3i is looking to buy a 20% stake in Ministry of Sound. The deal could value the company at £100m.

The venture capitalist is not yet in exclusive negotiations with Ministry management. But an agreement could be reached within six weeks. The sale of a 20% share of Ministry is a likely precursor to a flotation or the sale of the business to a larger music group like EMI.

The Sunday Telegraph 15/07/2001 Business page 1