3i Shares Surge 9% as Action Targets Strong Q2 Profit

3i Group plc Shares Rise Over 9% on Action Outlook

Shares of 3i Group plc surged 9.28% on Thursday after the private‑equity firm announced that its largest portfolio company, the European discount retailer Action, remains on track for a strong second‑quarter profit despite a modest slowdown in like‑for‑like sales growth.

Action reported like‑for‑like sales growth of 3.3% for the year ending 21 June 2026, easing from 3.6% in the first quarter and falling short of its full‑year guidance of 4%‑5%. Nevertheless, 3i chief executive Simon Borrows said the retailer is set for “a good quarter of profit growth.”

The retailer has opened 105 new stores so far in 2026, progressing toward a target of at least 400 openings for the full year. Action’s cash balance stood at €699 million as of 21 June, after distributing a €450 million dividend to shareholders in May.

Borrows also noted that the remainder of 3i’s private‑equity portfolio is performing well, with businesses across the group demonstrating “good momentum in line with our expectations.”

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