3i Group plc

Report and accounts 2007

Skip Links

lines

SR Technics

SR Technics

First investment

3i's Eurofund III invested €97m in December 2002 to enable the €425m management buyout of SR Technics from the administrators of SAirGroup (Swissair) and to significantly reposition the business.

Nature of business

A provider of integrated technical services and fleet management to the commercial aviation sector.

Results to 31 December 2005
(audited)
CHFm
Sales 1,362
EBITDA 146

Developments since 3i invested

The business was transformed from what was essentially the technical department of a flag-carrying airline into a world market-leader. SR Technics has expanded its customer and product base and its geographic reach, especially in Asia and the Middle East. It acquired FLS Aerospace, in a €140m transaction in 2004. New contracts reduced dependence on SWISS (formerly Swissair) from 45% to 14% of revenue.

In October 2006, SR Technics was sold to a UAE consortium for €1bn, generating a money multiple of 4.5 times for 3i and Eurofund III investors. During 3i's investment, sales grew from CHF 942m to approximately CHF 1.5bn and employment from 2,900 to 5,000.

3i Group plc’s return on investment
as at 31 March
2007
£m
2006
£m
Cost    
Equity and loan n/a 37
Realised value    
Equity and loan 163 n/a
Unrealised value    
Equity and loan n/a 100
Equity interest 0% 32%
Income in the year 1 3

Back to top