Case Studies
Case studies November 2006 Buyouts Chorion New investment - UK - Media In May 2006, 3i and funds completed the This strong relationship with Waheed Alli acquisition of Chorion, a UK-based coupled with 3i’s in-depth media sector intellectual property owning, brand creation knowledge, through deals such as and management business, in a €198 Sparrowhawk Media and Pinewood million public to private transaction. Shepperton, secured the investment opportunity. Chorion, previously listed on AIM, generates revenue by charging royalties on The investment in Chorion represented an toy merchandising, book publishing and TV. opportunity to acquire a portfolio of high-quality It operates on a global basis, with a brands which have a proven track record of portfolio which includes well recognised publishing success and which are ripe for classic children’s brands such as Noddy, further development. Chorion has an excellent Famous Five, and the Mr Men, as well as platform from which to expand into new the works of crime writers such as Agatha geographic markets, and a proven Christie (Miss Marple and Poirot) and management team which is well placed to Georges Simenon (Maigret). capitalise on this opportunity with the strategic support and financial backing of 3i. 3i worked exclusively with Chorion’s Chairman Waheed Alli and the incumbent management team, responsible for almost trebling the value of the business since 2002, for nearly a year before the deal completed. Buyouts Azzurri Communications Realisation - UK - Technology During the six years that 3i was invested Azzurri made 15 strategic acquisitions and, combined with strong organic growth, a business with revenues of £115 million (for the year to June 2006) was built as a result.
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