From consultancy services to training providers, 3i has a long history of successful investment in the professional services sector.  The companies that have been supported by 3i include:

• Fulcrum – using leading-edge technology to deliver world-class service to a highly-specialised market. Established in Bermuda in 1995, Fulcrum Limited has become a leading independent hedge fund administrator by delivering outstanding technology and customer service.  The quality of its people and systems enables it to process high volumes of intricate transactions with complete accuracy, while producing sophisticated information that satisfies the needs of a diverse group of audiences.  3i made a $57m investment in May 2007 and is using its global contacts and knowledge to help Fulcrum accelerate revenue growth, develop new products and expand its presence in Asia and Europe.
• Bestinvest – scaling up a winning formula that’s achieved strong client loyalty. Founded in 1986, Bestinvest has quickly grown to become one of the UK’s most successful financial advisory companies.  It looks after client assets exceeding $7.4bn and has a significant and loyal element of high net worth investors.  The company’s outstanding brand is underpinned by its innovative fee structures and strong customer relationships.  3i’s acquisition of Bestinvest in July 2007 reflected the strong growth potential offered by the company’s profitable and robust business model, with many opportunities to build on a winning formula.
• Foster + Partners – evolving the firm that designs the world’s most iconic structures. For forty years, Norman Foster’s London-based architectural practice has designed a series of unforgettable buildings, including New York’s Hearst Tower, the Millau viaduct in France and the new Beijing airport.  The firm has completed assignments in over 60 countries and its 1,000-strong workforce is typically working on 200 projects at any one time.  In May 2007, 3i acquired a substantial minority interest as part of a restructuring that enabled the firm to introduce stock-based incentives for its workforce.  3i’s global network is now supporting Foster + Partners as the firm participates in the massive renewal of Asian infrastructure.
• ERM – setting global standards in the fast-growing environmental consultancy business. Environmental Resource Management (ERM) provides a range of environmental consultancy services.  Originally owned by more than 300 small shareholders around the world, 3i advised the company as it streamlined its ownership and governance structures.  Between 2001 and 2005, 3i helped ERM to expand its international presence – opening offices in new countries and implementing global systems to drive efficiency and seamless customer service.  In the process, ERM’s value grew from $243m to $535m.
• Hayley Conference Centres – migrating a proven business model to new markets. Hayley is the leading premier-branded, dedicated conference center business in the UK. The business serves a blue chip client base seeking specialized and prestigious off-site training and meeting rooms with residential facilities.  3i first invested in Hayley as a start-up business from 1991-1999 and reinvested in 2005, when the business’ management decided to pursue growth opportunities in Europe.  During Hayley’s partnership with 3i, the company delivered a strong trading performance and prepared to open its first overseas office, in Paris, in 2008.  3i sold its holding to Principal Hotels in May 2007.
• INEUM Consulting – growing the client base of a leading niche consultancy. INEUM Consulting is a leading independent French consultancy, providing advice on strategy, operational performance and project management.  It was spun out of Deloitte, the accountancy firm, and has a range of first-class customers, including AXA, SNCF and Peugeot.  3i began working with INEUM Consulting in 2003, helping it to grow its list of public sector and blue-chip corporate clients.  In 2006, the company was acquired by Management Consulting Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.