Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group (Virgin Atlantic Airlines), is moving to buy London’s Gatwick Airport.
Currently, BAA Ltd. owns Gatwick and Heathrow. The Competition Commission, a government entity, recommended BAA sell Gatwick in order to promote more market competition. Its asking price is $5.4 billion.
Richard Branson can’t swing the deal alone because he is only worth $2.8 billion, so he’s looking to the Saudi royalty to go in on the deal with him.
Billion-Dollar Airport Deals
Richard Branson to Buy Gatwick
Trend Themes
1. Airport Ownership Changes - Entrepreneurs could capitalize on airport ownership changes to acquire airport properties and enter the airport industry.
2. Increased Airport Competition - Companies could capitalize on increased airport competition to offer better services and prices, and to push innovation in the airport industry.
3. New Airport Investment Opportunities - Investors could capitalize on new airport investment opportunities resulting from airport ownership changes and increasing airport competition.
Industry Implications
1. Airport Industry - Entrepreneurs could enter the airport industry to offer innovative airport services and to acquire airport properties.
2. Investment Industry - Investors could capitalize on new airport investment opportunities resulting from airport ownership changes and increasing airport competition.
3. Airline Industry - Airlines could capitalize on increased airport competition to offer better prices and services, and to collaborate with airport entrepreneurs for innovation in the airport industry.