3i has played down the departure of four directors from its buy-out business, saying it would not have an impact on the buy-out ambitions of the firm or the raising of its €3bn ($3.5bn) fund by the end of the year.

Richard Campin, head of 3i's French operations, Chris Graham, head of 3i's media unit, Tom Sweet-Escott and Hugh Richards, are all on gardening leave for the next three months.