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Shore Capital Group, the independent investment group specialising in principal finance, equity capital market activities and alternative asset management, is pleased to announce that Puma Investments’ latest venture capital trust, Puma VCT 9 plc (“Puma 9”), has successfully raised over £27.5 million.

As previously announced, Puma 9 will remain open for subscriptions until the earlier of 3 May 2013 and the date on which the maximum 30 million shares available have been issued.

Puma 9 has raised more than any other single VCT and accounts for over 10% of all funds raised for VCTs in the 2012/13 tax year, reflecting an increased desire amongst investors for tax-efficient investments combined with the defensive qualities associated with Puma Investments. Puma VCTs were the first planned exit VCTs to have returned over 100p in cash to shareholders, equivalent to a 66% tax free total return.

Commenting on the subscription level, David Kaye, Chief Executive of Puma Investments, said: “We are delighted with the level of demand for Puma 9, having already raised more than double the total for Puma VCT 8. Our investment team sources opportunities from across the UK to provide asset-backed financing to the SME market, supporting British entrepreneurs. The current funds raised for Puma 9 are an endorsement of our expert investment team, led by Eliot Kaye, and their enviable track record.”

For further information contact:

Shore Capital Lynn Bruce	+44 (0) 1481 724222
Bell Pottinger Olly Scott Charlie Goodwin	+44 (0) 20 7861 3232

About Puma Investments

1. Part of Shore Capital Group, Puma Investments is a specialist provider of tax efficient solutions.  As well as the launch of the Puma VCT 9, Puma Investments has ambitious plans to build upon its excellent VCT track record and is developing a range of investment solutions, including IHT and EIS’s, which deliver capital preservation and risk mitigation.
2. Shore Capital Group is an AIM-listed independent investment group.  Shore Capital specialises in principal finance, equity capital market activities and alternative asset management.  The Equity Capital Markets division offers a wide range of services for companies, institutions and other sophisticated clients, including corporate finance, stock broking and market-making.  Shore Capital Limited manages specialist funds, with a particular focus on alternative asset classes, and has funds under management of c£900 million.
3. With a 27 year record and over 100 employees based in Guernsey, London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Berlin, Shore Capital Group operates a number of successful businesses: Puma Investments (which is a trading name of Shore Capital Limited), Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited and Shore Capital and Corporate Limited are each authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange.