British business magnate and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has declined to comment on which of two remaining bidders his company prefers, according to a reports. “As the founder shareholder and licensor of the Virgin brand, Virgin Group will continue to engage with the administrator, bidders and management team in bringing Virgin Australia out
Treasurer Cameron Dick said the Queensland Investment Corporation had “very positive engagement” with both Cyrus Capital Partners and Bain Capital.
The decision means that private equity firm BGH Capital and US aviation company Indigo Partners have been knocked out ahead of a final 30 June deadline
It comes as newspapers report that Brookfield Asset Management has re-entered the race after withdrawing earlier on.
Other speculation emerging ahead of Friday’s second-round deadline includes the revelation that knocked out bidders Brookfield and IndiGo are both considering re-entering the competition.
Despite the ongoing state feud about the appropriate time to open borders back up, sentiment among the industry is positive, with Qantas raring to go as soon as they’re given the green light and bidding for Virgin to be finalised by this Friday.