big buyers , page-12

vba potential buyers Rivkin was right about one thing in that (usually) the first bidder is not the last.

So who would challenge PRK for VBA?

I can't see Branson doing it. His best chance of a quid is to let a higher bidder take out VBA and hand him a very, very, large cheque in return for his equity in the business.

Perhaps a nearby Asian carrier is a more likely victor in any battle that develops. There are a number to choose from. These include Singapore Airlines, Royal Brunei, Garuda, Malaysian, China Eastern or Cathay Pacific.

With the oil price rise The Kingdom of Brunei would be sitting on a huge windfall profit and they have recently formed closer links with Australia. Brunei could buy VBA out of small change.

I discount Air Nippon, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Phillipiner Airlines, Thai, and other regional Asian players.

More water to flow under the bridge before this one is done & dusted.