Branson’s Virgin Atlantic Attracts Merger Enquiries

Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., which signaled it was open to a merger six months ago, said it has attracted interest from several parties.

Closely held Virgin confirmed the contacts after Sky News said Delta Air Lines Inc. was among carriers exploring a tie-up. The U.K. company, in which Branson has a 51 percent stake, hired Deutsche Bank AG to explore options after competitors used mergers to bulk up and trans-Atlantic rivals British Airways Plc and AMR Corp.’s American Airlines won approval to deepen ties.