RichardMEL

Virgin confirms Ansett talks

11Feb02

SECRET talks between Tesna and the Virgin group would continue this week, according to a joint statement released by the parties.

Discussions yesterday had been very constructive and would be expanded during a series of talks in Australia this week.
Talks would involve Tesna principals, Solomon Lew and Lindsay Fox and Virgin Blue's chief executive Brett Godfrey.

Mr Fox and Mr Lew today said discussion with Sir Richard had been worthwhile. "We look forward to further discussion," they said.

The statement said the closed-door meetings would be held on the understanding that Tesna remained committed to the completion of the sale agreement with Ansett administrators regardless of the outcome of discussions.

The statement indicated the discussions would not be conducted through the media and no further announcements would be made until talks had concluded.