100% vesting for upper quartile performance against the index; and
•  Straight-line vesting between median and upper quartile performance.

Remuneration  
Committee discretion

The Committee can reduce any award which would otherwise vest if gross debt or gearing 
targets are missed.

Deferred bonuses awarded in FY2019
The two Executive Directors are considered to be AIFMD Identified Staff and, as such, 60% of their annual bonuses will be delivered in 3i Group plc 
shares deferred over four years (and which vest one quarter per annum over those four years). The remaining 40% will be delivered half as a cash 
bonus and half in 3i Group plc shares which are subject to a six-month retention period. The following awards were made on 6 June 2018 in respect 
of FY2018 performance:

S A Borrows
J S Wilson

Face value at grant

£1,374,247
£624,657

Number of shares 
awarded at  
1,007.08p per share

136,458
62,026

60% of FY2018 bonus deferred for four years

20% of FY2018 delivered as  
shares subject to a six-month retention period

Number of shares 
awarded at  
1,007.08p per share

Released

Vesting

Face value at grant

Four equal 
instalments 
annually from 
1 June 2019

£458,082
£208,219

45,486
20,675

At the expiry of 
the six-month 
retention period

These face values were reported in the FY2018 single figure of remuneration for each Director. The share price used to calculate face value was the  
average of the mid-market closing prices over the five working days starting with the date of the announcement of the Company’s results for the year  
ended 31 March 2018 (17 May 2018 to 23 May 2018), which was 1,007.08 pence. These awards are not subject to further performance conditions.

84

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Share Incentive Plan
During the year, Mrs Wilson participated in the HMRC approved Share Incentive Plan which allowed employees to invest up to £150 per 
month from pre-tax salary in ordinary shares (“partnership shares”). For each partnership share, the Company grants two free ordinary shares 
(“matching shares”) which are forfeited if the participant resigns within three years of grant. Dividends are reinvested in further ordinary shares 
(“dividend shares”).

During the year, Mrs Wilson purchased 200 partnership shares, and received 400 matching shares and 725 dividend shares at prices ranging 
between £8.5427 and £9.6627 per share, with an average price of £9.0334.

Hedging of share awards
As a matter of policy the Group ensures that it holds the maximum potential number of shares granted under the LTIP and Deferred Share 
Plan from the date of grant. Shares are purchased by the Employee Benefit Trust in the market as and when required to ensure that coverage 
is maintained.

Pension arrangements
Mr Borrows and Mrs Wilson receive pension benefits on the same percentage basis as other employees of the Company. During the year, they 
received salary supplements in lieu of pension of £16k and £48k respectively.

Payments to past Directors
No payments to past Directors have been made in the year.

Payments for loss of office
No payments to Directors for loss of office have been made in the year.

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests
The Company’s share ownership and retention policy requires Executive Directors to build up over time and thereafter maintain a shareholding 
in the Company’s shares equivalent to at least 3.0 times gross salary in the case of the Chief Executive and 2.0 times gross salary for the Group 
Finance Director. In addition, shareholding targets have been introduced for other members of the Executive Committee at 1.5 times their gross 
salaries and for partners in the Group’s businesses at 1.0 times their gross salaries. Since 2018 non-executive Directors and the Chairman are 
required to build up over time and thereafter maintain a shareholding in the Company’s shares equivalent to at least 1 times their respective annual 
base fees (cash and shares).

Details of Directors’ interests (including interests of their connected persons) in the Company’s shares as at 31 March 2019 are shown in the table 
opposite. The closing share price on 29 March 2019 was 984.8p.

S A Borrows3
J S Wilson3,4

S Thompson3
J P Asquith3
C Banszky3
S Daintith3
P Grosch3
D Hutchison3
C McConville3

Owned
outright1

14,185,010
854,621

Deferred
shares2

Subject to  
performance

Shareholding  
requirement

1,236,193
563,257

533,671
242,577

Shares  
owned  
outright

68,318
87,582
20,576
5,822
8,830
77,747
3,097

300%
200%

Shareholding  
requirement

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Current  
shareholding  
(% salary)

21,909%
1,815%

Current  
shareholding  
(% base fee)

1,035%
1,327%
312%
88%
134%
1,178%
47%

1  The share interests shown for Mrs Wilson include shares held in the 3i Group Share Incentive Plan. The owned outright column includes partnership and dividend shares under the SIP. 

The deferred shares column includes matching shares under the SIP.

2  The number of shares shown includes the 2016 Performance Share award. The performance target has been met with 100% of the shares being released as described on page 83.

3  Directors are restricted from hedging their exposure to the 3i share price.

4  From 1 April 2019 to 1 May 2019, Mrs Wilson became interested in a further 14 shares overall outright (SIP Partnership Shares) and a further 28 deferred shares (SIP Matching Shares). There were 

no other changes to Directors’ share interests in that period.

85

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

continued

Performance graph – TSR graph
This graph compares the Company’s total shareholder return for the 10 financial years to 31 March 2019 with the total shareholder return of the 
FTSE 350 Index. The FTSE 350 Index is considered to be an appropriate comparator as it reflects both the variety of the Company’s portfolio of 
international investments as well as the diverse currencies in which those investments are denominated.

3i total shareholder return vs FTSE 350 total return over the 10 years to 31 March 2019

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

3i Group

FTSE 350

Rebased at 100 at 31 March 2009

Single figure of  
total remuneration 
£’000

Percentage  
of maximum 
bonus paid

Percentage 
of maximum 
LTIP vesting

Performance table
Table of historic Chief Executive data

Year

FY2019
FY2018
FY2017
FY2016
FY2015
FY2014
FY20131

FY2012
FY2011
FY2010

Chief Executive

S A Borrows
S A Borrows
S A Borrows
S A Borrows
S A Borrows
S A Borrows
S A Borrows
M J Queen
M J Queen
M J Queen
M J Queen

7,877
6,847
7,544
5,821
8,278
3,222
2,932
429
641
1,305
1,989

92.5%
92.5%
95%
92.5%
92.5%
92.5%
90%
0%
0%
54%
75%

1  M J Queen ceased to be a Director on 16 May 2012. Mr Borrows was appointed Chief Executive on 17 May 2012 having previously been Chief Investment Officer.

Relative importance of spend on pay

Remuneration of all employees
Dividends paid to shareholders

FY2019

£83m
£358m

FY2018

£83m
£255m

86

100%
100%
100%
98%
90.85%
0%
n/a
0%
0%
0%
0%

Change  
% 

0%
40%

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Statement of implementation of the remuneration policy in the coming year
The table below sets out how the Committee intends to operate the remuneration policy in FY2020. 

Policy element

Base salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual bonus

Implementation of policy during FY2020

A Group-wide 3% increase to salaries will take place in FY2020, except for Executive Committee members 
and senior investors who will receive 1.5%. The 1.5% increase will also be applied to Executive Director 
salaries. Effective from 1 July 2019, salaries for the Executive Directors will therefore be as follows:

•  Chief Executive: £647,165 (+1.5%)
•  Group Finance Director: £470,665 (+1.5%)

No changes to the current arrangements are proposed for FY2020. The Executive Directors will continue 
to receive a pension contribution or salary supplement as follows:

•  Chief Executive: £16k 
•  Group Finance Director: 12% of salary

No changes to the current arrangements are proposed for FY2020.
Benefits will continue to include a car allowance, provision of health insurance and any Share Incentive Plan 
matching share awards.

The maximum annual bonus opportunities for FY2020 will remain unchanged, in line with the remuneration 
policy, as follows:

•  Chief Executive: 400% of salary
•  Group Finance Director: 250% of salary
Any bonus will be awarded based on a balanced scorecard of both financial and strategic measures agreed 
by the Committee, alongside a consideration of the wider context of personal performance (including values 
and behaviours), risk, market and other factors.
Measures for the FY2020 scorecard are based 87.5% on financial measures (70% portfolio return, 15% 
investment management and 2.5% operating performance) and 12.5% on strategic and people objectives. 
They are calibrated to current business strategy and evolve year-on-year as the Group’s situation and 
priorities develop.
The Committee considers that the specific targets and expectations contained within the FY2020 scorecard 
are commercially sensitive and therefore will not be disclosed in advance. We will report to shareholders 
next year on performance and the resulting bonus out-turns.
At least 50% of any bonus award will be deferred into shares vesting in equal instalments over four years.
Awards are subject to the Company’s malus and clawback policy.

Long-term incentive plan

Awards under the long-term incentive plan in FY2020 will remain unchanged and be made as follows:

•  Chief Executive: 400% of salary
•  Group Finance Director: 250% of salary
Performance will be measured over a three-year period and will be determined by the Remuneration 
Committee. Performance measures remained unchanged from the previous year and will be as follows:

•  50% of the award is based on absolute TSR measured over the performance period, and vests:
•  0% vesting below 10% pa TSR;
•  20% vesting at 10% pa TSR;
•  straight-line vesting between 10% and 18% pa TSR; and
•  100% vesting at 18% pa TSR.
50% of the award is based on relative TSR measured against the FTSE 350 Index over the performance 
period, and vests:

•  0% for below median performance against the index;
•  25% for median performance against the index;
•  100% for upper quartile performance against the index; and 
•  straight-line vesting between median and upper quartile performance.
Awards are subject to the Company’s malus and clawback policy.
The Chief Executive and Group Finance Director are not permitted to participate in carried interest plans 
and similar arrangements.

Shareholding requirements

Shareholding requirements will be as follows:

•  Chief Executive: 300% of salary
•  Group Finance Director: 200% of salary 
•  non-executive Directors (including the Company Chairman): 100% of base fee (cash and shares)

87

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Remuneration
 Directors’ remuneration report

continued

Statement of implementation of the remuneration policy in the coming year continued
Non-executive Director fees

£240,000 plus £70,000 in 3i shares

The fees for the non-executive Directors for FY2020 will be:
Chairman fee:  
Non-executive Directors:
Board membership base fee:  
Deputy Chairman (including SID fee): 
Senior independent director fee: 
Committee chairman: 
Committee member: 

£50,000 plus £15,000 in 3i shares
£40,000
£10,000
£20,000
£8,000

Malus and Clawback policy

Committee fees are payable in respect of the Audit and Compliance Committee, Remuneration Committee 
and Valuations Committee.

Long-term incentive awards and deferred bonus share awards made during the year to Executive Directors 
(and certain other Senior Executives), may be forfeited or reduced prior to vesting in exceptional 
circumstances on such basis as the Committee considers fair, reasonable and proportionate taking into 
account an individual’s role and responsibilities. This would include, but is not limited to, material 
misstatement of Group financial statements, or cases where an individual is deemed to have caused 
a material loss for the Group as a result of reckless, negligent or wilful actions, inappropriate values 
or behaviour.
In exceptional circumstances (and on such basis as the Committee considers fair, reasonable and 
proportionate taking into account an individual’s role and responsibilities), the Group may recover amounts 
that have been paid or released from awards (including cash bonus awards), as long as a written request for 
the recovery of such sums is made in the two-year period from the date of payment or release and in 
circumstances where either (a) there has been a material misstatement of Group financial statements or  
(b) the Group suffers a material loss. In arriving at its decision, the Committee will take into consideration 
such evidence as it may reasonably consider relevant including as to the impact of the affected individual’s 
conduct, values or behaviours on the material misstatement or material loss, as the case may be.

Consideration by the Directors of matters relating to Directors’ remuneration
The following Directors were members of the Remuneration Committee during the year:

Remuneration Committee

Name

Role

Membership status

J P Asquith (Chairman)

Non-executive Director

C J Banszky
D A M Hutchison
C McConville

Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director

Member since March 2011
Chairman since May 2011
Member since November 2015
Member since December 2013
Member since November 2018

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s website.

Meetings attended  
in the year

Meetings eligible to 
attend in the year

5

5
5
1

5

5
5
1

The Committee appointed Deloitte LLP as advisers in 2013 and during the year they provided the Committee with external, independent advice.

Deloitte LLP are members of the Remuneration Consultants Group and as such, voluntarily operate under the code of conduct in relation to 
executive remuneration consulting in the UK. During the year, Deloitte LLP also provided 3i with certain tax advisory services. The Committee has 
reviewed the advice provided during the year and is satisfied that it has been objective and independent. The total fees for advice during the year 
were £36,450 (excluding VAT) (2018: £27,400 (excluding VAT)).

88

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Result of voting at the 2017 and 2018 AGM
At the 2018 AGM, shareholders approved the Remuneration report that was published in the 2018 Annual report and accounts. At the 2017 AGM, 
shareholders approved the Directors’ remuneration policy. The results for both of these votes are shown below:

Resolution

Votes for

Votes against

Total votes cast

Votes withheld

Approval of the Directors’ remuneration report at the 2018 AGM

Approval of the Directors’ remuneration policy at the 2017 AGM

674,456,088
(94.29%)
684,177,712
(95.32%)

40,686,436
(5.71%)
33,578,863
(4.68%)

715,324,524

4,592,557

717,756,575

1,094,463

The Remuneration policy is available on 3i’s website www.3i.com.

Audit
The tables in this report (including the Notes thereto) on pages 81 to 86 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP.

By order of the Board

Jonathan Asquith
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
15 May 2019

89

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 Additional statutory and  
corporate governance information

This section of the Directors’ report contains the corporate governance statement 
required by FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 7.2.

Corporate governance 
Throughout the year, the Company complied with the provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) published by the FRC in 
September 2016 and which is available on the FRC website.

The Group’s internal control and risk management systems including 
those in relation to the financial reporting process are described on 
page 68.

Directors
Directors’ biographical details are set out on pages 62 and 63. 
The Board currently comprises the Chairman, six non-executive 
Directors and two Executive Directors. Mr S R Thompson, Mr J P 
Asquith, Ms C J Banszky, Mr S A Borrows, Mr S W Daintith, Mr P 
Grosch, Mr D A M Hutchison, and Mrs J S Wilson served as Directors 
throughout the year under review. Ms C L McConville served as  
a Director during the year from 1 November 2018.

Investment policy

The UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules require 3i, as a closed-ended 
investment fund, to publish an investment policy. Shareholder approval 
is required for material changes to this policy. Non-material changes 
can be made by the Board. The current policy is set out below. 
No changes have been made to the policy since it was published  
in the Company’s 2018 Report and Accounts.

•  3i is an investment company which aims to provide its shareholders 
with quoted access to private equity and infrastructure returns. 
Currently, its main focus is on making quoted and unquoted equity 
and/or debt investments in businesses and funds in Europe, Asia 
and the Americas. The geographies, economic sectors, funds and 
asset classes in which 3i invests continue to evolve as opportunities 
are identified. Proposed investments are assessed individually 
and all significant investments require approval from the Group’s 
Investment Committee. Overall investment targets are subject  
to periodic reviews and the investment portfolio is also reviewed  
to monitor exposure to specific geographies, economic sectors 
and asset classes.

•  3i seeks to diversify risk through significant dispersion of 

investments by geography, economic sector, asset class and size  
as well as through the maturity profile of its investment portfolio.

•  Although 3i does not set maximum exposure limits for asset 

allocations, it does have a maximum exposure limit that, save as 
mentioned below, no investment will be made unless its cost1 does 
not exceed 15% of the investment portfolio value as shown in the 
last published valuation. A further investment may be made in an 
existing portfolio business provided the aggregate cost of that 
investment and of all other unrealised investments in that portfolio 
business does not exceed 15% of the investment portfolio value 
as shown in the last published valuation. A higher limit of 30% will 
apply to the Company’s investment in 3i Infrastructure plc. For the 
avoidance of doubt, 3i may retain an investment, even if its carrying 
value is greater than 15% or 30% (as the case may be) of the 
portfolio value at the time of an updated valuation. 

•  Investments are generally funded with a mixture of debt 

and shareholders’ funds with a view to maximising returns to 
shareholders, whilst maintaining a strong capital base. 3i’s 
gearing depends not only on its level of debt, but also on the 
impact of market movements and other factors on the value of its 
investments. The Board takes this into account when, as required, 
it sets a precise maximum level of gearing. The Board has therefore 
set the maximum level of gearing at 150% and has set no minimum 
level of gearing. If the gearing ratio should exceed the 150% 
maximum limit, the Board will take steps to reduce the gearing 
ratio to below that limit as soon as practicable thereafter. 3i is 
committed to achieving balance sheet efficiency.

1  Where 3i makes an investment in an existing portfolio business as part of a restructuring or reorganisation of its investment in that existing portfolio business (which restructuring or 
reorganisation may involve, without limitation, 3i disposing of all or part of its existing investment in the relevant portfolio business and re-investing all or part of the proceeds into a 
different entity which acquires or holds the relevant portfolio business or a substantial part thereof), the cost of that investment, for the purposes of determining the maximum exposure 
limit under this policy, shall, to the extent that the investment does not increase 3i’s exposure to the relevant portfolio business, be deemed to be the cost of 3i’s existing investment in the 
relevant portfolio business (or, in the case of a partial re-investment, the pro-rated cost of 3i’s existing investment in the relevant portfolio business) immediately prior to the restructuring 
or reorganisation. If 3i’s investment includes a further investment, such that 3i increases its overall exposure to the relevant portfolio business as part of the restructuring or reorganisation, 
the cost of any such further investment at the date of such investment shall be added to the cost of the investment in the existing portfolio business as determined pursuant to the 
previous sentence.

90

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Appointment and re-election of Directors
Subject to the Company’s Articles of Association, the Companies Acts 
and satisfactory performance evaluation, non-executive Directors 
are appointed for an initial three-year term. Before the third and sixth 
anniversaries of first appointment, the Director discusses with the Board 
whether it is appropriate for a further three-year term to be served.

Under the Company’s Articles of Association, the minimum number of 
Directors is two and the maximum is 20, unless otherwise determined 
by the Company by ordinary resolution. Directors are appointed by 
ordinary resolution of shareholders or by the Board. The Company’s 
Articles of Association provide for Directors to retire by rotation at an 
AGM if they were appointed by the Board since the preceding AGM, 
they held office during the two preceding AGMs but did not retire at 
either of them, they held non-executive office for a continuous period 
of nine years or more at the date of that AGM, or they choose to retire 
from office. 

Shareholders can remove any Director by special resolution and 
appoint another person to be a Director in their place by ordinary 
resolution. Shareholders can also remove any Director by ordinary 
resolution of which special notice has been given.

Subject to the Company’s Articles of Association, retiring Directors 
are eligible for re-appointment. The office of Director is vacated if the 
Director resigns, becomes bankrupt or is prohibited by law from being  
a Director or where the Board so resolves following the Director 
suffering from ill health or being absent from Board meetings for 
12 months without the Board’s permission.

The Board’s responsibilities and processes 
The composition of the Board and its Committees as well as the Board’s 
key responsibilities and the way in which it and its Committees work are 
described on pages 62 to 89. The Board is responsible to shareholders 
for the overall management of the Group and may exercise all the 
powers of the Company subject to the provisions of relevant statutes, 
the Company’s Articles of Association and any directions given by 
special resolution of the shareholders. The Articles of Association 
empower the Board to offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise deal 
with or dispose of the Company’s shares as the Board may decide. 

The Companies Act 2006 authorises the Company to make market 
purchases of its own shares if the purchase has first been authorised 
by a resolution of the Company.

The Board’s diversity policies in relation to Directors are described in 
the Nominations Committee report on page 69 and such policies in 
relation to staff are described on page 94.

At the AGM in June 2018, shareholders renewed the Board’s authority 
to allot ordinary shares and to repurchase ordinary shares on behalf of 
the Company subject to certain limits. Details of the authorities which 
the Board will be seeking at the 2019 AGM are set out in the 2019 
Notice of AGM.

Matters reserved for the Board 
The Board has approved a formal schedule of matters reserved to 
it and its duly authorised Committees for decision. These include 
matters such as the Group’s overall strategy, strategic plan and annual 
operating budget; approval of the Company’s financial statements and 
changes to accounting policies or practices; changes to the capital 
structure or regulated status of the Company; major capital projects or 
changes to business operations; investments and divestments above 
certain limits; policy on borrowing, gearing, hedging and treasury 
matters; and adequacy of internal control systems.

Rights and restrictions attaching to shares
A summary of the rights and restrictions attaching to shares as at 
31 March 2019 is set out below.

The Company’s Articles of Association may be amended by special 
resolution of the shareholders in a general meeting. Holders of ordinary 
shares enjoy the rights set out in the Articles of Association of the 
Company and under the laws of England and Wales. Any share may 
be issued with or have attached to it such rights and restrictions as the 
Company by ordinary resolution or, failing such resolution, the Board 
may decide.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend, speak and vote 
at general meetings and to appoint proxies and, in the case of 
corporations, corporate representatives to attend, speak and vote at 
such meetings on their behalf. To attend and vote at a general meeting 
a shareholder must be entered on the register of members at such time 
(not being earlier than 48 hours before the meeting) as stated in the 
Notice of general meeting. On a poll, holders of ordinary shares are 
entitled to one vote for each share held. 

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive the Company’s 
Annual report and accounts, to receive such dividends and other 
distributions as may lawfully be paid or declared on such shares and, 
on any liquidation of the Company, to share in the surplus assets of the 
Company after satisfaction of the entitlements of the holders of any 
shares with preferred rights as may then be in issue.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of fully paid shares in the 
Company, save as follows. The Board may decline to register: a 
transfer of uncertificated shares in the circumstances set out in the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001; a transfer to more than four 
joint holders; a transfer of certificated shares which is not in respect 
of only one class of share; a transfer which is not accompanied by the 
certificate for the shares to which it relates; a transfer which is not duly 
stamped in circumstances where a duly stamped instrument is required; 
or a transfer where in accordance with section 794 of the Companies 
Act 2006 a notice (under section 793 of that Act) has been served by the 
Company on a shareholder who has then failed to give the information 
required within the specified time. 

91

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 Additional statutory and  
corporate governance information

continued

In the latter circumstances the Company may make the relevant shares 
subject to certain restrictions (including in respect of the ability to 
exercise voting rights, to transfer the shares validly and, except in 
the case of a liquidation, to receive the payment of sums due from 
the Company). 

There are no shares carrying special rights with regard to control of 
the Company. There are no restrictions placed on voting rights of fully 
paid shares, save where in accordance with Article 12 of the Company’s 
Articles of Association a restriction notice has been served by the 
Company in respect of shares for failure to comply with statutory 
notices or where a transfer notice (as described below) has been served 
in respect of shares and has not yet been complied with. Where shares 
are held on behalf of former or current employees under employee 
share schemes, those participants can give instructions to the  
holder of such shares as to how votes attached to such shares  
should be exercised.

In the circumstances specified in Article 38 of the Company’s Articles 
of Association the Company may serve a transfer notice on holders 
of shares. The relevant circumstances relate to: (a) potential tax 
disadvantage to the Company, (b) the number of “United States 
Residents” who own or hold shares being 75 or more, or (c) the 
Company being required to be registered as an investment company 
under relevant US legislation. The notice would require the transfer of 
relevant shares and, pending such transfer, the rights and privileges 
attaching to those shares would be suspended. 

The Company is not aware of any agreements between holders  
of its securities that may restrict the transfer of shares or exercise  
of voting rights. 

Share capital and debentures
The issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 1 April 2018 
was 972,897,006 ordinary shares and at 31 March 2019 was 973,000,665 
ordinary shares of 7319/22 pence each. It increased over the year by 
103,659 ordinary shares on the issue of shares to the trustee of the 3i 
Group Share Incentive Plan. 

At the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 28 June 2018, the Directors 
were authorised to repurchase up to 97,000,000 ordinary shares in the 
Company (representing approximately 10% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital as at 15 May 2017) until the Company’s AGM in 
2019 or 27 September 2019, if earlier. This authority was not exercised in 
the year. Details of the authorities which the Board will be seeking at the 
2019 AGM are set out in the 2019 Notice of AGM.

As detailed in Note 17 to the Accounts, as at 31 March 2019 
the Company had in issue Notes issued under the 3i Group plc 
£2,000 million Note Issuance Programme.

The Articles of Association also specifically empower the Board to 
exercise the Company’s powers to borrow money and to mortgage 
or charge the Company’s assets and any uncalled capital and to issue 
debentures and other securities.

Major interests in ordinary shares 
The table below shows notifications of major voting interests in the 
Company’s ordinary share capital (notifiable in accordance with Chapter 5  
of the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules or section 
793 Companies Act 2006) which had been received by the Company  
as at 31 March 2019 and 1 May 2019. 

Portfolio management and voting policy 
In relation to unquoted investments, the Group’s approach is to seek 
to add value to the businesses in which the Group invests through the 
Group’s extensive experience, resources and contacts and through 
active engagement with the Boards of those companies. In relation  
to quoted investments, the Group’s policy is to exercise voting rights  
on all matters affecting its interests.

Major interests in ordinary shares

BlackRock, Inc 
Artemis Investment Management LLP
Standard Life Aberdeen plc
Threadneedle Asset Management Ltd
Legal & General Investment Management Limited
Vanguard Group, Inc

92

As at 
31 March 2019

% of issued 
share capital

As at 
1 May 2019

% of issued 
share capital

84,361,041
vvvv50,622,247 
34,904,261
33,290,441
33,083,461
31,953,528

8.67
5.20
3.59 
3.42
3.40
3.28

81,695,088
50,706,573
33,937,514
33,148,708
33,377,517
32,242,461

8.40
5.21
3.49
3.41
3.43
3.31

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Tax and investment company status
The Company is an investment company under section 833 of the 
Companies Act 2006. HM Revenue & Customs has approved the 
Company as an Investment Trust under section 1158 of the Corporation 
Tax Act 2010 and the Company directs its affairs to enable it to continue 
to remain so approved.

Dividends
A first FY2019 dividend of 15.0 pence per ordinary share in respect of 
the year to 31 March 2019 was paid on 9 January 2019. The Directors 
recommend a second FY2019 dividend of 20.0 pence per ordinary share 
be paid in respect of the year to 31 March 2019 to shareholders on the 
Register at the close of business on 14 June 2019.

The trustee of The 3i Group Employee Trust (“the Employee Trust”) 
has waived (subject to certain minor exceptions) dividends declared on 
shares in the Company held by the Employee Trust and the Trustee of 
The 3i Group Share Incentive Plan has waived dividends on unallocated 
shares in the Company held by it.

Directors’ conflicts of interests  
and Directors’ indemnities 
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid conflicts of interest with the 
Company. The Company’s Articles of Association enable Directors 
to approve conflicts of interest and include other conflict of interest 
provisions. The Company has implemented processes to identify 
potential and actual conflicts of interest. Such conflicts are then 
considered for approval by the Board, subject, if necessary, to 
appropriate conditions. 

As permitted by the Company’s Articles of Association during the 
year and as at the date of this Directors’ report, there were in place 
Qualifying Third-Party Indemnity Provisions (as defined under relevant 
legislation) for the benefit of the Company’s Directors and for the 
benefit of directors of one associated company and Qualifying Pension 
Scheme Indemnity Provisions for the benefit of the directors of one 
associated company. 

Directors’ employment contracts
Mr S A Borrows and Mrs J S Wilson each have employment contracts 
with the Group with notice periods of 12 months where notice is given 
by the Group and six months where notice is given by the Director. 
Save for these notice periods their employment contracts have no 
unexpired terms. None of the other Directors has a service contract 
with the Company.

Where appropriate, the Company looks to the provisions included 
within the Association of Investment Companies SORP.

3i Investments plc
3i Investments plc acts as investment manager to the Company and 
certain of its subsidiaries. Contracts for these investment management 
and other services, for which regulatory authorisation is required, provide  
for fees based on the work done and costs incurred in providing such  
services. These contracts may be terminated by either party on 
reasonable notice.

3i Investments plc also acts as investment manager to 3iN under a 
contract which provides for the services to be provided and the related 
fees which are payable. 

3i Investments plc is authorised by the FCA to, among other things, 
manage Alternative Investment Funds (“AIFs”). It is currently the 
Alternative Investment Fund Manager (“AIFM”) of five AIFs, including 
the Company and 3iN. In compliance with regulatory requirements,  
3i Investments plc has ensured that a depository has been appointed 
for each AIF. This is Citibank Europe plc, UK Branch. 

The Annual report and accounts meet certain investor disclosure 
requirements as set out in FUND 3.2.2R, 3.2.3R, 3.2.5R and 3.2.6R of 
the FCA’s Investment Funds sourcebook (‘FUND Disclosures’) for the 
Company as a standalone entity. The Company’s profit for the year is 
stated in its Statement of changes in equity and its Financial position 
is shown on page 101. The Company performs substantially all of its 
investment related activities through its subsidiaries and therefore 
the Group’s Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is 
considered to be more useful to investors than a Company statement.

Furthermore, in some instances the relevant FUND Disclosures have 
been made in relation to the Group on a consolidated basis rather 
than in respect of the Company on a solo basis. This is because the 
Company operates through its group subsidiaries and therefore 
reporting on the Group’s activities provides more relevant information 
on the Company and its position. There have been no material changes 
to the disclosures required to be made under FUND 3.2.2R in the 
past year. 

Although certain FUND Disclosures are made in this Annual report, full 
disclosures are summarised on the 3i website at www.3i.com. This will 
be updated as required and changes noted in future Annual reports.

For the purposes of the FUND Disclosures set out in FUND 3.3.5(R)
(5) and (6), the total amount of remuneration paid by 3i to its staff for 
the year was £83 million, of which £40 million was fixed remuneration 
and £43 million was variable remuneration. The aggregate total 
remuneration paid to AIFM Identified Staff for the year was £20 million, 
of which £16 million was paid to Senior Management and £4 million was 
paid to other AIFM Identified Staff. A summary of the remuneration 
policy of 3i can be found on the Company’s website.

93

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 Additional statutory and  
corporate governance information

continued

Employment 
The employment policy of the Group is one of equal opportunity in the 
selection, training, career development and promotion of employees, 
regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion and 
whether disabled or otherwise.

3i treats applicants and employees with disabilities fairly and provides 
facilities, equipment and training to assist disabled employees to do 
their jobs. Arrangements are made as necessary to ensure support 
to job applicants who happen to be disabled and who respond to 
requests to inform the Company of any requirements. Should an 
employee become disabled during their employment, efforts would 
be made to retain them in their current employment or to explore 
the opportunities for their retraining or redeployment within 3i. 
Financial support is also provided by 3i to support disabled employees 
who are unable to work, as appropriate to local market conditions. 

3i’s principal means of keeping in touch with the views of its employees 
is through employee appraisals, informal consultations, team briefings 
and staff conferences. Managers throughout 3i have a continuing 
responsibility to keep their staff informed of developments and to 
communicate financial results and other matters of interest. This is 
achieved by structured communication including regular meetings of 
employees. Members of the Board have regular formal and informal 
interaction with a significant number of 3i employees, including through 
office visits and one to one meetings.

3i is an equal opportunities employer and has clear grievance and 
disciplinary procedures in place. 3i also has an employee assistance 
programme which provides a confidential, free and independent 
counselling service and is available to all UK staff and their families  
in the UK. 

3i’s employment policies are designed to provide a competitive reward 
package which will attract and retain high quality staff, whilst ensuring 
that the relevant costs remain at an appropriate level. 

3i’s remuneration policy is influenced by 3i’s financial and other 
performance conditions and market practices in the countries in which 
it operates. All employees receive a base salary and are also eligible 
to be considered for a performance-related annual variable incentive 
award. For those members of staff receiving higher levels of annual 
variable incentive awards, a proportion of such awards is delivered in 3i 
shares, vesting over a number of years. Remuneration policy is reviewed 
by the 3i Group plc Remuneration Committee, comprising 3i Group plc 
non-executive Directors.

Where appropriate, employees are eligible to participate in 3i share 
schemes to encourage employees’ involvement in 3i’s performance. 
Investment executives in the Private Equity business line may also 
participate in carried interest schemes, which allow executives to 
share directly in future profits on investments. Similarly, investment 
executives in the Infrastructure business line may participate in asset-
linked and/or fee-linked incentive arrangements. Employees participate 
in local state or company pension schemes as appropriate to local 
market conditions. 

Political donations 
In line with Group policy, during the year to 31 March 2019 no donations 
were made to political parties or organisations, or independent election 
candidates, and no political expenditure was incurred.

Significant agreements 
As at 31 March 2019, the Company was party to one agreement subject 
to a renegotiation period on a change of control of the Company 
following a takeover bid. This agreement is a £350 million multi-
currency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated 5 September 
2014, between the Company, Barclays Bank PLC and a number of other 
banks. The Company is required to notify Barclays Bank PLC, as agent 
bank, within five days, of a change of control. This opens a 20-day 
negotiation period to determine if the Majority Lenders (as defined in 
the agreement) are willing to continue the facility. Failing agreement, 
amounts outstanding would be repayable and the facility cancelled.

Going concern
The Directors have acknowledged their responsibilities in relation  
to the financial statements for the year to 31 March 2019.

After making enquiries, the Directors considered it appropriate to 
prepare the financial statements of the Company, and the Group,  
on a going concern basis. 

The Viability statement is included on page 49.

Audit information
Pursuant to section 418(2) of the Companies Act 2006, each of the 
Directors confirms that:

(a)  so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information  

of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and

(b)  they have taken all steps they ought to have taken to make 

themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s Auditor is aware of such information.

Appointment of Auditor
In accordance with section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution 
proposing the re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s 
Auditor will be put to members at the forthcoming AGM.

Information required by Listing Rule 9.8.4
Information required by Listing Rule 9.8.4 not included in this section  
of the Directors’ report may be found as set out below:

Topic

Capitalised interest
Share allotments

Location

Portfolio income on page 32
Note 20 on page 126

94

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Information included in Strategic report
In accordance with section 414 C (11) of the Companies Act 2006, the 
following information otherwise required to be set out in the Directors’ 
report has been included in the Strategic report: risk management 
objectives and policies; post balance sheet events; likely future 
developments in the business; and greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Directors’ viability statement is also shown in the Strategic report 
on page 49.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual report and 
accounts in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and those 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) which have been 
adopted by the European Union. 

Under Company Law the Directors must not approve the Group 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they present fairly 
the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the 
Group for that period. The Directors consider that this Annual report 
and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s performance, business model and strategy. In preparing the 
Group financial statements the Directors:

(a)  select suitable accounting policies in accordance with International 

Accounting Standard 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting 
Estimates and Errors and then apply them consistently;

(b)  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that  
provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information; 

(c)  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 
requirements in IFRSs as adopted by the EU is insufficient to 
enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, 
other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and 
financial performance; 

(d)  state that the Group has complied with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; and 

(e)  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable.

The Directors have a responsibility for ensuring that proper accounting 
records are kept which are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the 
Group financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 

They have a general responsibility for taking such steps as are 
reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group  
and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

In accordance with the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules,  
the Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that: 

(a)  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with applicable 
accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; 
and 

(b)  the Strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole 
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face. 

The Directors of the Company and their functions are listed on  
pages 62 and 63. 

3i Group plc is registered in England with company number 1142830.

Directors’ report
For the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006, the Directors’ report 
of 3i Group plc comprises the Governance section on pages 61 to 95 
other than the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 79 to 89. 

The Strategic report, Directors’ report and Directors’ remuneration 
report have been drawn up and presented in accordance with and in 
reliance upon English company law and the liabilities of the Directors 
in connection with those reports shall be subject to the limitations and 
restrictions provided by that law.

By order of the Board

K J Dunn
Company Secretary 
15 May 2019

Registered office:  
16 Palace Street  
London SW1E 5JD

95

Governance3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial 
statements

Includes the detailed IFRS  
financial performance, accounting  
policies and notes to explain  
the accounts

96

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 for the year to 31 March

Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives

Gross investment return
Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest received
Interest paid
Exchange movements
Income from investment entity subsidiaries
Other (expense)/income
Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit before tax
Income taxes

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income/(expense) that may be reclassified to the income statement

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year (“Total return”)

Earnings per share

Basic (pence)
Diluted (pence)

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Notes

2
3
12

4

18

4
5

4,14
15

8

27

9
9

2019
£m

33
168
827

26
33
11
17
21

1,136
53
(126)
3
(36)
(27)
66
(2)

163
–

1,230
12

1,242

5

5

10

2018
£m

18
386
848

29
26
17
(12)
–

1,312
57
(120)
2
(37)
57
19
2

228
(32)

1,488
(25)

1,463

(38)

–

(38)

1,252

1,425

128.3
127.8

151.7
151.0

97

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Consolidated statement of financial position

 as at 31 March

Assets
Non-current assets
Investments

Quoted investments
Unquoted investments

Investments in investment entity subsidiaries
Investment portfolio
Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other non-current assets
Intangible assets
Retirement benefit surplus
Property, plant and equipment
Derivative financial instruments
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other current assets
Current income taxes
Derivative financial instruments
Deposits
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Loans and borrowings
Retirement benefit deficit
Deferred income taxes
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Current income taxes
Provisions
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Issued capital 
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Translation reserve
Capital reserve
Revenue reserve
Own shares
Total equity

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Simon Thompson
Chairman  
15 May 2019

98

Notes

2019
£m

2018
£m

11
11
12

14
16

27

18

14
16

18

19
15
17
27
8

19
15

20

21

469
1,193
5,159
6,821
605
24
11
134
4
11
7,610

35
24
12
7
50
983
1,111
8,721

(1)
(86)
(575)
(27)
(1)
(1)
(691)

(94)
(25)
(1)
(1)
(121)
(812)
7,909

719
787
43
36
(3)
5,590
779
(42)
7,909

345
1,751
4,034
6,130
498
28
12
125
4
–
6,797

93
34
3
–
–
972
1,102
7,899

(1)
(105)
(575)
(23)
(3)
(1)
(708)

(100)
(55)
(11)
(1)
(167)
(875)
7,024

719
786
43
32
(8)
4,700
778
(26)
7,024

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 for the year to 31 March

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share-
based
payment
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

2019

Total equity at the start of the year
Profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations
Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments
Release on exercise/forfeiture  
of share awards 
Exercise of share awards
Ordinary dividends
Purchase of own shares
Issue of ordinary shares

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

719
–

786
–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
1

43
–

–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

Total equity at the end of the year

719

787

43

(3)

5,590

Share
premium
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share-
based
payment
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

2018

Total equity at the start of the year
Profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments
Release on exercise/forfeiture  
of share awards 
Exercise of share awards
Ordinary dividends
Additional dividends
Issue of ordinary shares
Transfer from translation reserve  
to capital reserve1

Share
capital
£m

719
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

785
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
1

–

43
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

Total equity at the end of the year

719

786

43

1  Transfer relates to the translation reserve for Investment entity subsidiaries that was not reclassified on adoption of IFRS 10.

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Capital
reserve
£m

4,700
1,096

–
5

1,101

–

–
(13)
(198)
–
–

Capital
reserve
£m

3,390
1,318

–

1,318

–

–
(12)
(83)
(101)
–

(8)
–

5
–

5

–

–
–
–
–
–

218
–

(38)

(38)

–

–
–
–
–
–

(188)

(8)

188

4,700

32
–

–
–

–

19

(15)
–
–
–
–

36

30
–

–

–

17

(15)
–
–
–
–

–

32

Revenue
reserve
£m

778
146

–
–

146

–

15
–
(160)
–
–

779

Revenue
reserve
£m

689
145

–

145

–

15
–
(71)
–
–

–

778

Own
shares
£m

(26)
–

–
–

–

–

–
13
–
(29)
–

(42)

Own
shares
£m

(38)
–

–

–

–

–
12
–
–
–

Total
equity
£m

7,024
1,242

5
5

1,252

19

–
–
(358)
(29)
1

7,909

Total
equity
£m

5,836
1,463

(38)

1,425

17

–
–
(154)
(101)
1

–

(26)

–

7,024

99

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes

12

14
15

21
10

2019
£m

(125)
826
(264)
3
6
24
12
57
102
(38)
(109)
4
(10)

488

1
(29)
(358)
2
(39)

(423)

(3)
–
(50)

(53)

12

972
(1)

983

2018
£m

(470)
414
430
(10)
4
29
13
55
6
(40)
(114)
5
(10)

312

1
–
(255)
2
(36)

(288)

(2)
(13)
41

26

50

931
(9)

972

Consolidated cash flow statement

 for the year to 31 March

Cash flow from operating activities
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from investments
Cash (outflow)/inflow from investment entity subsidiaries
Net cash flow from derivatives
Portfolio interest received
Portfolio dividends received
Portfolio fees received
Fees received from external funds
Carried interest and performance fees received
Carried interest and performance fees paid
Operating expenses paid
Co-investment loans received
Income taxes paid

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from financing activities
Issue of shares
Purchase of own shares
Dividend paid
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangibles
Net cash flow from deposits

Net cash flow from investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

100

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Company statement of financial position

 as at 31 March

Assets
Non-current assets
Investments

Quoted investments
Unquoted investments

Investment portfolio

Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Interests in Group entities
Other non-current assets
Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Carried interest and performance fees receivable
Other current assets
Derivative financial instruments
Deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital 
Share premium
Capital redemption reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Capital reserve
Revenue reserve
Own shares

Total equity

The Company profit for the year to 31 March 2019 is £1,291 million (2018: £1,405 million).

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Simon Thompson
Chairman  
15 May 2019

Notes

2019
£m

2018
£m

11
11

14
23
16
18

14
16
18

17

19

20

21

469
1,193

1,662

655
5,221
17
11

7,566

7
3
7
50
958

1,025

8,591

(575)

(575)

(483)

(483)

(1,058)

7,533

719
787
43
36
5,979
11
(42)

7,533

345
1,751

2,096

539
4,112
20
–

6,767

3
2
–
–
939

944

7,711

(575)

(575)

(527)

(527)

(1,102)

6,609

719
786
43
32
5,015
40
(26)

6,609

101

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Company statement of changes in equity

 for the year to 31 March

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share-
based
payment
reserve
£m

Revenue
reserve
£m

Own
shares
£m

Capital
reserve
£m

5,015
1,175

1,175

–
–
(13)
(198)
–
–

5,979

Capital
reserve
£m

3,874
1,337

1,337

–
–
(12)
(83)
(101)
–

5,015

40
116

116

–
15
–
(160)
–
–

11

Revenue
reserve
£m

28
68

68

–
15
–
(71)
–
–

40

32
–

–

19
(15)
–
–
–
–

36

30
–

–

17
(15)
–
–
–
–

32

Total
equity
£m

6,609
1,291

1,291

19
–
–
(358)
(29)
1

7,533

Total
equity
£m

5,441
1,405

1,405

17
–
–
(154)
(101)
1

(26)
–

–

–
–
13
–
(29)
–

(42)

Own
shares
£m

(38)
–

–

–
–
12
–
–
–

(26)

6,609

Share
premium
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share- 
based
payment
reserve
£m

2019

Total equity at the start of the year
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments
Release on exercise/forfeiture of share awards
Exercise of share awards
Ordinary dividends
Purchase of own shares
Issue of ordinary shares

Share
capital
£m

Share
premium
£m

719
–

786
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
1

43
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

Total equity at the end of the year

719

787

43

2018

Total equity at the start of the year
Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments
Release on exercise/forfeiture of share awards
Exercise of share awards
Ordinary dividends
Additional dividends
Issue of ordinary shares

Share
capital
£m

719
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

785
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
1

43
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

Total equity at the end of the year

719

786

43

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

102

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Company cash flow statement

 for the year to 31 March

Cash flow from operating activities
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from investments
Distributions from subsidiaries
Drawdowns by subsidiaries
Net cash flow from derivatives
Portfolio interest received
Portfolio dividends received
Portfolio fees paid
Carried interest and performance fees received
Carried interest and performance fees paid
Co-investment loans received

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from financing activities
Issue of shares
Purchase of own shares
Dividend paid
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow from investing activities
Net cash flow from deposits

Net cash flow from investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

The Notes on pages 108 to 144 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Notes

14

21
10

2019
£m

(125)
826
753
(1,023)
3
6
24
(1)
26
–
4

493

1
(29)
(358)
2
(36)

(420)

(50)

(50)

23

939
(4)

958

2018
£m

(468)
395
1,002
(624)
(10)
4
25
(2)
4
(23)
5

308

1
–
(255)
2
(36)

(288)

41

41

61

887
(9)

939

103

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Significant accounting policies

Reporting entity
3i Group plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The consolidated financial 
statements (“the Group accounts”) for the year to 31 March 2019 comprise the financial statements of the Company and its consolidated 
subsidiaries (collectively, “the Group”).

The Group accounts have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with section 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Large 
and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in 
section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its Company statement of comprehensive income and related Notes.

A Basis of preparation 
The Group and Company accounts have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with all relevant International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and interpretations issued by the IFRS 
Interpretations Committee for the year ended 31 March 2019, endorsed by the European Union (“EU”). 

The following standards, amendments and interpretations have been issued and endorsed by the EU, with implementation dates that do not 
impact on these financial statements:

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after

IFRS 16 

Leases

1 January 2019

IFRS 16 Leases replaces IAS 17 Leases and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the 
Group from 1 April 2019. 

The only impact on the Group relates to leases for use of office space. These are currently classified as operating leases under IAS 17, with 
lease rentals charged to operating expenses on a straight line basis over the lease term. IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognise a lease liability, 
representing the present value of the obligation to make lease payments, and a related right of use (“ROU”) asset. The lease liability will be 
calculated based on expected future lease payments, discounted using the relevant incremental borrowing rate. The ROU asset will be assessed 
for impairment annually and depreciated on a straight line basis.

IFRS 16 will therefore result in an increase in the Group’s total assets and total liabilities as detailed below, but will not have a material impact on net 
assets or total return because the Group does not have material lease liabilities. There will be a non-material impact on the Group’s Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income as operating lease rentals (recognised in operating expenses) will be replaced with depreciation of the ROU 
asset (recognised in operating expenses) and effective interest recognised on the lease liability (recognised in interest paid).

On adoption of IFRS 16 at 1 April 2019, the Group will recognise an additional £23 million right of use asset and £23 million lease liability. 
When measuring the lease liability at 1 April 2019, future lease payments were discounted using a range of incremental borrowing rates between 
0.75% and 3.35%. The Group will apply IFRS 16 using the simplified retrospective approach and therefore comparative information will not 
be restated. A reconciliation of the operating lease commitment as at 31 March 2019 (Note 24) to the opening lease liability at 1 April 2019 
is presented below:

Operating lease commitments at 31 March 2019 as disclosed in Note 24
Impact of discounting using incremental borrowing rate at 1 April 2019

Opening lease liability at 1 April 2019

£m

24
(1)

23

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the Group accounts are disclosed below, but where possible, they have been shown 
as part of the Note to which they specifically relate in order to assist the reader’s understanding. These policies have been consistently applied and 
apply to all years presented, except for in relation to the adoption of new accounting standards as indicated below.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis as disclosed in the Directors’ report and presented to the nearest million sterling 
(£m), the functional currency of the Company and the Group.

Accounting developments
On 1 April 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers. The nature and effect of these  
changes are disclosed further below.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 replaces the classification and measurement models previously contained in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

The Group has applied IFRS 9 retrospectively, but has not restated comparative information.

The accounting for the Group’s financial assets and liabilities is materially unchanged following the adoption of IFRS 9.

104

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction contracts, IAS 18 Revenue and related interpretations and applies to all revenue arising from contracts 
with customers.

Items in the Group’s Consolidated statement of comprehensive income that are within the scope of IFRS 15 are fees receivable, fees receivable 
from external funds and carried interest and performance fees receivable. The accounting policies for these items are shown in Notes 4  
and 14. The Group’s accounting for fees receivable and fees receivable from external funds is unchanged. However, IFRS 15 has introduced a 
key judgement of the extent to which it is highly probable that there will not be a significant reversal of carried interest and performance fees 
receivable when the relevant uncertainty is resolved. Following a detailed review, it was concluded that the adoption of IFRS 15 had no impact on 
the carried interest and performance fees receivable recognised by the Group. Further details of our considerations around the adoption of IFRS 
15 are included on page 34 of the Financial review.

The Group has applied IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method. As our recognition remained unchanged, no adjustment to the opening 
balance of retained earnings was required.

Revenue has been disaggregated in accordance with IFRS 15 in Note 4.

B Basis of consolidation
In accordance with IFRS 10 the Company meets the criteria as an investment entity and therefore is required to recognise subsidiaries that also 
qualify as investment entities at fair value through profit or loss. It does not consolidate the investment entities it controls. Subsidiaries that provide 
investment related services, such as advisory, management or employment services, are not accounted for at fair value through profit and loss and 
continue to be consolidated unless they are deemed investment entities, in which case they are recognised at fair value.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control, as defined by IFRS 10, is achieved when the Group has all of the following:

•  power over the relevant activities of the investee; 

•  exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and 

•  the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

The Group is required to determine the degree of control or influence the Group exercises and the form of any control to ensure that the financial 
treatment is accurate. 

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which the Group effectively obtains control. All intra-group balances and transactions with 
subsidiaries are eliminated upon consolidation. Subsidiaries are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. 

The Group comprises several different types of subsidiaries. The Group re-assesses the function performed by each type of subsidiary to 
determine its treatment under the IFRS 10 exception from consolidation on an annual basis. The types of subsidiaries and their treatment under 
IFRS 10 are as follows:

General Partners (GPs) – Consolidated
General Partners provide investment management services and do not hold any direct investments in portfolio assets. These entities are not 
investment entities. 

Investment managers/advisers – Consolidated
These entities provide investment related services through the provision of investment management or advice. They do not hold any direct 
investments in portfolio assets. These entities are not investment entities. 

Holding companies of investment managers/advisers – Consolidated
These entities provide investment related services through their subsidiaries. Typically they do not hold any direct investment in portfolio assets 
and these entities are not investment entities. 

Limited Partnerships and other intermediate investment holding structures – Fair valued 
The Group makes investments in portfolio assets through its ultimate parent company as well as through other limited partnerships and corporate 
subsidiaries which the Group has created to align the interests of the investment teams with the performance of the assets through the use of 
various carried interest schemes. The purpose of these limited partnerships and corporate holding vehicles, many of which also provide investment 
related services, is to invest for investment income and capital appreciation. These partnerships and corporate subsidiaries meet the definition 
of an investment entity and are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss.

Portfolio investments – Fair valued
Under IFRS 10, the test for accounting subsidiaries takes wider factors of control as well as actual equity ownership into account. In accordance 
with the investment entity exception, these entities have been held at fair value with movements in fair value being recognised in the Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income. 

105

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Significant accounting policies

continued

Associates – Fair valued
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. Investments that  
are held as part of the Group’s investment portfolio are carried in the Consolidated statement of financial position at fair value even though  
the Group may have significant influence over those companies. 

Further detail on our application of IFRS 10 can be found in the Reconciliation of Investment basis to IFRS section.

C Critical accounting judgements and estimates
The reported results of the Group are sensitive to the accounting policies, assumptions and estimates that underpin the preparation of its financial 
statements. UK company law and IFRS require the Directors, in preparing the Group’s financial statements, to select suitable accounting policies, 
apply them consistently and make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. The Group’s estimates and assumptions are based 
on historical experience and expectation of future events and are reviewed periodically. The actual outcome may be materially different from 
that anticipated. 

(a) Critical judgements
In the course of preparing the financial statements, two judgements have been made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, 
other than those involving estimations, that have had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements as follows: 

I. Assessment as an investment entity
The Board has concluded that the Company continues to meet the definition of an investment entity, as its strategic objective of investing in 
portfolio investments and providing investment management services to investors for the purpose of generating returns in the form of investment 
income and capital appreciation remains unchanged. 

II. Carried interest receivable
Carried interest receivable is calculated based on the underlying agreements, and assuming all portfolio investments are sold at their fair values 
at the balance sheet date. In accordance with IFRS 15, the calculated carried interest receivable can only be recognised to the extent to which it is 
highly probable that there will not be a significant reversal when the relevant uncertainty is resolved. This judgement is made on a fund-by-fund 
basis, based on its specific circumstances, including consideration of: remaining duration of the fund, position in relation to the cash hurdle, the 
number of assets remaining in the fund and the potential for clawback.

(b) Critical estimates 
In addition to these significant judgements the Directors have made two estimates, which they deem to have a significant risk of resulting in 
a material adjustment to the amounts recognised in the financial statements within the next financial year. The details of these estimates are 
as follows:

I. Fair valuation of the investment portfolio
The investment portfolio, a material asset of the Group, is held at fair value. Details of valuation methodologies used and the associated 
sensitivities are disclosed in Note 13 Fair values of assets and liabilities. Further information can be found in Portfolio valuation – an explanation  
on pages 157 and 158. Given the importance of this area, the Board has a separate Valuations Committee to review the valuations policies, process 
and application to individual investments. A report on the activities of the Valuations Committee (including a review of the assumptions made)  
is included on pages 75 to 78. In addition, sensitivity to a net 1x movement on Action’s multiple, the largest investment in our portfolio, is included 
in the Strategic report on page 20.

II. Carried interest receivable and payable
Carried interest receivable and payable are calculated based on the underlying agreements, and assuming all portfolio investments are sold at 
their fair values at the balance sheet date. The actual amounts of carried interest received and paid will depend on the cash realisations of these 
portfolio investments and valuations may change significantly in the next financial year. The fair valuation of the investment portfolio is itself a 
critical estimate, as detailed above. The sensitivity of carried interest to movements in the investment portfolio is disclosed in Notes 14 and 15.

106

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019D Other accounting policies 
(a) Gross investment return
Gross investment return is equivalent to “revenue” for the purposes of IAS 1. It represents the overall increase in net assets from the investment 
portfolio net of deal-related costs and includes foreign exchange movements in respect of the investment portfolio. The substantial majority 
is investment income and outside the scope of IFRS 15. It is analysed into the following components with the relevant standard shown 
where appropriate:

i.  Realised profits or losses over value on the disposal of investments are the difference between the fair value of the consideration received in 
accordance with IFRS 13 less any directly attributable costs, on the sale of equity and the repayment of interest income from the investment 
portfolio, and its carrying value at the start of the accounting period, converted into sterling using the exchange rates in force at the date 
of disposal.

ii.  Unrealised profits or losses on the revaluation of investments are the movement in the fair value of investments in accordance with IFRS 13  

between the start and end of the accounting period converted into sterling using the exchange rates in force at the date of fair value assessment.

iii.  Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries are the movements in the fair value of Group subsidiaries which are classified 
as investment entities under IFRS 10. The Group makes investments in portfolio assets through these entities which are usually limited 
partnerships or corporate subsidiaries. 

iv.  Portfolio income is that portion of income that is directly related to the return from individual investments. It is recognised to the extent that it is 

probable that there will be economic benefit and the income can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must be met 
before the income is recognised:

•  Dividends from equity investments are recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income when the shareholders’ rights to 

receive payment have been established.

•  Interest income from investment portfolio is recognised as it accrues. When the fair value of an investment is assessed to be below the 

principal value of a loan, the Group recognises a provision against any interest accrued from the date of the assessment going forward until 
the investment is assessed to have recovered in value. 

•  The accounting policy for fee income is included in Note 4.

v.  Foreign exchange on investments arises on investments made in currencies that are different from the functional currency of the Group entity. 

Investments are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction in accordance with IAS 21. At each subsequent reporting 
date, investments are translated to sterling at the exchange rate ruling at that date.

vi.  Movement in the fair value of derivatives relates to the change in fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts which have been used to 

minimise foreign currency risk in the investment portfolio. See Note 18 for further details.

(b) Foreign currency translation
For the Company and those subsidiaries whose balance sheets are denominated in sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentational 
currency, monetary assets and liabilities and non-monetary assets held at fair value denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at 
the closing rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency transactions are translated into sterling at the average rates of exchange 
over the year and exchange differences arising are taken to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The statements of financial position of subsidiaries and associates, which are not held at fair value, denominated in foreign currencies are translated 
into sterling at the closing rates. The statements of comprehensive income for these subsidiaries and associates are translated at the average 
rates and exchange differences arising are taken to other comprehensive income. Such exchange differences are reclassified to the Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the subsidiary or associate is disposed of.

(c) Treasury assets and liabilities 
Short-term treasury assets, and short and long-term treasury liabilities are used in order to manage cash flows and minimise the overall costs 
of borrowing. 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and amounts held in money market funds which are readily convertible into cash and there is an 
insignificant risk of changes in value. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the relevant Group entity becomes 
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. De-recognition occurs when rights to cash flows from a financial asset expire, or when a 
liability is extinguished.

107

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20191 Segmental analysis
Operating segments are the components of the Group whose results are regularly reviewed by the Group’s chief operating decision maker 
to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. 

The Chief Executive, who is considered to be the chief operating decision maker, managed the Group on the basis of business divisions 
determined with reference to market focus, geographic focus, investment funding model and the Group’s management hierarchy. A description  
of the activities, including products and services offered by these divisions and the allocation of resources, is given in the Strategic report.  
For the geographical segmental split, revenue information is based on the locations of the assets held.

The segmental information that follows is presented on the basis used by the Chief Executive to monitor the performance of the Group. 
The reported segments are Private Equity, Infrastructure and Corporate Assets. On 21 June 2018, the Group completed the sale and re-investment 
into Scandlines. The re-investment in Scandlines is managed as a Corporate Asset separate from the Private Equity and Infrastructure businesses 
and, as such, is shown separately in the segmental analysis. Corporate Assets replaced Other as a segment in FY2019. In FY2018, Other comprised 
the residual investments retained following the sale of our Debt Management business. These residual investments were sold in FY2018.

The segmental analysis is prepared on the Investment basis to provide the most meaningful information to the reader of the accounts. For more 
information on the Investment basis and a reconciliation between the Investment basis and IFRS see pages 39 to 42.

Investment basis 

Year to 31 March 2019

Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in the fair value of derivatives
Gross investment return
Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest receivable
Interest payable
Exchange movements
Other expense
Operating profit before carry
Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit
Income taxes
Other comprehensive income

Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Total return
Net divestment/(investment)
Realisations1
Cash investment

Balance sheet
Opening portfolio value at 1 April 2018
Investment2
Value disposed 
Unrealised value movement
Other movement3
Closing portfolio value at 31 March 2019 

Private
Equity
£m

131
916

12
103
10
(24)
–
1,148
4
(77)

Infrastructure
£m

Corporate
Assets
£m

1
162

23
10
(1)
15
–
210
49
(48)

–
9

28
–
–
(9)
21
49
–
(1)

128
(206)

31
(14)

–
–

1,235
(332)
903

5,825
426
(1,103)
916
(41)
6,023

7
2
9

832
(2)
(6)
162
15
1,001

–
(529)
(529)

–
529
–
9
(9)
529

Total
£m

132
1,087

63
113
9
(18)
21
1,407
53
(126)
2
(36)
(3)
(2)
1,295

159
(220)
1,234
13

5
1,252

1,242
(859)
383

6,657
953
(1,109)
1,087
(35)
7,553

1  Private Equity does not include £19 million received during the year which was recognised as realised proceeds in FY2018.

2  Includes capitalised interest and other non-cash investment.

3  Other movement relates to foreign exchange and the provisioning of capitalised interest.

A number of items are not managed by segment by the chief operating decision maker and therefore have not been allocated to a specific segment. 

108

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accounts1 Segmental analysis continued

Investment basis

Year to 31 March 2018

Realised profits/(losses) over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income

Dividends
Interest income from investment portfolio
Fees receivable

Foreign exchange on investments

Gross investment return

Fees receivable from external funds
Operating expenses
Interest receivable
Interest payable
Exchange movements
Other income

Operating profit before carry

Carried interest

Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
Carried interest and performance fees payable

Operating profit

Income taxes
Other comprehensive income

Re-measurements of defined benefit plans

Total return

Net divestment/(investment)
Realisations2
Cash investment

Balance sheet
Opening portfolio value at 1 April 2017
Investment3
Value disposed 
Unrealised value movement
Other movement4

Closing portfolio value at 31 March 2018 

Infrastructure
£m

Other1
£m

Private
Equity
£m

199
1,080

5
112
14
28

1,438

7
(75)

10
83

27
4
–
(11)

113

50
(46)

138
(196)

90
(9)

1,002
(587)

415

4,831
674
(803)
1,080
43

5,825

169
(217)

(48)

706
217
(159)
83
(15)

832

(2)
–

9
–
–
(6)

1

–
–

–
–

152
(23)

129

138
23
(154)
–
(7)

–

1  The Other segment comprises the residual Debt Management portfolio. 

2  £46 million in Private Equity relates to cash in transit at year end.

3  Includes capitalised interest and other non-cash investment.

4  Other movement relates to foreign exchange and the provisioning of capitalised interest.

A number of items are not managed by segment by the chief operating decision maker and therefore have not been allocated to a specific segment. 

Total
£m

207
1,163

41
116
14
11

1,552

57
(121)
2
(37)
(27)
2

1,428

228
(205)

1,451

(26)

–

1,425

1,323
(827)

496

5,675
914
(1,116)
1,163
21

6,657

109

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Balance sheet
Closing portfolio value at 31 March 2019

1,453

4,976

193

7,553

Northern
Europe
£m

North
America
£m

Other
£m

126
745
111
(85)
21

918

1,116
(730)

386

154
932
104
91

1,281

782
(434)

348

4
(32)
(1)
13
–

(16)

32
–

32

–
85
15
54
–

154

6
(129)

(123)

931

(5)
67
12
(55)

19

91
(361)

(270)

664

49
16
1
(25)

41

180
–

180

240

Northern
Europe
£m

North
America
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

132
1,087
185
(18)
21

1,407

1,242
(859)

383

Total
£m

207
1,163
171
11

1,552

1,323
(827)

496

6,657

1 Segmental analysis continued

Investment basis

Year to 31 March 2019

Gross investment return
Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits/(losses) on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income
Foreign exchange on investments
Movement in fair value of derivatives

Net divestment/(investment)
Realisations
Cash investment

UK
£m

2
289
60
–
–

351

88
–

88

Investment basis

Year to 31 March 2018

Gross investment return
Realised profits/(losses) over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income
Foreign exchange on investments

Net divestment/(investment)
Realisations
Cash investment

UK
£m

9
148
54
–

211

270
(32)

238

Balance sheet
Closing portfolio value at 31 March 2018

1,249

4,504

110110

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20192 Realised profits over value on the disposal of investments

Realisations
Valuation of disposed investments

Of which: 
– profits recognised on realisations
– losses recognised on realisations

Realisations
Valuation of disposed investments

Of which: 
– profits recognised on realisations
– losses recognised on realisations

3 Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments

Movement in the fair value of investments
Of which: 
– unrealised gains
– unrealised losses

Movement in the fair value of investments
Of which: 
– unrealised gains
– unrealised losses

2019
Unquoted
investments
£m

2019
Quoted
investments
£m

826
(793)

33

33
–

33

–
–

–

–
–

–

2018
Unquoted
investments
£m

2018
Quoted
investments
£m

329
(315)

14

22
(8)

14

85
(81)

4

4
–

4

2019
Unquoted
investments
£m

2019
Quoted
investments
£m

66

105
(39)

66

102

102
–

102

2018
Unquoted
investments
£m

2018
Quoted
investments
£m

346

365
(19)

346

40

40
–

40

2019
Total
£m

826
(793)

33

33
–

33

2018
Total
£m

414
(396)

18

26
(8)

18

2019
Total
£m

168

207
(39)

168

2018
Total
£m

386

405
(19)

386

111111

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20194 Revenue

Accounting policy:
The following items from the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income fall within the scope of IFRS 15:

Fees receivable are earned for providing services to 3i’s portfolio companies, which predominantly fall into one of two categories:

Negotiation and other transaction fees are earned for providing services relating to a specific transaction, such as when a portfolio 
company is bought, sold or refinanced. These fees are generally of a fixed nature and the revenue is recognised in full at the point of 
transaction completion.

Monitoring and other ongoing service fees are earned for providing a range of services to a portfolio company over a period of time. These fees 
are generally of a fixed nature and the revenue is recognised evenly over the period, in line with the services provided.

Fees receivable from external funds are earned for providing management and advisory services to a variety of fund partnerships and other 
entities. Fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the cost or value of the assets managed during the year and are paid quarterly, based 
on the assets under management at that date. The revenue is recognised evenly over the period, in line with the services provided.

Carried interest and performance fees receivable – the accounting policy for carried interest and performance fees receivable is shown 
in Note 14.

Items from the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income which fall within the scope of IFRS 15 are included in the table below:

Year to 31 March 2019 

Total revenue by geography1
UK
Northern Europe
North America
Other

Total

Revenue by type
Fees receivable2 from portfolio
Fees receivable from external funds
Carried interest and performance fees receivable2

Total

Year to 31 March 2018

Total revenue by geography1
UK
Northern Europe
North America

Total

Revenue by type
Fees receivable2 from portfolio
Fees receivable from external funds
Carried interest and performance fees receivable2

Total

Private
Equity
£m

Infrastructure
£m

136
6
6
–

148

12
4
132

148

62
17
(1)
1

79

(1)
49
31

79

Private
Equity
£m

Infrastructure
£m

144
14
4

162

17
7
138

162

21
119
–

140

–
50
90

140

Total
£m

198
23
5
1

227

11
53
163

227

Total
£m

165
133
4

302

17
57
228

302

1  For fees receivable from external funds and carried interest and performance fees receivable the geography is based on the domicile of the fund.

2  Fees receivable and carried interest receivable above are different to the Investment basis figures included in Note 1. This is due to the fact that Note 1 is disclosed on the Investment basis and 

the table above is shown on the IFRS basis. For an explanation of the Investment basis and a reconciliation between Investment basis and IFRS basis see pages 39 to 42.

112112

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20194 Revenue continued

Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 March 2019, other current assets in the Consolidated statement of financial position includes balances relating to fees receivable from 
portfolio and fees receivable from external funds of £1 million and £1 million respectively (31 March 2018: £3 million and £5 million respectively). 
Details of the carried interest and performance fees receivable included in the Consolidated statement of financial position are shown in Note 14.  
These are different to the balances included in the Investment basis consolidated statement of financial position. For an explanation of the 
Investment basis and a reconciliation between Investment basis and IFRS basis see pages 39 to 42.

5 Operating expenses
Operating expenses of £126 million (2018: £120 million) recognised in the IFRS Consolidated statement of comprehensive income include the 
following amounts:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Audit fees (Note 7)
Staff costs (Note 6)
Redundancy and termination costs

2019
£m

2
1
2
83
4

Including expenses incurred in the entities accounted for as investment entity subsidiaries of nil (2018: £1 million), the Group’s total operating 
expenses for the year were £126 million (2018: £121 million).

6 Staff costs
The table below is prepared in accordance with Companies Act requirements, which is consistent with both the IFRS and the Investment basis.

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payment costs (Note 28)
Pension costs

Total staff costs

2019
£m

62
10
8
3

83

2018
£m

2
1
2
83
2

2018
£m

63
11
5
4

83

The average number of employees during the year was 240 (2018: 241), of which 156 (2018: 159) were employed in the UK.

Wages and salaries shown above include salaries paid in the year, as well as bonuses and portfolio incentive schemes relating to the year ended 
31 March 2019. These costs are included in operating expenses. The table below analyses these costs between fixed and variable elements.

Fixed staff costs
Variable staff costs1

Total staff costs

1  Includes cash bonuses and equity and cash settled share awards.

More detail on this information is included in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 79 to 89.

2019
£m

40
43

83

2018
£m

40
43

83

113113

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20197 Information regarding the Group’s Auditor
During the year the Group received the following services from its Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP. The table below is prepared in accordance with 
Companies Act requirements, which is consistent with both the IFRS and the Investment basis.

Audit services 
Statutory audit   – Company

– UK subsidiaries
– Overseas subsidiaries

Total audit services

Non-audit services
Other assurance services
Investment due diligence

Total audit and non-audit services

8 Income taxes

2019
£m

2018
£m

1.3
0.5
0.1

1.9

0.2
0.4

2.5

1.3
0.5
0.1

1.9

0.3
0.1

2.3

Accounting policy: 
Income taxes represent the sum of the tax currently payable, withholding taxes suffered and deferred tax. Tax is charged or credited in the 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, except where it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the tax 
is also dealt with in equity.

The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. This may differ from the profit included in the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes 
items that are never taxable or deductible.

To enable the tax charge to be based on the profit for the year, deferred tax is provided in full on temporary timing differences, at the rates of 
tax expected to apply when these differences crystallise. Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient 
taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences can be set off. All deferred tax liabilities are offset against deferred tax 
assets, where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of IAS 12.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

The main rate of UK corporation tax is 19% and is to be reduced to 17% from 1 April 2020. This change will affect future UK corporate taxes 
payable and the rate at which deferred tax assets are expected to reverse.

Current taxes
Current year 

Prior year 

– UK
– Overseas
– UK
– Overseas

Deferred taxes
Current year
Prior year

Total income tax (credit)/charge in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

2019  
£m

2018  
£m

1
3
(14)
–

–
(2)

(12)

22
1
–
(1)

3
–

25

114114

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
 
 
 
8 Income taxes continued
Reconciliation of income taxes in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
The tax charge for the year is different to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK, currently 19% (2018: 19%), and the differences are 
explained below:

Profit before tax 
Profit before tax multiplied by rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%)
Effects of:

Non-taxable capital profits due to UK approved investment trust company status
Non-taxable dividend income

Other differences between accounting and tax profits:

Permanent differences – non-deductible items
Temporary differences on which deferred tax is not recognised
Overseas countries taxes
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax on losses 
Prior year adjustments
Utilisation of brought forward losses

Total income tax (credit)/charge in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

2019 
£m

1,230
234

(213)
(12)

9

(4)
(3)
3
–
(16)
(1)

(12)

2018 
£m

1,488
283

(257)
(9)

17

2
4
–
5
–
(3)

25

The affairs of the Group’s parent company are directed so as to allow it to meet the requisite conditions to continue to operate as an approved 
investment trust company for UK tax purposes. An approved investment trust company is a UK investment company which is required to meet 
certain conditions set out in the UK tax rules to obtain and maintain its tax status. This approval allows certain investment profits of the Company, 
broadly its capital profits, to be exempt from tax in the UK.

Including a net tax credit of £1 million (2018: £1 million charge) in investment entity subsidiaries, the Group recognised a total tax credit of 
£13 million (2018: charge of £26 million) under the Investment basis. This tax credit arises as a result of finalising the Group’s UK tax returns 
for FY2018.

Deferred income taxes

Opening deferred income tax liability
Tax losses
Income in accounts taxable in the future

Recognised through Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Tax losses recognised
Income in accounts taxable in the future

Closing deferred income tax liability
Tax losses
Income in accounts taxable in the future

2019 
£m

2018 
£m

3
(6)

(3)

(3)
5

2

–
(1)

(1)

8
(8)

–

(5)
2

(3)

3
(6)

(3)

At 31 March 2019, the Group had carried forward tax losses of £1,419 million (31 March 2018: £1,400 million), capital losses of £87 million (31 March 
2018: £102 million) and other temporary differences of £64 million (31 March 2018: £83 million). With the additional restrictions on utilising brought 
forward losses introduced from 1 April 2017, and the uncertainty that the Group will generate sufficient or relevant taxable profits in the foreseeable 
future to utilise these amounts, no deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses. Deferred income taxes are calculated using 
an expected rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%).

115115

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 20199 Per share information
The calculation of basic net assets per share is based on the net assets and the number of shares in issue. When calculating the diluted net assets 
per share, the number of shares in issue is adjusted for the effect of all dilutive share awards.

Net assets per share (£)
Basic
Diluted
Net assets (£m)
Net assets attributable to equity holders of the Company

Number of shares in issue
Ordinary shares
Own shares

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares
Share awards

Diluted shares

2019

8.19
8.15

2018

7.28
7.24

7,909

7,024

2019

2018

973,000,665
(7,014,008)

972,897,006
(7,856,601)

965,986,657

965,040,405

3,994,492

4,732,745

969,981,149

969,773,150

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to shareholders and the weighted average number of shares in 
issue. When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares in issue is adjusted for the effect of all dilutive 
share awards.

Earnings per share (pence)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Earnings (£m)
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company

2019

2018

128.3
127.8

151.7
151.0

1,242

1,463

Basic earnings per share is calculated on weighted average shares in issue of 967,932,072 for the year to 31 March 2019 (2018: 964,091,662). 
Diluted earnings per share is calculated on diluted weighted average shares of 971,792,591 for the year to 31 March 2019 (2018: 968,705,437).

10 Dividends

Declared and paid during the year
Ordinary shares
Second dividend
First dividend

Proposed dividend

2019
pence per share

2019
£m

2018
pence per share

22.0
15.0

37.0

20.0

213
145

358

193

18.5
8.0

26.5

22.0

2018
£m

178
77

255

212

The Group introduced a simplified dividend policy in May 2018. In accordance with this policy, subject to maintaining a conservative balance 
sheet approach, the Group aims to maintain or grow the dividend each year. The first dividend is expected to be set at 50% of the prior year’s 
total dividend.

The dividend can be paid out of either the capital reserve or the revenue reserve subject to the investment trust rules. The distributable reserves 
of the parent company are £2,226 million (31 March 2018: £1,941 million) and the Board reviews the distributable reserves bi-annually ahead of 
proposing any dividend. The Board also reviews the proposed dividends in the context of the requirements of being an approved investment trust. 
Details of the Group’s continuing viability and going concern can be found in the Risk management section.

116116

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201911 Investment portfolio

Accounting policy:
Investments are recognised and de-recognised on the date when their purchase or sale is subject to a relevant contract and the associated 
risks and rewards have been transferred. The Group manages its investments with a view to profiting from the receipt of investment income 
and capital appreciation from changes in the fair value of investments.

All investments are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration given and are subsequently measured at fair value, in accordance 
with the Group’s valuation policies.

Quoted investments are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss. Fair value is measured using the closing bid price at the reporting 
date, where the investment is quoted on an active stock market.

Unquoted investments, including both equity and loans, are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss. Fair value is determined in line 
with 3i’s valuation policy, which is compliant with the fair value guidelines under IFRS and the International Private Equity and Venture Capital 
(IPEV) Valuation Guidelines, details of which are available in “Portfolio valuation – an explanation” on pages 157 and 158.

Interest bearing loans accrue interest which is either settled in cash or capitalised on a regular basis and included as part of the principal loan 
balance. The capitalisation of accrued interest is treated as part of investment additions during the year. If the fair value of an investment is 
assessed to be below the principal value of the loan the Group recognises a fair value reduction against any interest income accrued from the 
date of the assessment going forward. “Capitalisation at nil value” is the term used to describe the capitalisation of accrued interest which has 
been fully provided for. These transactions are disclosed as additions to portfolio cost with an equal reduction made where loan notes have 
nil value.

In accordance with IFRS 10, the proportion of the investment portfolio held by the Group’s unconsolidated subsidiaries is presented as part 
of the fair value of investment entity subsidiaries, along with the fair value of their other assets and liabilities. A reconciliation of the fair value 
of Investments in investment entities is included in Note 12.

Opening book value
Additions
– of which loan notes with nil value
Disposals, repayments and write-offs
Fair value movement1
Other movements and net cash movements2

Closing book value

Quoted investments
Unquoted investments

Closing book value

Group
2019
£m

2,096
150
(5)
(793)
168
46

1,662

469
1,193

1,662

Group
2018
£m

1,706
481
–
(396)
386
(81)

2,096

345
1,751

2,096

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

2,096
150
(5)
(793)
168
46

1,662

469
1,193

1,662

1,685
481
–
(375)
386
(81)

2,096

345
1,751

2,096

1  All fair value movements relate to assets held at the end of the period.

2  Other movements includes the impact of foreign exchange and transfers of investments to/from investment entity subsidiaries.

The holding period of 3i’s investment portfolio is on average greater than one year. For this reason the portfolio is classified as non-current. It is not 
possible to identify with certainty investments that will be sold within one year.

Additions in the year included cash investment of £125 million (2018: £470 million) and £25 million (2018: £11 million) in capitalised interest received 
by way of loan notes, of which £5 million (2018: nil) was written down to nil.

Included within the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is £33 million (2018: £26 million) of interest income. This comprised the 
£20 million of capitalised interest noted above, £6 million (2018: £4 million) of cash income and the capitalisation of prior year accrued income and 
non-capitalised accrued income of £7 million (2018: £11 million).

Quoted investments are classified as Level 1 and unquoted investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13 for details.

117117

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201912 Investments in investment entity subsidiaries

Accounting policy:
Investments in investment entity subsidiaries are accounted for as financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss in accordance  
with IFRS 9.

These entities are typically limited partnerships and other intermediate investment holding structures which hold the Group’s interests in 
investments in portfolio companies. The fair value can increase or reduce from either cash flows to/from the investment entity subsidiaries  
or valuation movements in line with the Group’s valuation policy.

Substantially all of these entities meet the definition of a Fund under the IPEV guidelines and the fair value and unit of account of these entities 
is their net asset value.

We determine that, in the ordinary course of business, the net asset value of investment entity subsidiaries is considered to be the most 
appropriate to determine fair value. At each reporting period, we consider whether any additional fair value adjustments need to be made 
to the net asset value of the investment entity subsidiaries. These adjustments may be required to reflect market participants’ considerations 
about fair value that may include, but are not limited to, liquidity and the portfolio effect of holding multiple investments within the investment 
entity subsidiary. There was no particular circumstance to indicate that a fair value adjustment was required and, after due consideration,  
we concluded that the net asset values were the most appropriate reflection of fair value at 31 March 2019.

Non-current

Opening fair value
Net cash flow to/(from) investment entity subsidiaries
Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries
Transfer of assets to investment entity subsidiaries

Closing fair value

Group
2019 
£m

4,034
264
827
34

5,159

Group
2018
£m

3,483
(430)
848
133

4,034

All investment entity subsidiaries are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, see Note 13 for details.

A 5% movement in the closing book value of investments in investment entities would have an impact of £258 million (31 March 2018: £202 million).

Restrictions
3i Group plc, the ultimate parent company, receives dividend income from its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability to transfer funds 
from these subsidiaries to the Group, except for a cash balance of £93 million (31 March 2018: £85 million) held on escrow in investment entity 
subsidiaries for carried interest payable.

Support
3i Group plc continues to provide, where necessary, ongoing support to its investment entity subsidiaries for the purchase of portfolio investments. 
During the year, there were net cash flows from the Group to investment entity subsidiaries as noted in the table above. The Group’s current 
commitments are disclosed in Note 25.

118118

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201913 Fair values of assets and liabilities

Accounting policy:
Financial instruments, other than those held at amortised cost, are held at fair value. In particular, 3i classifies groups of financial instruments 
at fair value through profit and loss when they are managed, and their performance evaluated, on a fair value basis in accordance with a 
documented risk management or investment strategy, and where information about the groups of financial instruments is reported to 
management on that basis.

(A) Classification
The following tables analyse the Group’s assets and liabilities in accordance with the categories of financial instruments in IFRS 9  
(31 March 2018: IAS 39):

Assets
Quoted investments
Unquoted investments
Investments in investment entities 
Other financial assets

Total

Liabilities 
Loans and borrowings 
Other financial liabilities 

Total

Assets
Quoted investments
Unquoted investments
Other financial assets

Total

Liabilities 
Loans and borrowings 
Other financial liabilities 

Total

Group 
2019 
Classified 
at fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss 
£m

Group 
2019 
Other 
financial 
instruments 
at amortised 
cost 
£m

469
1,193
5,159
52

6,873

–
–

–

–
–
–
654

654

575
206

781

Company
2019
Classified
at fair value
through
profit and
loss
£m

Company
2019
Other
financial
instruments
at amortised
cost
£m

469
1,193
34

1,696

–
–

–

–
–
666

666

575
483

1,058

Group 
2018 
Classified 
at fair value 
through 
profit and 
loss 
£m

Group 
2018 
Other 
financial 
instruments 
at amortised 
cost 
£m

345
1,751
4,034
–

6,130

–
–

–

–
–
–
653

653

575
261

836

Company
2018
Classified
at fair value
through
profit and
loss
£m

Company
2018
Other
financial
instruments
at amortised
cost
£m

345
1,751
–

2,096

–
–

–

–
–
564

564

575
527

1,102

Group 
2019 
Total 
£m

469
1,193
5,159
706

7,527

575
206

781

Company
2019
Total
£m

469
1,193
700

2,362

575
483

1,058

Group 
2018 
Total 
£m

345
1,751
4,034
653

6,783

575
261

836

Company
2018
Total
£m

345
1,751
564

2,660

575
527

1,102

Within the Company, £5,163 million (31 March 2018: £4,045 million) of the Interest in Group entities is held at fair value.

(B) Valuation
The fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities not held at fair value, are not materially different from their carrying values, with the 
exception of loans and borrowings. The fair value of the loans and borrowings is £709 million (31 March 2018: £718 million), determined with 
reference to their published market prices. The carrying value of the loans and borrowings is £575 million (31 March 2018: £575 million) and accrued 
interest payable (included within trade and other payables) is £8 million (31 March 2018: £8 million).

119119

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201913 Fair values of assets and liabilities continued
Valuation hierarchy
The Group classifies financial instruments measured at fair value according to the following hierarchy:

Level

Level 1
Level 2

Level 3

Fair value input description

Quoted prices (unadjusted) from active markets
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable 
either directly (ie as prices) or indirectly (ie derived from prices)
Inputs that are not based on observable market data

Financial instruments

Quoted equity instruments
Derivative financial instruments

Unquoted equity instruments and loan instruments

Unquoted equity instruments and debt instruments are measured in accordance with the IPEV Guidelines with reference to the most appropriate 
information available at the time of measurement. Further information regarding the valuation of unquoted equity instruments can be found in the 
section Portfolio valuation – an explanation on pages 157 and 158.

The table below shows the classification of financial instruments held at fair value into the valuation hierarchy at 31 March 2019:

Assets 
Quoted investments
Unquoted investments
Investments in investment 
entity subsidiaries
Other financial assets

Total

Group
2019
Level 1
£m

469
–

–
–

469

Group
2019
Level 2
£m

–
–

–
18

18

Group
2019
Level 3
£m

–
1,193

5,159
34

6,386

Group
2019
Total
£m

469
1,193

5,159
52

6,873

Group
2018
Level 1
£m

345
–

–
–

345

Group
2018
Level 2
£m

–
–

–
–

–

Group
2018
Level 3
£m

–
1,751

4,034
–

5,785

Group
2018
Total
£m

345
1,751

4,034
–

6,130

We determine that, in the ordinary course of business, the net asset value of an investment entity subsidiary is considered to be the most 
appropriate to determine fair value. The underlying portfolio is valued under the same methodology as directly held investments, with any 
other assets or liabilities within investment entity subsidiaries fair valued in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. Note 12 details the 
Directors’ considerations about the fair value of the underlying investment entity subsidiaries.

Movements in the directly held investment portfolio categorised as Level 3 during the year are set out in the table below:

Opening book value
Additions
– of which loan notes with nil value
Disposals, repayments and write-offs
Fair value movement1
Other movements and net cash movements2

Closing book value

Group
2019
£m

1,751
150
(5)
(793)
66
24

1,193

Group
2018
£m

1,316
481
–
(315)
346
(77)

1,751

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

1,751
150
(5)
(793)
66
24

1,193

1,295
481
–
(293)
346
(78)

1,751

1  All fair value movements relate to assets held at the end of the period. 

2  Other movements include the impact of foreign exchange and transfers of investments to/from investment entity subsidiaries.

120120

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
 
 
 
13 Fair values of assets and liabilities continued
Unquoted investments valued using Level 3 inputs also had the following impact on the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income: 
realised profits over value on disposal of investments of £33 million (2018: £14 million), dividend income of £12 million (2018: £13 million) and foreign 
exchange gains of £17 million (2018: foreign exchange losses of £12 million). 

Level 3 inputs are sensitive to assumptions made when ascertaining fair value as described in the Portfolio valuation – an explanation section. 
On an IFRS basis, of assets held at 31 March 2019 classified as Level 3, 77% (31 March 2018: 40%) were valued using a multiple of earnings and the 
remaining 23% (31 March 2018: 60%) were valued using alternative valuation methodologies. Of the underlying portfolio held by investment entity 
subsidiaries, 88% (31 March 2018: 95%) were valued using a multiple of earnings and the remaining 12% (31 March 2018: 5%) were valued using 
alternative valuation methodologies.

Assets move between Level 1 and Level 3 when an unquoted equity investment lists on a quoted market exchange. There were no transfers  
in or out of Level 3 during the year.

Valuation multiple – The valuation multiple is the main assumption applied to a multiple of earnings based valuation. The multiple is derived from 
comparable listed companies or relevant market transaction multiples. Companies in the same industry and geography and, where possible, with 
a similar business model and profile are selected and multiples are then adjusted for factors including liquidity risk, growth potential and relative 
performance. They are also adjusted to represent our longer term view of performance through the cycle or our exit assumptions. The value 
weighted average post discount earnings multiple used when valuing the portfolio at 31 March 2019 was 12.1x (31 March 2018: 11.7x).

If the multiple used to value each unquoted investment valued on an earnings multiple basis as at 31 March 2019 decreased by 5%, the investment 
portfolio value would decrease by £57 million (31 March 2018: £43 million) or 3% (31 March 2018: 2%). If the same sensitivity was applied to the 
underlying portfolio held by investment entity subsidiaries, this would have a negative value impact of £318 million (31 March 2018: £270 million)  
or 5% (31 March 2018: 6%).

If the multiple increased by 5% then the investment portfolio value would increase by £57 million (31 March 2018: £35 million) or 3% (31 March 
2018: 2%). If the same sensitivity was applied to the underlying portfolio held by investment entity subsidiaries, this would have a positive value 
impact of £318 million (31 March 2018: £260 million) or 5% (31 March 2018: 6%).

Alternative valuation methodologies – There are a number of alternative investment valuation methodologies used by the Group, for reasons 
specific to individual assets. The details of such valuation methodologies, and inputs that are used, are given in the Portfolio valuation – an 
explanation section on pages 157 and 158.

Each methodology is used for a proportion of assets by value, and at year end the following techniques were used under an IFRS basis: 7% DCF 
(31 March 2018: 5%), nil imminent sale (31 March 2018: 45%), 11% industry metric (31 March 2018: 7%) and 5% other (31 March 2018: 3%).

If the value of all of the investments valued under alternative methodologies moved by 5%, this would have an impact on the investment portfolio 
value of £14 million (31 March 2018: £53 million) or 1% (31 March 2018: 3%). If the same sensitivity was applied to the underlying portfolio held by 
investment entity subsidiaries, this would have a value impact of £33 million (31 March 2018: £10 million) or 0.6% (31 March 2018: 0.3%).

14 Carried interest and performance fees receivable

Accounting policy:
The Group earns a share of profits (“carried interest receivable”) from funds which it manages on behalf of third parties. These profits are earned 
when the funds meet certain performance conditions and are paid by the fund when these conditions have been met on a cash basis. In certain 
limited circumstances the carried interest received may be subject to clawback provisions if the performance of the fund deteriorates materially 
following carried interest being paid.

The carried interest receivable recognised at the balance sheet date is calculated based on the valuation of the remaining portfolio assets in 
the fund at that date, discounted to reflect the estimated realisation dates. An assessment of whether it is sufficiently certain that there will 
not be a significant reversal of this revenue is carried out on a fund by fund basis, based on its specific circumstances, including consideration 
of: remaining duration of the fund, position in relation to the cash hurdle, the number of assets remaining in the fund and the potential 
for clawback.

The Group earns performance fees from the investment management services it provides to 3i Infrastructure plc (“3iN”) when 3iN’s total 
return for the year exceeds a specified threshold. These fees are calculated on an annual basis and paid in cash early in the next financial year. 
Revenue from performance fees is recognised when it is sufficiently certain that there will not be a significant reversal, which is usually at the end 
of the relevant financial year, when the calculation is finalised and agreed.

Following initial recognition, carried interest and performance fees receivable are accounted for under the amortised cost method in 
accordance with IFRS 9. This includes the requirement to calculate expected credit losses at inception. Given that carried interest and 
performance fees are received from a small number of entities which are managed by the Group and are paid shortly following receipt of the 
proceeds or finalisation of the calculation which causes the payments to become due, the expected credit losses for these receivables are 
expected to be negligible.

121121

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201914 Carried interest and performance fees receivable continued

Opening carried interest and performance 
fees receivable
Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
recognised in the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income during the year 
Cash received in the year
Other movements1

Closing carried interest and performance 
fees receivable

Of which: receivable in greater than one year

Opening carried interest and performance 
fees receivable
Carried interest and performance fees receivable 
recognised in the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income during the year 
Cash received in the year
Other movements1

Closing carried interest and performance 
fees receivable

Of which: receivable in greater than one year

1  Other includes the impact of foreign exchange.

Group
2019
Carried
interest
receivable
£m

Group
2019
Performance
fees
receivable
£m

Group
2018
Carried
interest
receivable
£m

Group
2018
Performance
fees
 receivable
£m

Group
2019
Total
£m

501

90

591

132
(12)
(12)

609

605

31
(90)
–

31

–

163
(102)
(12)

640

605

359

138
(2)
6

501

498

4

90
(4)
–

90

–

Group
2018
Total
£m

363

228
(6)
6

591

498

Company
2019
Carried
interest
receivable
£m

Company
2019
Performance
fees
receivable
£m

Company
2019
Total
£m

Company
2018
Carried
interest
receivable
£m

Company
2018
Performance
fees
 receivable
£m

Company
2018
Total
£m

542

158
(26)
(12)

662

655

–

–
–
–

–

–

542

158
(26)
(12)

662

655

359

183
(4)
4

542

539

–

–
–
–

–

–

359

183
(4)
4

542

539

The closing carried interest receivable balance above is calculated using the fair value of the assets in the relevant funds at the balance sheet date. 
The carried interest receivable recognised in the statement of comprehensive income during the year predominantly relates to changes in the fair 
value of the investments in the relevant funds.

A 5% movement in the valuation of all individual assets in the underlying investment portfolio (including those portfolio investments held by 
investment entity subsidiaries) would result in a £20 million (31 March 2018: £22 million) movement in the carried interest receivable balance. 
As there is nil carried interest receivable included within investment entity subsidiaries (31 March 2018: £5 million), there is no material difference 
when carried interest receivable within investment entity subsidiaries is included.

As explained in the accounting policy above, no expected credit losses have been recognised for carried interest and performance fees receivable 
as these are deemed to be negligible.

122122

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201915 Carried interest and performance fees payable

Accounting policy:
The Group offers investment executives the opportunity to participate in the returns from investments subject to certain performance 
conditions. “Carried interest and performance fees payable” is the term used for amounts payable to executives on these investment-
related transactions.

A variety of asset pooling arrangements are in place so that executives may have an interest in one or more carried interest plans and 
participants include current and former investment executives. Carried interest payable is accrued if its performance conditions, measured 
at the balance sheet date, would be achieved if the remaining assets in that plan were realised at fair value. An accrual is made equal to the 
executive’s share of profits in excess of the performance conditions in place in the carried interest plan, discounted to reflect the likely actual 
cash payment date, which may be materially later than the time of the accrual.

The Infrastructure performance fee is accrued based on the expected award. A significant proportion of the amount awarded is deferred 
over time and may be granted in either 3i Group plc or 3i Infrastructure plc shares. This is recognised over the vesting period in line with the 
requirements of IFRS 2 or IAS 19, depending on the type of award.

Under IFRS 10, where carried interest payable reduces the fair value of an investment entity subsidiary, that movement is recorded through 
“Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries”. At 31 March 2019, £859 million of carried interest payable was recognised in the 
Consolidated statement of financial position of these investment entity subsidiaries (31 March 2018: £710 million).

Opening carried interest and performance fees payable
Carried interest and performance fees payable recognised in the Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income during the year1
Cash paid in the year
Other movements2

Closing carried interest and performance fees payable

Of which: payable in greater than one year

Group
2019
£m

160

(12)
(38)
1

111

86

Group
2018
£m

147

19
(40)
34

160

105

1  The carry payable credit in the table above does not include £12 million (2018: £13 million) associated with the share-based payment charge arising from related carry schemes. The total 

carried interest and performance fee payable recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is nil (2018: £32 million charge). See Note 28 Share-based payments for 
further details.

2  Other includes the impact of foreign exchange and a transfer from trade and other payables.

A 5% increase in the valuation of all individual assets in the underlying investment portfolio (including those portfolio investments held by 
investment entity subsidiaries) would result in a £1 million increase in carried interest payable (31 March 2018: £4 million). Including carried interest 
payable recognised in investment entity subsidiaries, it would result in a £66 million increase (31 March 2018: £45 million).

A 5% decrease in the valuation of all individual assets in the underlying investment portfolio would result in a £1 million decrease in carried interest 
payable (31 March 2018: £4 million). Including carried interest payable recognised in investment entity subsidiaries, it would result in a £40 million 
decrease (31 March 2018: £35 million).

123123

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019 
 
16 Other assets

Accounting policy:
Assets, other than those specifically accounted for under a separate policy, are stated at their cost less impairment losses. Financial assets 
are recognised at amortised cost in accordance with IFRS 9, which includes the requirement to calculate expected credit losses (“ECLs”) on 
initial recognition. Any ECLs are recognised directly in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with any subsequent reversals 
recognised in the same location.

Prepayments
Other debtors
Amounts due from subsidiaries 

Total other assets

Of which: receivable in greater than one year

Group
2019
£m

3
45
–

48

24

Group
2018
£m

Company
2019 
£m

Company
2018
£m

3
59
–

62

28

–
20
–

20

17

–
21
1

22

20

At 31 March 2019 no ECLs have been recognised against other assets as they are negligible (31 March 2018: nil).

17 Loans and borrowings

Accounting policy:
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received. After initial recognition, these are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, which is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash flows through 
the expected life of the liabilities. Financial liabilities are derecognised when they are extinguished.

Loans and borrowings are repayable as follows:
Within one year
Between the second and fifth year
After five years

Principal borrowings include:

Group
2019
£m

–
200
375

575

Group
2018
£m

–
200
375

575

Rate

Maturity

Group
2019
£m

Group
2018
£m

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

Issued under the £2,000 million note 
issuance programme
Fixed rate
£200 million notes (public issue)
£375 million notes (public issue)

6.875%
5.750%

2023
2032

Committed multi-currency facilities 
£350 million

LIBOR+0.60%

2021

Total loans and borrowings

200
375

575

–

–

575

200
375

575

–

–

575

200
375

575

–

–

575

200
375

575

–

–

575

There was no change in total financing liabilities for the Group or the Company during the year as the cash flows relating to the financing liabilities 
were equal to the income statement expense. Accordingly, no reconciliation between the movement in financing liabilities and the cash flow 
statement has been presented.

The maturity of the Company’s £350 million (31 March 2018: £350 million) syndicated multi-currency facility is September 2021, with the total size 
reducing to £328 million in September 2020. The £350 million facility has no financial covenants.

124124

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201917 Loans and borrowings continued
All of the Group’s borrowings are repayable in one instalment on the respective maturity dates. None of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings are secured on the assets of the Group.

The fair value of the loans and borrowings is £709 million (31 March 2018: £718 million), determined with reference to their published market prices. 
The loans and borrowings are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

In accordance with the FCA Handbook (FUNDS 3.2.2. R and Fund 3.2.6. R), 3i Investments plc, as AIFM of the Company, is required to calculate 
leverage in accordance with a set formula and disclose this to investors. In line with this formula, leverage at 31 March 2019 for the Group is 96% 
(31 March 2018: 111%) and the Company is 84% (31 March 2018: 105%) under both the gross method and the commitment method. The leverage  
for 3i Investments plc at 31 March 2019 is 100% (31 March 2018: 100%) under both the gross method and the commitment method.

Under the Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (“SFTR”) and AIFMD, 3i is required to disclose certain information relating to the use 
of securities financing transactions (“SFTs”) and total return swaps. At 31 March 2019, 3i was not party to any transactions involving SFTs or total 
return swaps.

18 Derivatives

Accounting policy:
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss in accordance with IFRS 9. They are revalued at the 
balance sheet date based on market prices, with any change in fair value being recorded in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. Derivatives are recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial position as a financial asset when their fair value is positive and 
as a financial liability when their fair value is negative. The Group’s derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedging instruments.

Statement of comprehensive income

Movement in the fair value of derivatives

Statement of financial position

Non-current assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Current assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts

Group
2019
£m

21

Group
2019
£m

11

7

Group
2018
£m

–

Group
2018
£m

–

–

Company
2019
£m

21

Company
2019
£m

11

7

Company
2018
£m

–

Company
2018
£m

–

–

The Company entered into forward foreign exchange contracts to minimise the effect of fluctuations arising from movements in exchange rates  
in the value of the Group’s investment in Scandlines, which is now held as a Corporate Asset.

As at 31 March 2019 the notional amount of the forward foreign exchange contracts held by the Company was €500 million (31 March 2018: nil).

19 Trade and other payables

Accounting policy:
Liabilities, other than those specifically accounted for under a separate policy, are stated based on the amounts which are considered to 
be payable in respect of goods or services received up to the balance sheet date. Financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost in 
accordance with IFRS 9.

Trade and other payables
Amounts due to subsidiaries

Total trade and other payables

Of which: payable in greater than one year

Group
2019
£m

95
–

95

1

Group
2018
£m

101
–

101

1

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

8
475

483

–

8
519

527

–

125125

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201920 Issued capital

Accounting policy:
Ordinary shares issued by the Group are recognised at the proceeds or fair value received with the excess of the amount received over nominal 
value being credited to the share premium account. Direct issue costs net of tax are deducted from equity.

Issued and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 7319⁄22p
Opening balance
Issued under employee share plans

Closing balance

2019
Number

972,897,006
103,659

973,000,665

2019
£m

719
–

719

2018
Number

972,808,424
88,582

972,897,006

2018
£m

719
–

719

The Company issued 103,659 ordinary shares to the Trustee of the 3i Group Share Incentive Plan for a total cash consideration of £928,343 at 
various prices from 769.33 pence to 966.27 pence per share (being the market prices on the issue dates which were the last trading day of each 
month in the year, with the exception of December 2018, when the issue date was 20 December 2018). These shares were ordinary shares with  
no additional rights attached to them and had a total nominal value of £76,566.

21 Own shares

Accounting policy:
Own shares are recorded by the Group when ordinary shares are acquired by the Company or by The 3i Group Employee Benefit Trust. 
Own shares are deducted from shareholders’ equity. A transfer is made to retained earnings at their weighted average cost in line with the 
vesting of own shares held for the purposes of share-based payments. The number of own shares held by the Trust and the schemes are 
described in Note 28.

Opening cost
Additions
Awards granted and exercised

Closing cost

2019
£m

26
29
(13)

42

2018
£m

38
– 
(12)

26

During the year, the 3i Group Employee Benefit Trust acquired 3 million shares at an average price of 960 pence per share.

22 Capital structure
The capital structure of the Group consists of shareholders’ equity and net debt or cash. The type and maturity of the Group’s borrowings are 
analysed further in Note 17. Capital is managed with the objective of maximising long-term return to shareholders, whilst maintaining a capital base 
to allow the Group to operate effectively in the market and sustain the future development of the business.

Cash and deposits
Borrowings and derivative financial liabilities
Net cash1
Total equity
Gearing (net debt/total equity)

Group
2019
£m

1,033
(575)
458
7,909
nil

Group
2018
£m

972
(575)
397
7,024
nil

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

1,008
(575)
433
7,533
nil

939
(575)
364
6,609
nil

1  The above numbers have been prepared under IFRS and differ from the Investment basis as detailed in the Strategic report.

126126

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201922 Capital structure continued
Capital constraints
The Group is generally free to transfer capital from subsidiary undertakings to the parent company, subject to maintaining each subsidiary with  
sufficient reserves to meet local statutory/regulatory obligations. No significant constraints (apart from those shown in Note 12) have been identified  
and the Group has been able to distribute profits as appropriate.

The Group’s regulated capital requirement is reviewed regularly by the Board of 3i Investments plc, an investment firm regulated by the FCA, and 
the Group’s Audit and Compliance Committee. In addition, the Group’s Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) report is updated 
as appropriate and reviewed by the Board of 3i Investments plc and the Audit and Compliance Committee. The Group complies with the Individual 
Capital Guidance as agreed with the FCA and operates with a significant consolidated regulatory capital surplus, significantly in excess of the 
FCA’s prudential rules. The Group’s Pillar 3 disclosure document can be found on www.3i.com.

23 Interests in Group entities

Accounting policy:
The Company has controlling equity interests in, and makes loans to, both consolidated and fair valued Group entities. Equity investments in, 
and loans to, investment entities are held at fair value in the Company’s accounts. The net assets of these entities are deemed to represent fair 
value. Equity investments in other subsidiaries are held at cost less impairment and any loans to these subsidiaries are held at amortised cost 
in accordance with IFRS 9, which includes the requirement to calculate expected credit losses on initial recognition.

Opening book value
Additions
Share of profits from partnership entities
Disposals and repayments
Fair value movements
Exchange movements

Closing book value

Opening book value
Additions
Share of profits from partnership entities
Disposals and repayments
Fair value movements
Exchange movements

Closing book value

Details of significant Group entities are given in Note 31.

Company
2019
Equity
investments
£m

Company
2019
Loans
£m

Company
2019
Total
£m

2,417
554
–
(16)
622
–

3,577

1,695
251
176
(483)
12
(7)

1,644

4,112
805
176
(499)
634
(7)

5,221

Company
2018
Equity 
investments
£m

Company
2018
Loans
£m

Company
2018
Total
£m

2,139
23
–
(7)
262
–

2,417

1,403
361
532
(792)
180
11

1,695

3,542
384
532
(799)
442
11

4,112

127127

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201924 Operating leases

Accounting policy:
The Group leases its office space. Future minimum payments due under non-cancellable operating lease rentals are shown in the table below. 
The Company held no operating leases during the year.

Leases as lessee

Within one year
Between the second and fifth year
After five years

Group
2019
£m

4
16
4

24

Group
2018
£m

5
18
9

32

The Group leases a number of its offices under operating leases. None of the leases include contingent rentals.

During the year to 31 March 2019, £4 million (2018: £4 million) was recognised as an expense in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
in respect of operating leases. There was nil impact (2018: nil) on the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of subleases, as the 
difference between future lease and sublease obligations was already provided for in prior years. The total future sublease payments expected to be 
received under non-cancellable subleases are £2 million (2018: £1 million).

25 Commitments

Accounting policy:
Commitments represent amounts the Group has contractually committed to pay third parties but do not yet represent a charge or asset. 
This gives an indication of committed future cash flows. Commitments at the year end do not impact the Group’s financial results for the year.

Group
2019
due
within
1 year
£m

263

Company
2019
due
within
1 year
£m

Group
2019
due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Group
2019
due
over
5 years
£m

Group
2019
Total
£m

Group
2018
due
within
1 year
£m

Group
2018
due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Group
2018
due
over
5 years
£m

Group
2018
Total
£m

1

–

264

166

1

–

167

Company
2019
due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Company
2019
due
over
5 years
£m

Company
2019
Total
£m

Company
2018
due
within
1 year
£m

Company
2018
due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Company
2018
due
over
5 years
£m

Company
2018
Total
£m

174

1

–

175

85

1

–

86

Equity and loan 
investments

Equity and loan 
investments

The amounts shown above include £225 million and £142 million of commitments made by the Group and Company respectively, to invest in two  
companies (31 March 2018: £135 million and £54 million in one company). The Group and Company were contractually committed to these investments  
as at 31 March 2019.

Operating lease commitments are detailed in Note 24.

128128

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201926 Contingent liabilities

Accounting policy:
Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities where there is even greater uncertainty, which could include a dependency on events not within 
the Group’s control, but where there is a possible obligation. Contingent liabilities are only disclosed and not included within the Consolidated 
statement of financial position.

The Company has provided a guarantee to the Trustees of the 3i Group Pension Plan in respect of liabilities of 3i plc to the Plan. 3i plc is the 
sponsor of the 3i Group Pension Plan. On 4 April 2012, the Company transferred eligible assets (£150 million of ordinary shares in 3i Infrastructure 
plc) as defined by the agreement to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. The Company will retain all income and capital rights in relation to 
the 3i Infrastructure plc shares, as eligible assets, unless the Company becomes insolvent or fails to comply with material obligations in relation 
to the agreement with the Trustees, all of which are under its control. The fair value of eligible assets held by this subsidiary at 31 March 2019 was 
£275 million (31 March 2018: £237 million). As part of the latest triennial valuation of the Plan, the Company has agreed to pay up to £50 million to 
the Plan if the Group’s gearing increases above 20%, gross debt above £1 billion or net assets fall below £2 billion. In addition, if the gearing, gross 
debt or net assets limits noted are reached, the Group may also be required to increase the potential cover provided by the contingent asset 
arrangement until the gearing, gross debt or net assets improve.

At 31 March 2019, there was no material litigation outstanding against the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings.

27 Retirement benefits

Accounting policy:
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income as they 
fall due.

For defined benefit retirement plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit method with actuarial valuations 
being carried out at each balance sheet date. Interest on the net defined benefit asset/liability, calculated using the discount rate used 
to measure the defined benefit obligation, is recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Re-measurement gains 
or losses are recognised in full as they arise in other comprehensive income.

A retirement benefit deficit is recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial position to the extent that the present value of the defined 
benefit obligations exceeds the fair value of plan assets.

A retirement benefit surplus is recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial position where the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present  
value of the defined benefit obligations limited to the extent that the Group can benefit from that surplus.

Retirement benefit plans
(i) Defined contribution plans
The Group operates a number of defined contribution retirement benefit plans for qualifying employees throughout the Group. The assets of 
these plans are held separately from those of the Group. The employees of the Group’s subsidiaries in France are members of a state managed 
retirement benefit plan operated by the country’s government. 3i Europe plc’s French branch is required to contribute a specific percentage of 
payroll costs to the retirement benefit scheme to fund these benefits.

The total expense recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is £3 million (2018: £3 million), which represents the 
contributions paid to these defined contribution plans. There were no outstanding payments due to these plans at the balance sheet date.

(ii) Defined benefit plans
The Group operates a final salary defined benefit plan for qualifying employees of its subsidiaries in the UK (“the Plan”). The Plan is approved by 
HMRC for tax purposes and is operated separately from the Group and managed by an independent set of Trustees, whose appointment and 
powers are determined by the Plan’s documentation.

Membership of the Plan has not been offered to new employees joining 3i since 1 April 2006. The Plan was closed to the future accrual of benefits 
by members with effect from 5 April 2011, although the final salary link is maintained on existing accruals. Members of the Plan have been invited 
to join the Group’s defined contribution plan with effect from 6 April 2011. The defined benefit plan is a funded scheme, the assets of which are 
independent of the Company’s finances and are administered by the Trustees. The Trustees are responsible for managing and investing the Plan’s 
assets and for monitoring the Plan’s funding position. As the Plan is now closed to future accrual, measures have been taken to de-risk the Plan, 
including through changes to its investment policy.

The valuation of the Plan was updated on an IAS 19 basis by an independent qualified actuary as at 31 March 2019.

Employees in Germany are entitled to a pension based on their length of service. The future liability calculated by German actuaries is £27 million 
(31 March 2018: £23 million). In the previous year there was additionally a pension scheme relating to the Group’s Spanish employees. The remaining 
liabilities of this scheme were settled during the year (31 March 2018: net liability was nil). There was no expense (2018: nil) recognised in the Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income for the year and a £3 million loss (2018: £1 million loss) in other comprehensive income for these schemes.

129129

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201927 Retirement benefits continued
The amount recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial position in respect of the Group’s defined benefit plans is as follows:

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of the Plan assets
Asset restriction
Retirement benefit surplus in respect of the Plan
Retirement benefit deficit in respect of other defined benefit schemes

2019
£m

757
(963)
72
(134)
27

2018
£m

782
(975)
68
(125)
23

A retirement benefit surplus under IAS 19 is recognised in respect of the Plan on the basis that the Group is entitled to a refund of any remaining 
surplus once all benefits have been settled in the expected course. The asset restriction relates to tax that would be deducted at source in respect 
of a refund of the Plan surplus.

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of the Plan are as follows:

Included in interest payable 
Interest income on net defined benefit asset
Included in other expense
Allowance for GMP equalisation
Included in other comprehensive income
Re-measurement gain
Asset restriction

Total re-measurement gain and asset restriction

Total

2019
£m

2018
£m

1

(3)

11
(3)

8

6

–

–

2
(1)

1

1

The total re-measurement gain recognised in other comprehensive income was £5 million (2018: nil). There was a £3 million loss on our overseas 
schemes (2018: £1 million), as noted above.

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation
Interest on Plan liabilities
Re-measurement (gain)/loss:
– gain from change in demographic assumptions
– loss from change in financial assumptions
– experience gains
Benefits paid
Allowance for GMP equalisation

Closing defined benefit obligation

2019
£m

782
19

(48)
44
(3)
(40)
3

757

2018
£m

869
20

(5)
5
(3)
(104)
–

782

Following the High Court ruling in October 2018 on the Lloyds Bank GMP Inequalities case, it is expected that all defined benefit pension plans 
with relevant guaranteed minimum pensions (“GMP”) will need to undertake an exercise to remove inequalities in those GMP between male and 
female members. There remains a high degree of uncertainty on how such an exercise will be carried out and therefore on the exact financial impact 
it will have on the Plan. The defined benefit obligations at 31 March 2019 included an approximate allowance for the future increase in benefits, which 
was calculated by applying a percentage uplift to the Plan’s relevant GMP liabilities.

130130

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201927 Retirement benefits continued
Changes in the fair value of the Plan assets were as follows:

Opening fair value of the Plan assets
Interest on Plan assets
Actual return on Plan assets less interest on Plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid

Closing fair value of the Plan assets

Contributions paid to the Plan are related party transactions as defined by IAS 24 Related party transactions.

The fair value of the Plan’s assets at the balance sheet date is as follows:

Equities
Corporate bonds
Gilts
Annuity contracts
Other

2019
£m

975
21
4
3
(40)

963

2019
£m

79
149
411
254
70

963

2018
£m

1,055
22
(1)
3
(104)

975

2018
£m

150
160
474
174
17

975

The Plan’s assets are predominantly invested with Legal and General Investment Management in quoted and liquid funds. The annuity contracts 
are bulk annuity (or “buy-in”) policies held with Pension Insurance Corporation and Legal and General Assurance Society. The 3i Group Pension 
Plan Trustees entered into these policies in March 2017 and February 2019 respectively. The buy-in policies reduce the Plan’s member longevity risk 
and are designed to provide an exact match for around 60% of the Plan’s liabilities for pensions already in payment. The fair values of the insurance 
policies are calculated using the same assumptions and methodology as used to calculate the value of the pension liability as at 31 March 2019.

The Plan’s assets do not include any of the Group’s own equity instruments nor any property in use by the Group.

Changes in the asset restriction were as follows:

Opening asset restriction
Interest on asset restriction
Re-measurements

Closing asset restriction

2019
£m

68
1
3

72

2018
£m

65
2
1

68

The principal assumptions made by the actuaries and used for the purpose of the year end valuation of the Plan were as follows:

Discount rate
Expected rate of salary increases
Expected rate of pension increases
Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation

2019

2018

2.4%
5.9%
0% to 3.5%
3.4%
2.6%

2.5%
5.8%
0% to 3.4%
3.3%
2.3%

In addition, it is assumed that members exchange 25% of their pension for a lump sum at retirement on the conversion terms in place at 31 March 
2019 with an allowance for the terms to increase in future. The duration of the Plan’s defined benefit obligation at the accounting date was around 
19 years.

The post-retirement mortality assumption used to value the benefit obligation at 31 March 2019 is 80% of the S2NA Light tables, allowing for 
improvements in line with the CMI 2018 core projections with a long-term annual rate of improvement of 1.75% (31 March 2018: 80% of S2NA 
Light tables allowing for improvements in line with the CMI 2015 core projections with a long-term annual rate of improvement of 1.75%). The life 
expectancy of a male member reaching age 60 in 2039 (31 March 2018: 2038) is projected to be 32.3 (31 March 2018: 34.0) years compared to 30.3 
(31 March 2018: 31.3) years for someone reaching 60 in 2019.

131131

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201927 Retirement benefits continued
The sensitivity of the defined benefit surplus to changes in the weighted principal assumptions is:

Discount rate
Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation
Life expectancy

Impact on retirement benefit surplus

Change in assumption

2019

2018

Decrease by 0.1% Decrease by £7 million
Increase by 0.1% Decrease by £6 million
Increase by 1 year Decrease by £15 million

Decrease by £9 million
Decrease by £8 million
Decrease by £17 million

The above sensitivity analysis is based on changing one assumption whilst all others remain constant. In practice this is unlikely to occur 
and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated.

Through its defined benefit plan the Group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:

Asset volatility

Changes in bond yields

Inflation risk

A fall in the value of the Plan’s assets may reduce the value of the defined benefit surplus and could affect the future 
funding requirements. To reduce the volatility of the Plan’s assets, the Trustees have implemented an investment 
strategy that reduces the Plan’s equity holdings by switching them to bonds over time. The Plan’s assets are also 
diversified across different asset classes, including annuity contracts that are an exact match for a proportion  
of the Plan’s liabilities.

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the Plan’s IAS 19 defined benefit obligation. However, the Plan 
holds a proportion of its assets in corporate bonds and so any increase in the defined benefit obligation would 
be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Plan’s assets.

The Plan’s defined benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. 
The majority of the Plan’s assets are either unaffected by or only loosely correlated with inflation, meaning that 
an increase in inflation could reduce or eliminate the defined benefit surplus.

Life expectancy

The Plan’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the members, so increases in life expectancy will result  
in an increase in the Plan’s defined benefit obligation.

As the Plan was closed to future accrual of benefits by members with effect from 5 April 2011, the Group ceased to make regular contributions 
to the Plan in the year to 31 March 2012.

The latest triennial valuation for the Plan was completed in September 2017, based on the position at 30 June 2016. The outcome was an actuarial 
deficit of £50 million. This valuation is produced for funding purposes and is calculated on a different basis to the IAS 19 valuation net asset of 
£134 million which is shown in the Note above. The actuarial funding valuation is as at 30 June 2016 and considers expected future returns on the 
Plan’s assets against the expected liabilities, using a more prudent set of assumptions. The IAS 19 accounting valuation compares the 31 March 
2019 fair value of plan assets and liabilities, with the liabilities calculated based on the expected future payments discounted using AA corporate 
bond yields.

As part of the triennial valuation it was agreed that it was not necessary for the Group to make any immediate contributions to the Plan, taking into 
account the volatile market conditions at the valuation date (immediately after the UK’s referendum to leave the EU), and improvements in market 
conditions and liability management actions implemented since then. The Group has agreed to pay up to £50 million to the Plan if the Group’s 
gearing increases above 20%, gross debt exceeds £1 billion, or net assets fall below £2 billion. The Plan also benefits from a contingent asset 
arrangement, details of which are provided in Note 26. If the gearing, net debt or net asset limits noted are reached, the Group may be required to 
increase the potential cover provided by the contingent arrangement until the gearing, gross debt or net assets improve. The next triennial funding 
valuation will be based on the Plan’s position as at 30 June 2019.

132132

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201928 Share-based payments

Accounting policy:
The Group has equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payment transactions with certain employees. Equity-settled schemes are 
measured at fair value at the date of grant, which is then recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the period 
that employees provide services, generally the period between the start of the performance period and the vesting date of the shares. 
The number of share awards expected to vest takes into account the likelihood that performance and service conditions included in the terms 
of the award will be met.

Fair value is measured by use of an appropriate model which takes into account the current share price, the risk-free interest rate, the expected 
volatility of the share price over the life of the award and any other relevant factors. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of 
any vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of 3i Group plc. The charge is adjusted at each balance sheet date 
to reflect the actual number of forfeitures, cancellations and leavers during the year. The movement in cumulative charges since the previous 
balance sheet is recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Liabilities arising from cash-settled share-based payment transactions are recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
over the vesting period. They are fair valued at each reporting date. The cost of cash-settled share-based payment transactions is adjusted for 
the forfeitures of the participants’ rights that no longer meet the plan requirements as well as for early vesting.

Share-based payments are in certain circumstances made in lieu of annual cash bonuses or carried interest payments. The cost of the 
share-based payments is allocated either to operating expenses (bonuses) or carried interest depending on the original driver of the award. 
Executive Director long-term incentive plans are allocated to operating expenses.

The total cost recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is shown below:

Share awards included as operating expenses1,2
Share awards included as carried interest1
Cash-settled share awards3

2019 
£m

10
9
5

24

2018 
£m

8
9
8

25

1  Credited to equity.

2  For the year ended 31 March 2019, £8 million is shown in Note 6 (2018: £5 million), which is net of a £2 million (2018: £3 million) release from the bonus accrual.

3  Recognised in operating expenses and/or carried interest.

The features of the Group’s share schemes for Executive Directors are described in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 79 to 89.  
To ensure that employees’ interests are aligned with shareholders, a significant amount of variable compensation paid to higher earning 
employees is deferred into shares that vest over a number of years. For legal, regulatory or practical reasons certain participants may be  
granted “phantom awards” under these schemes, which are intended to replicate the financial effects of a share award without entitling the 
participant to acquire shares. The carrying amount of liabilities arising from share-based payment transactions at 31 March 2019 is £12 million 
(31 March 2018: £10 million).

For the share-based awards granted during the year, the weighted average fair value of those awards at 31 March 2019 was 778 pence (31 March 
2018: 753 pence).

The main assumptions for the valuation of certain share-based awards with market conditions attached comprised:

Valuation methodology

Monte Carlo model
Black Scholes

Share price
at issue1

Exercise
price

Expected
volatility

931
968

–
–

25%
25%

Expected
award life
in years

3
0.5-4

Dividend
yield

Risk free
interest rate

–
3%

0.79%
0.74%

1  Where share awards are granted on multiple different dates the share price at issue disclosed is the average of the prices on those dates.

Expected volatility was determined by reviewing share price volatility for the expected life of each award up to the date of grant.

133133

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201928 Share-based payments continued
Movements in share awards
The number of share-based awards outstanding as at 31 March are as follows:

Outstanding at the start of the year
Granted
Exercised
Lapsed

Outstanding at the end of year

Weighted average remaining contractual life of awards outstanding in years

Exercisable at the end of the year

The weighted average market price at the date of exercise was 939 pence (2018: 919 pence).

2019
Number

8,078,446
3,083,767
(3,144,407)
(65,502)

2018
Number

10,113,875
1,957,521
(3,907,171)
(85,779)

7,952,304

8,078,446

1.7

39,016

1.9

60,254

Holdings of 3i Group plc shares
The Group has established an employee benefit trust and the total number of 3i Group plc shares held in this trust at 31 March 2019 was 7 million 
(31 March 2018: 8 million). Dividend rights have been waived on these shares. During the year, the trust acquired 3 million shares at an average 
price of 960 pence per share. The total market value of the shares held in trust based on the year end share price of 985 pence (31 March 2018: 859 
pence) was £69 million (31 March 2018: £67 million).

29 Financial risk management
Introduction
A review of the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing and monitoring risk is set out in the Risk management section on pages 
44 to 47. This Note provides further detail on financial risk management, cross-referring to the Risk management section where applicable, and 
includes quantitative data on specific financial risks.

The Group is a highly selective investor and each investment is subject to an individual risk assessment through an investment approval process. 
The Group’s Investment Committee is part of the overall risk management framework set out in the Risk section. The risk management processes 
of the Company are aligned with those of the Group and both the Group and the Company share the same financial risks.

Financial risks
Concentration risk
3i seeks to diversify risk through significant dispersion of investments by geography, economic sector, asset class and size as well as through the 
maturity profile of its investment portfolio. Although 3i does not set maximum limits for asset allocation, it does have a maximum exposure limit 
for the cost of new investments. This is detailed in the Investment policy on page 90 in the Governance section. Quantitative data regarding the 
concentration risk of the portfolio across geographies can be found in the Segmental analysis in Note 1 and in the 20 large investments table 
on pages 155 and 156.

Credit risk
The Group is subject to credit risk on its unquoted investments, derivatives, cash and deposits. The maximum exposure is the balance sheet 
amount. The Group’s cash is held with a variety of counterparties with 89% of the Group’s surplus cash held on demand in AAA rated money 
market funds (31 March 2018: 93%).

The credit quality of unquoted investments, which are held at fair value and include debt and equity elements, is based on the financial 
performance of the individual portfolio companies. The credit risk relating to these assets is based on their enterprise value and is reflected 
through fair value movements. Further detail can be found in the Price risk – market fluctuations disclosure in this Note and the sensitivity 
disclosure to changes in the valuation assumptions is provided in the valuation section of Note 13.

Liquidity risk
The liquidity outlook is monitored monthly by management and regularly by the Board in the context of periodic strategic reviews of the balance 
sheet. The new investment pipeline and forecast realisations are closely monitored and assessed against our vintage control policy, as described 
on page 44 of the Risk management section. The table on the next page analyses the maturity of the Group’s gross contractual liabilities.

134134

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201929 Financial risk management continued
Financial liabilities

As at 31 March 2019

Gross commitments:
Fixed loan notes
Committed multi-currency facility
Carried interest and performance fees payable within one year
Trade and other payables

Total

Due
within
1 year
£m

35
1
25
94

155

Due
between
1 and
2 years
£m

Due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Due
more than
5 years
£m

35
1
–
1

37

292
–
–
–

292

569
–
–
–

569

Total
£m

931
2
25
95

1,053

Gross commitments include principal amounts and interest and fees where relevant. Carried interest and performance fees payable within 
non-current liabilities of £86 million (31 March 2018: £105 million) has no stated maturity as it results from investment related transactions and 
it is not possible to identify with certainty the timing of when the investments will be sold. Carried interest and performance fees payable within 
non-current liabilities is shown after discounting, which has an impact of £1 million (31 March 2018: £1 million).

As at 31 March 2018

Gross commitments:
Fixed loan notes
Committed multi-currency facility
Carried interest and performance fees payable within one year
Trade and other payables

Total

Due
within
1 year
£m

35
1
55
100

191

Due
between
1 and
2 years
£m

Due
between
2 and
5 years
£m

Due
more than
5 years
£m

35
1
–
–

36

306
1
–
1

308

590
–
–
–

590

Total
£m

966
3
55
101

1,125

The Company disclosures are the same as those for the Group with the following exceptions: carried interest and performance fees payable 
due within one year is nil (31 March 2018: nil) and trade and other payables due within one year is £483 million (31 March 2018: £527 million).

Market risk
The valuation of the Group’s investment portfolio is largely dependent on the underlying trading performance of the companies within 
the portfolio but the valuation and other items in the financial statements can also be affected by interest rate, currency and quoted market 
fluctuations. The Group’s sensitivity to these items is set out below.

(i) Interest rate risk
On the liability side, the direct impact of a movement in interest rates is limited to any drawings under the committed multi-currency facility  
as the Group’s outstanding debt is fixed rate. The sensitivities below arise principally from changes in interest receivable on cash and deposits.

An increase of 100 basis points, based on the closing balance sheet position over a 12-month period, would lead to an approximate increase in 
total comprehensive income of £11 million (2018: £11 million increase) for the Group and £10 million (2018: £9 million) for the Company. In addition, 
the Group and Company have indirect exposure to interest rates through changes to the financial performance and the valuation of portfolio 
companies caused by interest rate fluctuations.

(ii) Currency risk
The Group’s net assets in euro, US dollar, Danish krone and all other currencies combined are shown in the table below. This sensitivity analysis 
is performed based on the sensitivity of the Group’s net assets to movements in foreign currency exchange rates assuming a 10% movement 
in exchange rates against sterling. The sensitivity of the Company to foreign exchange risk is not materially different from the Group.

135135

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201929 Financial risk management continued
The Group considers currency risk on specific investment and realisation transactions. Further information on how currency risk is managed 
is provided on page 50.

As at 31 March 2019

Net assets
Sensitivity analysis
Assuming a 10% movement in exchange rates against sterling:
Impact on net assets 

As at 31 March 2018

Net assets
Sensitivity analysis
Assuming a 10% movement in exchange rates against sterling:
Impact on net assets 

Sterling
£m

Euro
£m

1,657

4,966

US
dollar
£m

1,098

Danish
krone
£m

152

Other
£m

36

Total
£m

7,909

n/a

452

110

15

4

581

Sterling
£m

1,390

Euro
£m

4,542

US
dollar
£m

862

Danish
krone
£m

137

Other
£m

93

Total
£m

7,024

n/a

454

86

14

9

563

(iii) Price risk – market fluctuations
The Group’s management of price risk, which arises primarily from quoted and unquoted equity instruments, is through the careful consideration 
of the investment, asset management and divestment decisions at the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee’s role in risk 
management is detailed on page 47 in the Risk management section. A 15% change in the fair value of those investments would have the following 
direct impact on the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income:

Quoted 
 investment
£m

Unquoted 
 investment
£m

Investment  
in Investment  
entity
subsidiaries
£m

70
52

179
263

774
605

Quoted 
 investment
£m

Unquoted  
investment
£m

70
52

179
263

Total
£m

1,023
920

Total
£m

249
315

Group

At 31 March 2019
At 31 March 2018 

Company

At 31 March 2019
At 31 March 2018 

136136

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201930 Related parties and interests in other entities
The Group has various related parties stemming from relationships with limited partnerships managed by the Group, its investment portfolio 
(including unconsolidated subsidiaries), its advisory arrangements and its key management personnel. In addition, the Company has related 
parties in respect of its subsidiaries. Some of these subsidiaries are held at fair value (unconsolidated subsidiaries) due to the treatment prescribed 
in IFRS 10.

Related parties
Limited partnerships
The Group manages a number of external funds which invest through limited partnerships. Group companies act as the general partners of these 
limited partnerships and exert significant influence over them. The following amounts have been included in respect of these limited partnerships:

Statement of comprehensive income

Carried interest receivable
Fees receivable from external funds

Statement of financial position

Carried interest receivable

Group
2019
£m

132
19

Group
2019
£m

609

Group
2018
£m

138
29

Group
2018
£m

500

Company
2019
£m

158
–

Company
2019
£m

662

Company
2018
£m

183
–

Company
2018
£m

541

Investments
The Group makes investments in the equity of unquoted and quoted investments where it does not have control but may be able to participate 
in the financial and operating policies of that company. IFRS presumes that it is possible to exert significant influence when the equity holding 
is greater than 20%. The Group has taken the investment entity exception as permitted by IFRS 10 and has not equity accounted for these 
investments, in accordance with IAS 28, but they are related parties. The total amounts included for investments where the Group has significant 
influence but not control are as follows:

Statement of comprehensive income

Realised profit over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Portfolio income 

Statement of financial position

Unquoted investments

Group
2019
£m

1
23
12

Group
2019
£m

415

Group
2018
£m

7
36
9

Group
2018
£m

380

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

1
23
11

11
36
5

Company
2019
£m

415

Company
2018
£m

380

137137

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201930 Related parties and interests in other entities continued
Advisory and management arrangements
The Group acted as an adviser to 3i Infrastructure plc (“3iN”), which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, for the period to 14 October 2018. 
Following the decision to move 3iN’s tax residence and management to the UK, 3i Investments plc was appointed as 3iN’s Investment Manager 
on 15 October 2018. The following amounts have been recognised in respect of the advisory and management arrangements:

Statement of comprehensive income

Realised profit over value on the disposal of investments
Unrealised profits on the revaluation of investments
Fees receivable from external funds
Performance fees receivable
Dividends

Statement of financial position

Quoted equity investments
Performance fees receivable

Group
2019
£m

–
102
31
31
14

Group
2019
£m

469
31

Group
2018
£m

Company
2019
£m

Company
2018
£m

4
40
29
90
16

Group
2018
£m

345
90

–
102
–
–
14

4
40
–
–
16

Company
2019
£m

469
–

Company
2018
£m

345
–

Subsidiaries
Transactions between the Company and its fully consolidated subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, are eliminated on consolidation. 
Details of related party transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are detailed below.

Management, administrative and secretarial arrangements
The Company has appointed 3i Investments plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated in England and Wales, as investment 
manager of the Group. 3i Investments plc received a fee of £13 million (2018: £13 million) from 3i plc, a fellow subsidiary, for this service.

The Company has appointed 3i plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated in England and Wales, to provide the Company 
with a range of administrative and secretarial services. 3i plc received a fee of £60 million (2018: £90 million) for this service.

Key management personnel
The Group’s key management personnel comprise the members of the Executive Committee and the Board’s non-executive Directors. 
The following amounts have been included in respect of these individuals:

Statement of comprehensive income

Salaries, fees, supplements and benefits in kind
Cash bonuses
Carried interest and performance fees payable
Share-based payments
Termination payments

Statement of financial position

Bonuses and share-based payments
Carried interest and performance fees payable within one year
Carried interest and performance fees payable after one year

Group
2019
£m

4
2
13
10
1

Group
2019
£m

17
2
51

Group
2018
£m

4
2
25
9
–

Group
2018
£m

15
15
80

No carried interest was paid or accrued for the Executive or non-executive Directors (2018: nil). Carried interest paid in the year to other key 
management personnel was £6 million (2018: £1 million).

138138

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201930 Related parties and interests in other entities continued
Unconsolidated structured entities
The application of IFRS 12 requires additional disclosure on the Group’s exposure to unconsolidated structured entities.

The Group has exposure to a number of unconsolidated structured entities as a result of its investment activities across its Private Equity and 
Infrastructure business lines. The nature, purpose and activities of these entities are detailed below along with the nature of risks associated with 
these entities and the maximum exposure to loss.

Closed-end limited partnerships
The Group manages a number of closed-end limited partnerships, which are either Private Equity or Infrastructure focused, in return for 
a management fee. The purpose of these partnerships is to invest in Private Equity or Infrastructure investments for capital appreciation. 
Limited Partners, which in some cases may include the Group, finance these entities by committing capital to them and cash is drawn down  
or distributed for financing investment activity.

The Group’s attributable stakes in these entities are held at fair value, fees receivable are recognised on an accruals basis and carried interest  
is accrued when relevant performance hurdles are met.

The risk and maximum exposure to loss arising from the Group’s involvement with these entities are summarised below:

Balance sheet line item of asset or liability

Unquoted investments
Carried interest receivable

Total 

Carrying amount

Assets
£m

46
609

 655 

Liabilities
£m

–
–

–

Net
£m

46
609

655

Maximum
loss exposure
£m

46
609

655

At 31 March 2018, the carrying amount of assets and maximum loss exposure of unquoted investments and carried interest receivable was 
£46 million and £500 million respectively. The carrying amount of liabilities was nil.

At 31 March 2019, the total assets under management relating to these entities was £3.7 billion (31 March 2018: £3.9 billion). The Group earned fee 
income of £19 million (2018: £29 million) and carried interest of £132 million (2018: £138 million) in the year.

Regulatory information relating to fees
3i Investments plc acts as the AIFM of 3i Group plc. In performing the activities and functions of the AIFM, the AIFM or another 3i company may 
pay or receive fees, commissions or non-monetary benefits to or from third parties of the following nature:

Transaction fees
3i companies receive monitoring and directors’ fees from portfolio companies. The amount is agreed with the portfolio company at the time 
of the investment but may be re-negotiated. Where applicable, 3i may also receive fees on the completion of transactions such as acquisitions, 
refinancings or syndications either from the portfolio company or a co-investor. Transaction fees paid to 3i are included in portfolio income.

Payments for third-party services
3i companies may retain the services of third-party consultants; for example for an independent director or other investment management 
specialist expertise. The amount paid varies in accordance with the nature of the service and the length of the service period and is usually,  
but not always, paid/reimbursed by the portfolio companies. The payment may involve a flat fee, retainer or success fee. Such payments, where 
borne by 3i companies, are usually included in portfolio income.

Payments for services from 3i companies
One 3i company may provide investment advisory services to another 3i company and receive payment for such services.

31 Subsidiaries and related undertakings
IFRS 10 deems control, as opposed to equity ownership, as the key factor when determining what meets the definition of a subsidiary. If a group 
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee, then under IFRS 10 it has control. This is inconsistent with the 
UK’s Companies Act 2006, where voting rights being greater than 50% is the key factor when identifying subsidiaries.

Under IFRS 10, 22 of the Group’s portfolio company investments are considered to be accounting subsidiaries. As the Group applies the 
investment entity exception available under IFRS 10, these investee companies are classified as investment entity subsidiaries.

The Companies Act 2006 requires disclosure of certain information about the Group’s related undertakings. Related undertakings are subsidiaries, 
joint ventures, associates and other significant holdings. In this context, significant means either a shareholding greater than or equal to 20% of the 
nominal value of any class of shares or a book value greater than 20% of the Group’s assets.

139139

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201931 Subsidiaries and related undertakings continued
The Company’s related undertakings at 31 March 2019 are listed below:

Holding/share class

Footnote

Description

Subsidiaries

3i Holdings plc

3i Investments plc

3i plc

3i International Holdings

Investors in Industry plc

Mayflower GP Limited

3i Assets LLP

3i General Partner No 1 Limited

3i Corporation

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares/cumulative preference shares 

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

3i Deutschland Gesellschaft für Industriebeteiligungen mbH

100% ordinary shares

Gardens Nominees Limited

Gardens Pension Trustees Limited

3i Europe plc

3i Nominees Limited

3i PVLP Nominees Limited

3i Group Investments LP

3i APTech Nominees Limited

3i APTech GP Limited

Mayflower LP

3i Osprey GP Limited

3i Investments GP Limited

3i IIF GP Limited

3i Nordic plc

3i GP 2004 Limited

3i Networks Finland Limited

3i Ademas LP

The 3i Group Employee Trust

3i International Services plc

3i EFIV Nominees Limited

3i EFV Nominees A Limited

3i EFV Nominees B Limited

3i India Private Limited

3i Sports Media (Mauritius) Limited

3i Asia Limited

3i EFV GP Limited

3i EF4 GP Limited

3i srl

3i Infraprojects (Mauritius) Limited

3i Research (Mauritius) Limited

IIF SLP GP Limited

3i Buyouts 2010 A LP

3i Buyouts 2010 B LP

140140

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

n/a

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

81% partnership interest

74% partnership interest

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

5

1

1

19

1

3

1

3

6

1

1

1

1

7

8

8

1

1

9

8

8

3

1

1

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201931 Subsidiaries and related undertakings continued

Description

3i Buyouts 2010 C LP

GP CCC 2010 Limited

3i GC GP Limited

3i GP 2010 Limited

3i Growth Capital A LP

3i Growth Capital G LP

3i Growth Capital (USA) D L.P.

3i Growth 2010 LP

3i Growth USA 2010 L.P.

3i Growth Capital (USA) P L.P.

Strategic Investments FM (Mauritius) Alpha Limited

3i GC Nominees A Limited

3i GC Nominees B Limited

Ebrain 1 Limited

Ebrain 2 Limited

Ebrain 3 Limited

3i India Infrastructure B LP

3i Asia Pacific 2004-06 LP

3i 2004 GmbH & Co KG

3i General Partner 2004 GmbH

Pan European Buyouts Co-invest 2006-08 LP

Pan Euro Buyouts (Dutch) A Co-invest 2006-08 LP

3i US Growth Partners LP

3i US Growth Corporation

Global Growth Co-invest 2006-08 LP

Pan European Growth Co-invest 2006-08 LP

Holding/share class

49% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

85% partnership interest

83% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

70% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

99% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

94% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

Pan European Growth (Dutch) A Co-invest 2006-08 LP

100% partnership interest

US Growth Co-invest 2006-08 LP

Asia Growth Co-invest 2006-08 LP

3i GP 2006-08 Limited

72% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

Pan European Buyouts (Nordic) Co-invest 2006-08 LP

100% partnership interest

Pan European Growth (Nordic) Co-invest 2006-08 LP

100% partnership interest

3i Buyouts 08-10 A LP

3i Buyouts 08-10 B LP

3i Buyouts 08-10 C LP

3i Growth 08-10 LP

GP CCC 08-10 Limited

3i GP 08-10 Limited

3i Growth (Europe) 08-10 LP

3i PE 2013-16A LP

3i PE 2013-16C LP

3i GP 2013 Ltd

GP 2013 Ltd

99% partnership interest

98% partnership interest

98% partnership interest

99% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

99% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

Footnote

1

3

1

1

1

1

5

1

5

5

8

1

1

36

36

36

19

1

4

4

1

1

5

11

5

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

3

141141

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201931 Subsidiaries and related undertakings continued

Description

3i BIFM Investments Limited

BIIF GP Limited

BEIF II Limited

BAM General Partner Limited

BEIF Management Limited

3i BIIF GP LLP

3i BEIF II GP LLP

3i PE 2016-19 A LP

Holding/share class

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions GP (2017) LLP

100% partnership interest

3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions GP Limited

100% ordinary shares

3i 2016 Gmbh & Co. KG

3i European Operational Projects GmbH & Co. KG

GP 2016 Limited

3i GP 2016 Limited

3i European Operational Projects GP s.a.r.l

3i SCI Holdings Limited

3i North America Infrastructure, LLC

3i RR LLC

Coltrane Merger Sub, LLC

New Amsterdam Software Holdings LP

New Amsterdam Software GP LLC

New Amsterdam Software Parent LLC

New Amsterdam Software Midco LLC

New Amsterdam Software Bidco LLC

3i Abaco ApS

3i Investments (Luxembourg) S.A.

Associates

3i Growth Carry A LP

3i Growth Carry B LP

3i Growth Capital B LP

Moon Topco GmbH

Layout Holdco A/S

Fuel Holdco SA

Boketto Holdco Limited

Klara HoldCo S.A.

Colorado Holdco Limited 

Shield Holdco LLC 

Q Holdco Ltd

3i Infrastructure plc

ACR Capital Holdings Pte Ltd

Peer Holding 1 BV

AES Engineering Ltd

Chrysanthes 1 S.a.r.l

Mito Holdings S.a.r.l

Carter Thermal Industries Limited 

142142

100% partnership interest

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

80% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% partnership interest

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

100% ordinary shares

25% partnership interest

25% partnership interest

36% partnership interest

49% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

43% ordinary shares

47% ordinary shares

47% ordinary shares

48% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

26% ordinary shares

33% ordinary shares

25% ordinary shares

43% ordinary shares

43% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

47% ordinary shares

34% ordinary shares

Footnote

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

4

4

3

1

10

1

38

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

35

10

3

3

1

13

14

10

15

10

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

10

10

23

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201931 Subsidiaries and related undertakings continued

Description

Echezeaux Investissement SA

Harper Topco Limited

Holding/share class

40% ordinary shares

42% ordinary shares

Orange County Fundo de Investmento EM Particpacoes 

39% equity units

Permali Gloucester Limited

Tato Holdings Limited

Lilas 1 SAS

Indiareit Offshore Fund (Mauritius)

Nimbus Communications Ltd

Asia Strategic MedTech Holdings (Mauritius) Limited

Aurela TopCo Gmbh

Retina Holdco BV

C Medical Holdco, LLC

Crown Holdco BV

3i India Infrastructure Holdings Ltd

Racing Topco GmbH

Panda Holdco LLC

Scandlines Infrastructure ApS

32% ordinary shares

27% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

20% partnership interest

30% ordinary shares

36% ordinary shares

43% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

21% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

49% ordinary shares

35% ordinary shares

Footnote

10

24

27

28

31

32

33

34

8

37

29

2

12

8

30

25

26

There are no joint ventures or other significant holdings. The 20 large portfolio companies by fair value are detailed on pages 155 and 156. 
The combination of the table above and that on pages 155 and 156 is deemed by the Directors to fulfil the requirements under IFRS 12 on the 
disclosure of material subsidiaries.

Footnote

Address

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD, UK

1 Grand Central Place, East 42nd Street, Suite 4100 New York, NY 10165, USA

50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9WJ, UK

OpernTurm, Bockenheimer Landstresse 2-4, 60306 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

2nd Floor, Gaspe House, 66-72 Esplanade, St Helier, JE1 1GH, Jersey 

Computershare, Queensway House, Hilgrove Street, St Helier, JE1 1ES, Jersey

Level 7, The Capital B-Wing, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, 400051, India

Ebene Esplanade, 24 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius

Via Orefici 2, 20123 Milan, Italy

9 Rue Sainte Zithe, L-2763 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

2711 Centervilla Road, Suite 4000, Wilmington, DE 19808, New Castle, USA

Industriepark Vliedberg 12, Vlijmen, 5251 RG

Gruber Str. 48, 85586 Poing, Germany

Mørupvej 16 Mørup 7400 Herning, Denmark

New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, UK

Aspen Building, Apex Way, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3WA, UK

400 Madison Avenue, Suite 9C, New York, NY 10017, USA

Berger House (2nd Floor), 36-38 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5AE, UK

12 Castle Street, St Helier, JE2 3RT, Jersey

6 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038986, Singapore

Perenmarkt 15, Zwaagdijk East, 1681PG, Netherlands

Bradmarsh Business Park, Mill Close, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1BZ, UK

Redhill Rd, Birmingham, B25 8EY, UK

5th Floor, 6 St Andrew Street, London, EC4A 3AE, UK

143

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 201931 Subsidiaries and related undertakings continued

Footnote

Address

East 42nd Street, #4100, New York, NY 10165

TMF Denmark A/S, Købmagergade 60, 1. t.v. Copenhagen, Denmark, 1150

Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1.100, 7th Floor, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22440-035, Brazil 

Bristol Rd, Gloucester, GL1 5TT, UK

Papland 21, 4206CK Gorinchem, Netherlands

Hunsrückstraße 1, 53842 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Thor Group Ltd, Bramling House, Bramling, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1NB, UK

Park a Eco Vendee Sud Loire, 85600, Bouffere, France

IFS Court, TwentyEight, Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius

44 Oberoi Complex, Andthei (West), Mumbai, India

Holbergsgade 14, 2tv, 1057, Copenhagen, Denmark

47 Esplanade, St Helier, JE1 0BD, Jersey

Seelbüde 13, 36110 Schlitz, Germany

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, USA

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

144144

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Notes to the accountscontinuedAudited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Independent Auditor’s report to the members of 3i Group plc

Opinion
In our opinion:

•  3i Group plc’s Group financial statements and Parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the 

state of the Group’s and of the Parent company’s affairs as at 31 March 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 

European Union (“IFRSs as adopted by the EU”); 

•  the Parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU as applied in accordance 

with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and, as regards the Group 

financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements of 3i Group plc which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year  
to 31 March 2019

Company statement of financial position as at 31 March 2019

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 March 2019

Company statement of changes in equity for the year to 31 March 2019

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year  
to 31 March 2019

Consolidated cash flow statement for the year to 31 March 2019 

Significant accounting policies 

Related notes 1 to 31 to the financial statements

Company cash flow statement for the year to 31 March 2019

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the EU and, as regards 
the Parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report below. 
We are independent of the Group and Parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to principal risks, going concern and viability statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the Annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report  
to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:

•  the disclosures in the Annual report set out on pages 48 to 53 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being managed 

or mitigated;

•  the Directors’ confirmation set out on page 48 in the Annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing 

the entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

•  the Directors’ statement set out on page 94 in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern 

basis of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so over 
a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements; 

•  whether the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is 

materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

•  the Directors’ explanation set out on page 49 in the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the entity, over what period 

they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation 
that the entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

145

Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Independent Auditor’s report to the members of 3i Group plc

continued

Overview of our audit approach
Key audit matters

•  Incorrect valuation of unquoted proprietary investments.

•  Incorrect calculation of carried interest.

•  Incorrect recognition of portfolio income and of realised profits on disposal of investments.

The first two risks are considered to be significant risks, consistent with the 2018 audit.

Audit scope

•  The Group is principally managed from one location in London. All core functions, including finance and operations, are 
located in London. The Group operates seven international offices, which are primarily responsible for deal origination 
and investment portfolio monitoring. 

•  The Group comprises 84 consolidated subsidiaries and 56 investment entity subsidiaries. Monitoring and control over the 

operations of these subsidiaries, including those located overseas, is centralised in London.

•  The London based Group audit team performed direct audit procedures on all items material to the Group financial 

statements. Our audit sample covered 99% of the investment portfolio and 99% of carried interest accruals. 

This approach is consistent with the 2018 audit.

Materiality

•  Overall Group materiality is £79m (2018: £70m) which represents 1% of net assets. 

This approach is consistent with the 2018 audit.

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of 
the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. 
These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing 
the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in our 
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

146146

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Risk

Our response to the risk

Group and Parent company risk 
Incorrect valuation of unquoted proprietary investments  
(£6,555m, 2018: £5,806m)
Refer to the Audit and Compliance Committee report (pages 70 to 74); 
Significant accounting policies (page 106); and Notes 11, 12 and 13 of 
the financial statements (pages 117 to 121)
The proprietary investment portfolio comprises a number of unquoted 
securities. In the Consolidated statement of financial position these are 
shown both as Investments (which are held directly by consolidated 
subsidiaries of the Group and Parent company), and as Investments in 
investment entities (which are typically limited partnerships and other 
holding structures). In the Company statement of financial position 
these are shown both as Investments (which are held directly by the 
Parent company), and as Investments in investment entities (which are 
included within the Interests in Group entities line item). 
The Group adopts a valuation methodology based on the International 
Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation 2018 (“IPEV”) guidelines, 
in conformity with IFRS 13 – Fair Value Measurements (“IFRS 13”). 
Owing to the unquoted and illiquid nature of these investments, the 
assessment of fair valuation is subjective and requires a number of 
significant and complex judgments to be made by management. The 
exit value will be determined by the market at the time of realisation 
and therefore despite the valuation policy adopted and judgments 
made by management, the final sales value may differ materially from 
the valuation at the year end date. 
There is the risk that inaccurate judgments made in the assessment of 
fair value, in particular in respect of; earnings multiples, the application 
of liquidity discounts, calculation of discount rates and the estimation 
of future maintainable earnings, could lead to the incorrect valuation 
of the unquoted proprietary investment portfolio. In turn, this could 
materially misstate the value of the Investment portfolio in the 
Consolidated statement of financial position, the Gross investment 
return and Total return in the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, and the Net asset value per share.
There is also the risk that management may influence the significant 
judgments and estimations in respect of unquoted proprietary 
investment valuations in order to meet market expectations of the 
overall Net asset value of the Group.
The risk has neither increased nor decreased in the current year.

Our procedures extended to testing 99% of the related balance.
We obtained an understanding of management’s processes and controls 
for determining the fair valuation of unquoted proprietary investments. 
This included discussing with management the valuation governance 
structure and protocols around their oversight of the valuation process 
and corroborating our understanding by attending Valuations 
Committee meetings. We have identified key controls in the process, 
assessed the design adequacy and tested the operating effectiveness 
of those controls. We were able to rely on controls over portfolio 
company and comparable company data used in the valuation of 
unquoted investments.
We compared management’s valuation methodology to IFRS and the 
IPEV guidelines. We sought explanations from management where there 
were judgments applied in its application of the guidelines and assessed 
their appropriateness. 
With the assistance of our valuations specialists, we formed an 
independent range for the key assumptions used in the valuation of a 
sample of unquoted investments, with reference to the relevant industry 
and market valuation considerations. We derived a range of fair values 
using our assumptions and other qualitative risk factors. We compared 
these ranges with management’s assumptions, and discussed our results 
with both management and the Valuations Committee.
With respect to unquoted investments, on a sample basis we 
corroborated key inputs in the valuation models, such as earnings and 
net debt to source data. We also performed the following procedures 
on key judgments made by management in the calculation of fair value:

•  assessed the suitability of the comparable companies used in the 

calculation of the earnings multiples;

•  challenged management on the applicability of adjustments made  

to earnings multiples by obtaining rationale and supporting evidence 
for adjustments made; 

•  performed corroborative calculations to assess the appropriateness 

of discount rates; and

•  discussed with management the adjustments made to 

calculate future maintainable earnings and corroborated this 
to supporting documentation. 

We checked the mathematical accuracy of the valuation models on a 
sample basis. We recalculated the unrealised profits on the revaluation 
of investments impacting the Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.
We discussed with management the rationale for any differences 
between the exit prices of investments realised during the year and the 
prior year fair value, to further verify the reasonableness of the current 
year valuation models and methodology adopted by management.
We performed a site visit, accompanied by our Valuations Specialists, 
to the most material asset in the portfolio, which enabled us to 
corroborate our understanding of, and gain specific insights into, the asset.

Key observations communicated to the Audit and Compliance Committee:
The valuation of the unquoted proprietary investment portfolio is determined to be within a reasonable range of fair values. All valuations tested 
are materially in accordance with IFRS and the IPEV guidelines. Reasonable inputs to the valuations were used. Based on our procedures 
performed we had no material matters to report to the Audit and Compliance Committee.

147147

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Independent Auditor’s report to the members of 3i Group plc

continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Group and Parent company risk
Incorrect calculation of carried interest (carried interest and 
performance fees receivable £640m, 2018: £596m; carried interest 
and performance fees payable £970m, 2018: £870m)
Refer to the Audit and Compliance Committee report (pages 70 to 74); 
Significant accounting policies (page 106); and Notes 14 and 15 of the 
financial statements (pages 121 to 123)
Carried interest receivable is an accrual of the share of the profits from 
funds managed by the Group on behalf of third parties. Carried 
interest payable is an accrual of amounts payable to investment 
executives in respect of the returns on successful investments both 
from Group proprietary capital and third party capital. Carried interest 
is only paid on realisation of investments. 
Carried interest receivable and payable is calculated as a percentage 
of the profits that would be achieved, if the investments within each 
fund or scheme were realised at fair value at the year end date, subject 
to the relevant hurdle rates or performance conditions being met. 
Judgment is required in determining the fair value of the investment 
portfolio (as described in the preceding risk section) and therefore, 
whether hurdles or performance conditions have been achieved. 
There are multiple carried interest arrangements in place and 
investment executives may participate in more than one scheme. 
These arrangements have been structured over multiple periods and 
include different pools of investments. The process of calculating 
carried interest receivable and payable relies on manual calculations. 
Due to the complexities inherent in the arrangements and the manual 
nature of the recognition process, there is a risk that the carried 
interest calculations are incorrectly calculated or recognised in the 
wrong period. 
Carried interest is recorded in the Consolidated statement of financial 
position as Carried interest and performance fees receivable or 
Carried interest and performance fees payable, and is also recorded 
within Investments in investment entity subsidiaries.
The risk has neither increased nor decreased in the current year.

Our procedures extended to testing 99% of the related balance.
We obtained an understanding of management’s processes and controls 
for the calculation of carried interest by performing walkthrough 
procedures, and discussing with management the governance structure 
and protocols around their oversight of the carried interest 
arrangements. We adopted a substantive approach to our testing.
We agreed a sample of calculation methodologies to their respective 
terms and conditions set out in the underlying agreements. 
Our audit procedures on the fair value of the underlying investments are 
described in the preceding risk section. We performed analytical 
procedures comparing the performance of the reference investments 
in each fund or scheme, taking into account the investment realisations, 
to the related accruals in the financial statements. 
On a sample basis we:

•  recalculated the returns on the fund or scheme to test that hurdles 

or performance conditions had been met where carried interest was 
being accrued;

•  recalculated the carried interest accruals for mathematical accuracy 

and agreed the investment fair values to our audit work on the 
fair value of the investment portfolio, the fee rates to the relevant 
agreements and realised gains to our audit work on realised profits;
•  determined the reasonableness of investment exit dates with reference 
to our audit work on the fair value of the investment portfolio and our 
understanding of the life cycle of the relevant investments, and then 
compared this against the anticipated payment dates used to discount 
the carried interest accrual; and

•  ensured the resulting cash flow was a result of a triggering event 

such as a realisation or a re-finance by verifying the cash flow to bank 
statements (and in the case of carry payable to award letters sent 
to investment executives).

Key observations communicated to the Audit and Compliance Committee:
Our audit procedures did not identify any matters regarding the recognition of carried interest in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU.  
All calculations tested have been performed materially in accordance with contractual terms. Based on our procedures performed we had no 
material matters to report to the Audit and Compliance Committee.

148148

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Risk

Our response to the risk

Group and Parent company risk
Incorrect recognition of portfolio income and of realised profits  
on disposal of investments (£308m, 2018: £364m)
Refer to the Audit and Compliance Committee report (pages 70 to 74); 
Significant accounting policies (page 107); and Note 2 of the financial 
statements (page 111)
Portfolio income is directly attributable to the return from investments. 
This includes dividends from investee companies and interest income 
from the investment portfolio.
Realised profits originate from disposals of investments. Realised 
profits are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds and 
the investment’s fair value at the beginning of the year.
Market expectations and revenue based targets may place pressure  
on management to influence the timing of the recognition of portfolio 
income or realised gains. This may result in overstatement or deferral 
of revenues to assist in meeting current or future targets or 
expectations.
Where income is recorded in a consolidated subsidiary, in the 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income it is recorded  
as Portfolio income and Realised profits/(losses) over value on the 
disposal of investments. Where the income is recorded in an 
investment entity subsidiary, it is recorded as Fair value movements  
on investment entity subsidiaries. 
The risk has neither increased nor decreased in the current year.

Our procedures extended to testing 84% of the related amount.
We obtained an understanding of the processes and controls around 
accounting for portfolio income and realised gains by performing 
walkthroughs of the processes. We identified key controls in the 
processes, assessed design adequacy and tested the operating 
effectiveness of those controls.
We performed detailed testing on a sample of transactions in order  
to confirm whether they had been appropriately recorded in the 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 
For portfolio income, on a sample basis, we:

•  agreed dividends from investee companies to the dividend notice; and
•  recalculated interest income based on the terms of the 

underlying agreements.

For all samples selected for testing we verified that revenue is recognised 
when the rights to receive the income have been established.
For realised gains, on a sample basis, we:

•  analysed the contract and terms of the sale to determine whether the 
Group has met the stipulated requirements, confirming that the net 
proceeds and therefore the realised profits over opening value can be 
reliably measured; and

•  re-performed management’s calculations to determine mathematical 

accuracy and confirmed the collection of the net proceeds by agreeing 
the cash receipt to bank statements.

For all samples selected for testing we verified that revenue is recognised 
when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been 
transferred. 
In order to address the risk of realised gains being recognised in the 
incorrect period, we performed enquiries of management, read minutes 
of meetings throughout the year and subsequent to the year end, and 
performed journal entry testing in order to address the risk of 
management override of controls to overstate or defer revenue 
recognition.

Key observations communicated to the Audit and Compliance Committee:
Our audit procedures did not identify any material matters regarding the recognition of portfolio income and of realised profits on disposal  
of investments. All transactions tested have been materially recognised in accordance with contractual terms and IFRSs as adopted by the EU. 
Based on our procedures performed we had no material matters to report to the Audit and Compliance Committee.

149149

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Independent Auditor’s report to the members of 3i Group plc

continued

An overview of the scope of our audit
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope for each entity 
within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the Consolidated financial statements. We take into account size, risk 
profile, the organisation of the Group and effectiveness of Group-wide controls, changes in the business environment and other factors such  
as recent Internal audit results when assessing the level of work to be performed at each entity.

The investment portfolio balance is the most material part of the Consolidated statement of financial position. Monitoring and control over the 
valuation of investments is exercised by management centrally in London, and as such is audited wholly by the London based Group audit team. 
Monitoring and control over the operations of the subsidiaries within the Group, including those located overseas, is centralised in London. 
The Group audit team performed all the work necessary to issue the Group and Parent company audit opinion, including undertaking all audit 
work on the risks of material misstatement identified above.

Involvement with component teams 
All audit work performed for the purposes of the audit was undertaken by the Group audit team.

Our application of materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit and  
in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £79m (2018: £70m), which is 1% (2018: 1%) of net assets. We believe that net assets provides us with 
a consistent year on year basis for determining materiality, and is the most relevant measure to the stakeholders of the entity.

We determined materiality for the Parent company to be £75m (2018: £66m), which is 1% (2018: 1%) of net assets.

We calculated materiality during the planning stage of the audit and then during the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality based  
on 31 March 2019 net asset value, and adjusted our audit procedures accordingly. 

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability 
that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgment was that  
performance materiality was 50% (2018: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely £39m (2018: £35m). We set performance materiality at this 
percentage due to the judgmental nature of the valuations in the Consolidated statement of financial position and the relative value of transactions 
recorded in the other primary statements, to ensure that total uncorrected and undetected audit differences in all accounts did not exceed our 
materiality of £79m.

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit and Compliance Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of £3.9m 
(2018: £3.5m), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. 

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light of other relevant 
qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

150150

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report set out on pages 1 to 95 and 154 to 162, including the Strategic 
report, Directors’ report, Directors’ remuneration report and Portfolio and other information section, other than the financial statements and our 
Auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report,  
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there  
is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, 
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other information  
and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:

•  Fair, balanced and understandable (set out on page 95) – the statement given by the Directors that they consider the Annual report and 

accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

•  Audit committee reporting (set out on pages 70 to 74) – the section describing the work of the Audit and Compliance Committee does not 

appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit and Compliance Committee; or

•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (set out on page 90) – the parts of the Directors’ statement 

required under the Listing Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specified 
for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared  

is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•  the Strategic report and Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit,  
we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

•  the Parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with  

the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

151151

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Independent Auditor’s report to the members of 3i Group plc

continued

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities set out on page 95, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group and Parent company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, 
including fraud
The objectives of our audit, in respect to fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to 
fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and 
implementing appropriate responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary 
responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of the entity and management. 

Our approach was as follows: 

•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Group and have a direct impact on the 

preparation of the financial statements. We determined that the most significant frameworks which are directly relevant to specific assertions 
in the financial statements are those that relate to the reporting framework (IFRSs as adopted by the EU, the Companies Act 2006 and the UK 
Corporate Governance Code) and relevant tax compliance regulations. In addition, we concluded that there are certain significant laws and 
regulations which may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, being the Listing Rules  
of the UK Listing Authority and relevant FCA rules and regulations.

•  We understood how 3i Group plc is complying with those frameworks by making enquiries of senior management, including the General 
Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Finance Director, Head of Compliance, Head of Internal Audit and also non-executive Directors 
including the Chairmen of the Audit and Compliance Committee and Valuations Committee. We corroborated our understanding through  
our review of board minutes, papers provided to the Audit and Compliance Committee and correspondence received from regulatory bodies. 

•  We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by meeting 

with management to understand where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud. We also considered performance targets and their 
potential influence on efforts made by management to manage net asset value per share or the total return on equity. We considered the 
controls that the Group has established to address the risks identified, or that otherwise prevent, deter and detect fraud; and how senior 
management monitors those controls. Where the risk was considered to be higher, we performed audit procedures to address each identified 
fraud risk. 

•  Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations identified in the 
paragraphs above. Our procedures involved: journal entry testing, with a focus on manual journals and journals indicating large or unusual 
transactions based on our understanding of the business; enquiries of senior management; and focused testing, as referred to in the key audit 
matters section above. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website  
at https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor’s report.

152152

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Other matters we are required to address 
•  We were appointed by the board on 5 November 1973 to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 1974 and subsequent 

financial periods. Our appointment was subsequently ratified at the Annual General Meeting of the company on 6 August 1974. 

•  Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is 46 years, covering periods from our appointment through to the period ending 31 March 2019.

•  The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the Parent company and we remain 

independent of the Group and the Parent company in conducting the audit. 

•  The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit and Compliance Committee.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor’s report 
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and 
the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Julian Young (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor 
London 
15 May 2019

Notes:

1.  The maintenance and integrity of the 3i Group plc web site is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, 

accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the web site.

2.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

153153

3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Audited financial statements3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Portfolio and 
other information

Includes details of our 20 large 
investments, a glossary of terms and 
other useful shareholder information

154

3i Group  Annual report and accounts 2019

20 large investments

The 20 investments listed below account for 94% of the portfolio at 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018: 93%). All investments have been assessed  
to establish whether they classify as accounting subsidiaries under IFRS and/or subsidiaries under the UK Companies Act. This assessment forms  
the basis of our disclosure of accounting subsidiaries in the financial statements.

The UK Companies Act defines a subsidiary based on voting rights, with a greater than 50% majority of voting rights resulting in an entity being 
classified as a subsidiary. IFRS 10 applies a wider test and, if a Group is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the 
investee and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the investee then it has control, and hence the investee is deemed  
an accounting subsidiary. Controlled subsidiaries under IFRS are noted below. None of these investments are UK Companies Act subsidiaries.

In accordance with Part 5 of The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013 (“the Regulations”), 3i Investments plc, as AIFM, requires 
all controlled portfolio companies to make available to employees an annual report which meets the disclosure requirements of the Regulations. 
These are available either on the portfolio company’s website or through filing with the relevant local authorities.

Investment
Description of business

Action*
Non-food discount retailer

3i Infrastructure plc*
Quoted investment company, 
investing in infrastructure

Scandlines
Ferry operator between 
Denmark and Germany

Audley Travel*
Provider of experiential  
tailor-made travel 

Basic-Fit
Discount gyms operator

Cirtec Medical*
Outsourced medical device 
manufacturing

Hans Anders*
Value-for-money optical retailer

Q Holding*
Manufacturer of precision 
engineered elastomeric 
components

WP*
Supplier of plastic  
packaging solutions

Smarte Carte*
Provider of self-serve vended 
luggage carts, electronic lockers 
and concession carts

Business line
Geography
First invested in
Valuation basis

Private Equity
Netherlands
2011
Earnings

Infrastructure
UK
2007
Quoted

Corporate Assets
Denmark/ 
Germany 
2018 
DCF

Private Equity 
UK 
2015 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Netherlands 
2013 
Quoted

Private Equity 
US 
2017 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Netherlands 
2017 
Earnings

Private Equity 
US 
2014 
Earnings 

Private Equity 
Netherlands 
2015 
Earnings

Infrastructure 
US 
2017 
DCF

Residual
cost1
March
2018
£m

12

Residual
cost1
March
2019
£m

24

Valuation
March
2018
£m

2,064

Valuation
March
2019
£m

2,731

Relevant transactions 
in the year

310

307

581

744

–

529

–

529

195

189

233

270

11

8

270

254

172

172

190

248

186

250

189

 246

162

162

229

241

175

187

244

241

166

164

167

181

Full realisation 
and 3i’s partial 
reinvestment 
completed on 
21 June 2018.

£25m distribution 
received.

Sold 3.7m shares  
at €30.5 per share, 
generating 
proceeds of £89m.

Acquired Cactus 
Semiconductor in 
October 2018 and 
Metrigraphics in 
December 2018.

Acquired eyes + 
more in January 
2019.

155

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 201920 large investments

continued

Business line
Geography
First invested in
Valuation basis

Private Equity 
France 
2017 
Earnings

Private Equity 
UK 
1996 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Germany 
2017 
Earnings

Private Equity 
US 
2018 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Denmark 
2016 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Netherlands 
2018 
Earnings

Private Equity 
Singapore 
2006 
Industry metric

Private Equity 
Germany 
2017 
Earnings

Private Equity  
UK  
1989  
Earnings

Private Equity 
UK 
2015 
Earnings

Investment
Description of business

Ponroy Santé*
Manufacturer of natural healthcare 
and cosmetics products

AES Engineering
Manufacturer of mechanical seals 
and support systems

Formel D*
Quality assurance provider for the 
automotive industry

ICE*
Global travel and loyalty company 
that connects leading brands, travel 
suppliers and end consumers

BoConcept*
Urban living designer

Royal Sanders*
Private label and contract 
manufacturing producer of 
personal care products

ACR
Pan-Asian non-life reinsurance

Lampenwelt*
Online lighting specialist retailer

Tato
Manufacturer and seller of 
speciality chemicals

Aspen Pumps*
Manufacturer of pumps 
and accessories for the 
air conditioning, heating 
and refrigeration industry

*  Controlled in accordance with IFRS.

1  Residual cost includes capitalised interest.

156

Residual
cost1
March
2018
£m

139

Residual
cost1
March
2019
£m

147

Valuation
March
2018
£m

145

Valuation
March
2019
£m

174

Relevant transactions 
in the year

Acquired 
Densmore in  
July 2018.

30

30

139

172

138

147

133

169

–

129

–

155

New investment. 
In February 2019, 
merged with SOR.

142

156

137

152

–

135

–

147

New investment. 
Acquired McBride’s 
European personal 
care liquids 
business in 
November 2018.

105

105

129

129

98

2

86

101

111

119

2

114

117

£10m dividend 
received.

41

108

103

Acquired Advanced 
Engineering in 
November 2018. 
Completed a 
refinancing in 
December 2018.

2,129

2,985

5,183

7,122

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Portfolio valuation – an explanation

Policy
The valuation policy is the responsibility of the Board, with additional 
oversight and annual review from the Valuations Committee. The policy 
is reviewed at least annually, with the last update in January 2019 
incorporating the update to the guidelines issued by the International 
Private Equity and Venture Capital valuation board (“IPEV guidelines”), 
published in December 2018. Our policy is to value 3i’s investment 
portfolio at fair value and we achieve this by valuing investments on an 
appropriate basis, applying a consistent approach across the portfolio. 
The policy ensures that the portfolio valuation is compliant with the 
fair value guidelines under IFRS and, in so doing, is also compliant 
with the IPEV guidelines. The policy covers the Group’s Private 
Equity, Infrastructure and Corporate Assets investment valuations. 
Valuations of the investment portfolio of the Group and its subsidiaries 
are performed at each quarter end.

Fair value is the underlying principle and is defined as “the price that 
would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between 
market participants at the measurement date” (IPEV guidelines, 
December 2018). Fair value is therefore an estimate and, as such, 
determining fair value requires the use of judgement.

The quoted assets in our portfolio are valued at their closing bid price 
at the balance sheet date. The majority of the portfolio, however,  
is represented by unquoted investments. 

Private Equity unquoted valuation
To arrive at the fair value of the Group’s unquoted Private Equity 
investments, we first estimate the entire value of the company we have 
invested in – the enterprise value. We then apportion that enterprise 
value between 3i, other shareholders and lenders.

Determining enterprise value
The enterprise value is determined using one of a selection of 
methodologies depending on the nature, facts and circumstances  
of the investment.

Where possible, we use methodologies which draw heavily on 
observable market prices, whether listed equity markets or reported 
merger and acquisition transactions, and trading updates from 
our portfolio.

As unquoted investments are not traded on an active market, the 
Group adjusts the estimated enterprise value by a liquidity discount. 
The liquidity discount is applied to the total enterprise value and we 
apply a higher discount rate for investments where there are material 
restrictions on our ability to sell at a time of our choosing.

The table on the next page outlines in more detail the range of 
valuation methodologies available to us, as well as the inputs and 
adjustments necessary for each.

Apportioning the enterprise value between 3i, other shareholders 
and lenders
Once we have estimated the enterprise value, the following steps 
are taken:

1.   We subtract the value of any claims, net of free cash balances that 

are more senior to the most senior of our investments.

2.   The resulting attributable enterprise value is apportioned to the 
Group’s investment, and equal ranking investments by other 
parties, according to contractual terms and conditions, to arrive 
at a fair value of the entirety of the investment. The value is then 
distributed amongst the different loan, equity and other financial 
instruments accordingly.

3.   If the value attributed to a specific shareholder loan investment in  

a company is less than its carrying value, a shortfall is implied, which 
is recognised in our valuation. In exceptional cases, we may judge 
that the shortfall is temporary; to recognise the shortfall in such a 
scenario would lead to unrepresentative volatility and hence we may 
choose not to recognise the shortfall.

Other factors
In applying this framework, there are additional considerations that are 
factored into the valuation of some assets.

Impacts from structuring
Structural rights are instruments convertible into equity or cash at 
specific points in time or linked to specific events. For example, where 
a majority shareholder chooses to sell, and we have a minority interest, 
we may have the right to a minimum return on our investment.

Debt instruments, in particular, may have structural rights. In the 
valuation, it is assumed third parties, such as lenders or holders of 
convertible instruments, fully exercise any structural rights they might 
have if they are “in the money”, and that the value to the Group may 
therefore be reduced by such rights held by third parties. The Group’s 
own structural rights are valued on the basis they are exercisable on the 
reporting date.

Assets classified as “terminal”
If we believe an investment has more than a 50% probability of failing 
in the 12 months following the valuation date, we value the investment 
on the basis of its expected recoverable amount in the event of 
failure. It is important to distinguish between our investment failing 
and the business failing; the failure of our investment does not always 
mean that the business has failed, just that our recoverable value has 
dropped significantly. This would generally result in the equity and loan 
components of our investment being valued at nil. Value movements  
in the period relating to investments classified as terminal are classified 
as provisions in our value movement analysis.

Infrastructure unquoted valuation
The primary valuation methodology used for unquoted Infrastructure 
investments is the discounted cash flow method (“DCF”). Fair value 
is estimated by deriving the present value of the investment using 
reasonable assumptions of expected future cash flows and the terminal 
value and date, and the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate that 
quantifies the risk inherent to the investment. The discount rate is 
estimated with reference to the market risk-free rate, a risk adjusted 
premium and information specific to the investment or market sector.

Corporate Assets unquoted valuation
The valuation methodology for any asset in Corporate Assets will 
depend on the nature of the underlying investment. Scandlines, the 
only investment currently classified as a Corporate Asset, is valued  
on a DCF basis. This is consistent with the Infrastructure methodology.

157

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Portfolio valuation – an explanation

continued

Methodology

Description

Inputs

Earnings 
(Private Equity)

Most commonly used 
Private Equity valuation 
methodology
Used for investments  
which are profitable and 
for which we can 
determine a set of listed 
companies and 
precedent transactions, 
where relevant, with 
similar characteristics

Earnings multiples are applied to the earnings of 
the Company to determine the enterprise value
Earnings
Reported earnings adjusted for non-recurring  
items, such as restructuring expenses, for  
significant corporate actions and, in exceptional 
cases, run-rate adjustments to arrive at  
maintainable earnings
Most common measure is earnings before interest, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDA”)
Earnings used are usually the management 
accounts for the 12 months to the quarter end 
preceding the reporting period, unless data from 
forecasts or the latest audited accounts provides  
a more reliable picture of maintainable earnings
Earnings multiples
The earnings multiple is derived from comparable 
listed companies or relevant market transaction 
multiples
We select companies in the same industry and, 
where possible, with a similar business model and 
profile in terms of size, products, services and 
customers, growth rates and geographic focus
We adjust for relative performance in the set of 
comparables, exit expectations and other company 
specific factors

Closing bid price at balance sheet date

% of investment 
basis portfolio 
valued on 
this basis

74%

Adjustments 

A liquidity discount is 
applied to the enterprise 
value, typically between 
5% and 15%, using 
factors such as our 
alignment with 
management and other 
investors and our 
investment rights in the 
deal structure

Quoted 
(Infrastructure/
Private Equity)

Discounted 
cash flow 
(Private Equity/
Infrastructure/
Corporate 
Assets)

Specific 
industry 
metrics 
(Private Equity)

Used for investments 
in listed companies

No adjustments 
or discounts applied

Appropriate for 
businesses with 
long-term stable cash 
flows, typically in 
Infrastructure

Long-term cash flows are discounted at a rate  
which is benchmarked against market data, 
where possible, or adjusted from the rate at the 
initial investment based on changes in the risk 
profile of the investment

Discount already implicit 
in the discount rate 
applied to long-term 
cash flows – no further 
discounts applied

Used for investments in 
industries which have 
well defined metrics as 
bases for valuation – eg 
book value for insurance 
underwriters

We create a set of comparable listed companies 
and derive the implied values of the relevant metric
We track and adjust this metric for relative 
performance, as in the case of earnings multiples 
Comparable companies are selected using the 
same criteria as described for the earnings 
methodology

Net asset value reported by the fund manager

NAV  
(Private Equity/
Infrastructure)

Used for investments in 
unlisted funds 

Other 
(Private Equity)

Used where elements 
of a business are valued 
on different bases

Values of separate elements prepared on one of the 
methodologies listed above

An appropriate discount 
is applied, depending 
on the valuation metric 
used

Typically no further 
discount applied 
in addition to that 
applied by the fund 
manager

Discounts applied 
to separate elements 
as above

13%

9%

2%

1%

1%

Consistent with IPEV guidelines, all equity investments are held at fair value using the most appropriate methodology and no investments are held 
at historical cost.

158

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Information for shareholders

Financial calendar

Ex-dividend date 
Record date 
Annual General Meeting
Second FY2019 dividend to be paid 
Half-year results (available online only) 
First FY2020 dividend expected to be paid

Thursday 13 June 2019
Friday 14 June 2019
Thursday 27 June 2019*
Friday 19 July 2019
November 2019
January 2020

*  The 2019 Annual General Meeting will be held at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE on Thursday 27 June 2019 at 11.00am.  

For further details please see the Notice of Annual General Meeting 2019.

Information on ordinary shares
Shareholder profile: Location of investors at 31 March 2019

UK
North America
Continental Europe
Other international

Share price

Share price at 31 March 2019
High during the year 22 May 2018
Low during the year 24 December 2018

Dividends paid in the year to 31 March 2019

Second FY2018 dividend, paid 20 July 2018
First FY2019 dividend, paid 9 January 2019

Balance analysis summary

58.3%
26.0%
12.0%
3.7%

984.8p
1014.8p
756.2p

22.0.p
15.0p

Range

1–1,000
1,001–10,000
10,001–100,000
100,001–1,000,000
1,000,001–10,000,000
10,000,001–highest

Total

Number of holdings

Balance as at 31 March 2019

Individuals

Corporate  
bodies

Number  
of shares

11,545
4,720
138
16
0
0

388
582
482
350
119
17

5,323,368
12,430,461
22,456,941
138,591,830
346,714,229
447,483,836

%  
shares

0.55
1.28
2.31
14.24
35.63
45.99

Total  
holdings

Individual  
shares

Corporate  
shares

11,933
5,302
620
366
119
17

5,143,224
10,336,366
3,139,412
4,157,266
0
0

180,144
2,094,095
19,317,529
134,434,564
346,714,229
447,483,836

16,419

1,938

973,000,665

100.00

18,357

22,776,268 950,224,397

The table above provides details of the number of shareholdings within each of the bands stated in the register of members at 31 March 2019.

159

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Information for shareholders

continued

The Common Reporting Standard
Tax legislation under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation 
and Development (“OECD”) Common Reporting Standard for 
Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information requires 
investment trust companies to provide personal information about 
certain investors who hold shares in investment trusts to HMRC. 
As an investment company, 3i Group plc is therefore required to 
provide information annually to the local tax authority on certain 
certificated shareholders and corporate entities. This information 
includes country of tax residency as well as details of shares held and 
dividends received. The local tax authority to which the information 
is initially passed may in turn exchange the information with the tax 
authorities of another country or countries in which the shareholder 
may be tax resident, where those countries (or tax authorities in 
those countries) have entered into agreements to exchange financial 
account information. Certain shareholders have been and will in 
future be sent a certification form for the purposes of collecting 
required information. 

Annual reports and half-yearly reports online
If you would prefer to receive shareholder communications 
electronically in future, including annual reports and 
notices of meetings, please visit our Registrars’ website at 
www.shareview.co.uk/clients/3isignup and follow the instructions 
there to register.

The 2019 half-yearly report will be available online only. 
Please register to ensure you are notified when it becomes available 
at www.3i.com/investor-relations/financial-news.

More general information on electronic communications  
is available on our website at www.3i.com/investor-relations/
shareholder-information.

Investor relations enquiries
For all investor relations about 3i Group plc, including requests for 
further copies of the Report and accounts, please contact:

Investor relations 
3i Group plc 
16 Palace Street 
London, SW1E 5JD

Telephone +44 (0)20 7975 3131

email IRTeam@3i.com

or visit the Investor relations section of our website at www.3i.com/
investor-relations, for full up-to-date investor relations information, 
including the latest share price, results presentations and 
financial news.

Registrars
For shareholder administration enquiries, including changes 
of address please contact:

Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex, BN99 6DA

Telephone 0371 384 2031

Lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday 
(international callers +44 121 415 7183).

Boiler room and other scams
Shareholders should be wary of any unsolicited investment advice, 
offers to buy shares at a discounted price or offers to buy 3i 
shareholdings. These fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure 
tactics to lure shareholders into scams. We have become aware 
of what appears to be an increase in calls to current and former 
3i shareholders.

The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) has found that victims 
of share fraud are often seasoned investors with victims losing 
an average of £20,000.

Please keep in mind that firms authorised by the FCA are unlikely 
to contact you unexpectedly with an offer to buy or sell shares. 
You should consider getting independent financial or professional 
advice before you hand over any money or even share any 
information with them.

If you receive any unsolicited approaches or investment advice, you 
should proceed with caution. Steps that you might wish to take could 
include the following:

•  always ensure the firm is on the Financial Conduct Authority 

(“FCA”) Register and is allowed to give financial advice  
before handing over your money. You can check at 
www.fca.org.uk/register;

•  double-check the caller is from the firm they say they are – ask for 
their name and telephone number and say you will call them back. 
Check their identity by calling the firm using the contact number 
listed on the FCA Register. This is important as there have been 
instances where an authorised firm’s website has been cloned but 
with a few subtle changes, such as a different phone number or 
false email address;

•  check the FCA’s list of known unauthorised overseas firms. 

However, these firms change their name regularly, so even if a firm 
is not listed it does not mean they are legitimate. Always check that 
they are listed on the FCA Register; and

•  if you have any doubts, call the Financial Conduct Authority 
Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. If you deal with an 
unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment 
under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

160

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Glossary

2013-2016 vintage includes Aspen Pumps, Audley Travel, Basic-Fit, 
Dynatect, Euro-Diesel, ATESTEO, JMJ, Q Holding, WP, Scandlines 
further (completed in December 2013), Christ, Geka, Óticas Carol  
and Blue Interactive.

2016-2019 vintage includes BoConcept, Cirtec, Formel D, Hans Anders, 
ICE, Lampenwelt, Ponroy Santé, Royal Sanders and Schlemmer. 

Carried interest receivable The Group earns a share of profits from 
funds which it manages on behalf of third parties. These profits are 
earned when the funds meet certain performance conditions and are 
paid by the fund once these conditions have been met on a cash basis. 
The carried interest receivable may be subject to clawback provisions 
if the performance of the fund deteriorates following carried interest 
being paid. 

Alternative Investment Funds (“AIFs”)  
At 31 March 2019, 3i Investments plc as AIFM, managed five AIFs. 
These were 3i Group plc, 3i Growth Capital Fund, 3i Eurofund V,  
3i Managed Infrastructure Acquisitions LP and 3i Infrastructure plc. 
3i Investments (Luxembourg) SA as AIFM, managed one AIF,  
3i European Operational Projects Fund. 

Alternative Investment Fund Manager (“AIFM”) is the regulated 
manager of AIFs. Within 3i, this is 3i Investments plc and 3i Investments 
(Luxembourg) SA.

Approved Investment Trust Company  
This is a particular UK tax status maintained by 3i Group plc, the 
parent company of 3i Group. An approved Investment Trust company 
is a UK company which meets certain conditions set out in the UK 
tax rules which include a requirement for the company to undertake 
portfolio investment activity that aims to spread investment risk and 
for the company’s shares to be listed on an approved exchange. The 
“approved” status for an investment trust must be agreed by the UK 
tax authorities and its benefit is that certain profits of the company, 
principally its capital profits, are not taxable in the UK. 

Assets under management (“AUM”)  
A measure of the total assets that 3i has to invest or manages on behalf 
of shareholders and third-party investors for which it receives a fee. 
AUM is measured at fair value. In the absence of a third-party fund in 
Private Equity, it is not a measure of fee generating capability.

Automatic Exchange of Information (“AEOI”) regulation covers the 
combined legislative requirements of Common Reporting Standards 
(“CRS”) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”). 
Both sets of rules require financial groups to identify investors and 
report details to their local authority who will then exchange the 
information with other relevant tax authorities.

B2B Business-to-business. 

Board The Board of Directors of the Company.

Buyouts 2010-2012 vintage includes Action, Amor, Christ, Element, 
Etanco, Hilite, OneMed and Trescal.

Capital redemption reserve is established in respect of the redemption 
of the Company’s ordinary shares.

Capital reserve recognises all profits that are capital in nature or have 
been allocated to capital. Following changes to the Companies Act, 
the Company amended its Articles of Association at the 2012 Annual 
General Meeting to allow these profits to be distributable by way of 
a dividend.

Carried interest payable is accrued on the realised and unrealised 
profits generated taking relevant performance hurdles into 
consideration, assuming all investments were realised at the prevailing 
book value. Carried interest is only actually paid when the relevant 
performance hurdles are met and the accrual is discounted to reflect 
expected payment periods. 

Company 3i Group plc.

Country by Country reporting (“CbC Reporting”) refers to a 
requirement for large multinational groups, operating in different 
countries, to file an annual report with their head office tax authority. 
This provides information about the activities of the entities in the 
Group, on a country-by-country basis, across the countries in which 
the Group operates. This requirement applied to the Group from 
1 April 2016.

Discounting The reduction in present value at a given date of a future 
cash transaction at an assumed rate, using a discount factor reflecting 
the time value of money. 

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation 
and amortisation and is used as the typical measure of portfolio 
company performance.

EBITDA multiple Calculated as the enterprise value over EBITDA, it is 
used to determine the value of a company.

Executive Committee The Executive Committee is responsible for the 
day-to-day running of the Group and comprises: the Chief Executive; 
Group Finance Director; the Managing Partners of the Private Equity 
and Infrastructure businesses; and the Group’s General Counsel.

Fair value movements on investment entity subsidiaries The 
movement in the carrying value of Group subsidiaries, classified as 
investment entities under IFRS 10, between the start and end of the 
accounting period converted into sterling using the exchange rates  
at the date of the movement. 

Fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) is an IFRS measurement 
basis permitted for assets and liabilities which meet certain criteria. 
Gains and losses on assets and liabilities measured as FVTPL are 
recognised directly in the Statement of comprehensive income.

Fee income (or Fees receivable) is earned for providing services to 3i’s 
portfolio companies and predominantly falls into one of two categories. 
Negotiation and other transaction fees are earned for providing 
transaction related services. Monitoring and other ongoing service fees 
are earned for providing a range of services over a period of time. 

Fees receivable from external funds Fees receivable from external 
funds are earned for providing management and advisory services 
to a variety of fund partnerships and other entities. Fees are typically 
calculated as a percentage of the cost or value of the assets managed 
during the year and are paid quarterly, based on the assets under 
management to date.

Foreign exchange on investments arises on investments made in 
currencies that are different from the functional currency of the Group 
entity. Investments are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date 
of the transaction. At each subsequent reporting date investments are 
translated to sterling at the exchange rate ruling at that date. 

161

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019Glossary

continued

Gross investment return (“GIR”) includes profit and loss on realisations, 
increases and decreases in the value of the investments we hold at 
the end of a period, any income received from the investments such 
as interest, dividends and fee income, movements in the fair value 
of derivatives and foreign exchange movements. GIR is measured  
as a percentage of the opening portfolio value.

Realised profits or losses over value on the disposal of investments 
The difference between the fair value of the consideration received, 
less any directly attributable costs, on the sale of equity and the 
repayment of loans and receivables and its carrying value at the start  
of the accounting period, converted into sterling using the exchange 
rates at the date of disposal.

Growth 2010-2012 vintage includes Element, Hilite, BVG,  
Go Outdoors, Loxam, Touchtunes and WFCI.

Revenue reserve recognises all profits that are revenue in nature or 
have been allocated to revenue.

Segmental reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner 
consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Executive 
who is considered to be the Group’s chief operating decision maker. 
All transactions between business segments are conducted on an arm’s 
length basis, with intrasegment revenue and costs being eliminated 
on consolidation. Income and expenses directly associated with each 
segment are included in determining business segment performance. 

Share-based payment reserve is a reserve to recognise those amounts 
in retained earnings in respect of share-based payments.

SORP means the Statement of Recommended Practice: Financial 
Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts.

Syndication The sale of part of our investment in a portfolio company 
to a third party, usually within 12 months of our initial investment 
and for the purposes of facilitating investment by a co-investor or 
portfolio company management in line with our original investment 
plan. A syndication is treated as a negative investment rather than 
a realisation.

Total return Comprises operating profit less tax charge less movement 
in actuarial valuation of the historic defined benefit pension scheme. 

Total shareholder return (“TSR”) is the measure of the overall return 
to shareholders and includes the movement in the share price and any 
dividends paid, assuming that all dividends are reinvested on their 
ex-dividend date. 

Translation reserve comprises all exchange differences arising from  
the translation of the financial statements of international operations. 

Unrealised profits or losses on the revaluation of investments The 
movement in the carrying value of investments between the start 
and end of the accounting period converted into sterling using the 
exchange rates at the date of the movement. 

Interest income from investment portfolio is recognised as it accrues. 
When the fair value of an investment is assessed to be below the 
principal value of a loan, the Group recognises a provision against any 
interest accrued from the date of the assessment going forward until 
the investment is assessed to have recovered in value.

International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) are accounting 
standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(“IASB”). The Group’s consolidated financial statements are required  
to be prepared in accordance with IFRS, as endorsed by the EU. 

Investment basis Accounts prepared assuming that IFRS 10 had 
not been introduced. Under this basis, we fair value portfolio 
companies at the level we believe provides the most comprehensive 
financial information. 

The commentary in the Strategic report refers to this basis as we believe 
it provides a more understandable view of our performance. 

Key Performance Indicator (“KPI”) is a measure by reference to which 
the development, performance or position of the Group can be 
measured effectively.

Money multiple is calculated as the cumulative distributions plus any 
residual value divided by paid-in capital. 

Net asset value (“NAV”) is a measure of the fair value of our proprietary 
investments and the net costs of operating the business. 

Operating cash profit is the difference between our cash income 
(consisting of portfolio interest received, portfolio dividends received, 
portfolio fees received and fees received from external funds as per 
the Investment basis Consolidated cash flow statement) and our 
operating expenses (as per the Investment basis Consolidated cash 
flow statement).

Operating profit Includes gross investment return, management fee 
income generated from managing external funds, the costs of running 
our business, net interest payable, other losses and carried interest. 

Performance fee receivable The Group earns a performance fee from 
the investment management services it provides to 3i Infrastructure 
plc (“3iN”) when 3iN’s total return for the year exceeds a specified 
threshold. This fee is calculated on an annual basis and paid in cash 
early in the next financial year. A new fee arrangement will come into 
place on 1 April 2019.

Portfolio income is that which is directly related to the return from 
individual investments. It is comprised of dividend income, income from 
loans and receivables and fee income. 

Proprietary Capital Shareholders’ capital which is available to invest  
to generate profits.

Public Private Partnership (“PPP”) is a government service or private 
business venture which is funded and operated through a partnership 
of government and one or more private sector companies. 

162

Portfolio and other information3i Group Annual report and accounts 2019ISO 14001
A pattern of control for an environmental 
management system against which an 
organisation can be accredited by a third party.

To offset the CO2 emissions associated  
with the production and distribution of  
our Annual report and accounts 2018,  
we purchased carbon credits sold by  
a range of power projects.

This report was printed by Pureprint Group 
using their environmental print technology 
which minimises the negative environmental 
impacts of the printing process. Vegetable-
based inks were used throughout and 99% 
of the dry waste and 95% of the cleaning 
solvents associated with this production 
were recycled. This report is printed on 
Revive Recycled Silk, an environmentally-
friendly stock made with ECF (Elemental 
Chlorine Free) pure cellulose. This paper 
is FSC® certified and contains 50% 
recycled material.

FSC® – Forest Stewardship Council®
This ensures that there is an audited 
chain of custody from the tree in 
the well-managed forest through to the 
finished document in the printing factory.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar  
www.ry.com

3i Group plc
Registered office: 16 Palace Street, 
London, SW1E 5JD, UK

Registered in England No. 1142830 
An investment company as defined by 
section 833 of the Companies Act 2006

ReExistential 2 by Lyra Morgan
Oil paint and mixed media  
on a box canvas.

www.3i.com

3i Group plc

16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD, UK 
Telephone +44 (0)20 7975 3131

THR27383

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