Originally Posted by Traveloguy
Theoretically, although I suspect SQ would have put in their contract a clause prohibiting him from competing with directly with them whilst the two are in partnership. There may of course be a sunset clause, but I think we are perhaps speculating too much now (in true OT FT style! ). Having said that, I suspect there could quite equally be a sunset clause in regards to the use of the Virgin brand.
SQ only have part ownership of VS and I don't believe this extends to any of his other airline adventures.
I also can't see Branson getting out of VS and remember he still owns the 51% controlling share. When he got rid of most of his assets over recent years, VS has remained under his control. But there are countless examples where he has sold off companies and given them rights to continue using the Virgin brand with a royalties fee attached.
I find it very hard to believe that Branson has the effective ability to sell out of VS and start his own rival Virgin Atlantic and SQ is impotent in preventing it from happening. As an example Branson decides he wants his airline to start flying LHR-SIN, whats to stop him going out buying a plane and giving it all the Virgin hoopla and competing with SQ. It seems a very poor way to run a business when your biggest asset, your brand, is under the complete control of someone other than the company itself, even if he is a majority shareholder. I would certainly like to find out what the arrangement is though.