3i sells venture investments

UK secondaries venture investor Shackleton Ventures has acquired four investments from 3i.

Investing through the Shackleton Secondaries LP fund, the companies purchased operate in the information technology, communications and healthcare sectors. Included in the package is Global Computer Holdings Limited, a provider of specialist inventory management facilities worldwide for IT hardware manufacturers, maintainers, resellers and outsourcing companies; and Data Encryption Systems, a producer of software and data protection devices that are sold through distributors and OEMs.

In a statement the Hampshire-based investor said it is considering providing further investment to the companies to speed up their growth prior to exit, or will restructure the investment to improve management incentives.

The Shackleton Secondaries LP fund can draw on investment of up to £20m and is backed principally by a leading European-based fund of funds investor with over €1bn under management. The fund was formed in July 2006 and since acquired a 20% interest in Pancredit Limited, an established supplier of consumer finance software and lending system solutions.