Branson says several suitors for Virgin Australia stake

Air NZ’s stake in Virgin Australia Holdings has attracted several potential buyers and talks are under way about a possible deal, said Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group Ltd. It’s not yet clear whether Virgin Group itself, which owns about 10% of Virgin Australia, will increase its stake in the airline, Branson said Thursday. “There are discussions going on with them and a number of different parties and we will watch with interest what happens,” Branson said. “Whether or not we will end up buying it, we will have to see. I am a great believer in Virgin Australia.” Air NZ, the biggest investor in Virgin Australia, in March said it may sell its 26% stake as Virgin Australia carries out a capital review. Morgan Stanley estimated last month that the Australian airline needs a further A$700m of funds. <br/>