Virgin boss Richard Branson linked with local buyout
RUMOURS are circulating that Virgin Media billionaire Richard Branson is about to invest in Carmarthenshire.
The business mogul, who is the fourth richest person in Britain with an estimated fortune worth £3.4 billion, is reportedly interested in investing in the Pembrey area, including Burry Port Harbour, Pembrey Country Park and Pembrey Airport.
Retired Burry Port town councillor Les George said he had heard the rumour at the harbour yesterday morning.
He said: "I don't know who started it but there are rumours going around that Richard Branson is interested in investing in the area.
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"I would like to think that he would be but it seems unlikely. A lady did ask whether he was going to take over the harbour and other places in the area, but we will have to wait and see."
Winston Thomas, who runs Pembrey Airport, insisted that he knew nothing of any buyout by Mr Branson, best known for his Virgin group of more than 400 companies.
Mr Thomas said: "We are just working with industrialists. We have been doing that for a while.
"I will be delighted to hear something. I know there's loads of rumours going around but I don't take any notice of them."
Mr Branson's Virgin Group has companies in more than 30 countries including the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Asia, Europe and South Africa.
However, while the rumour spreads around South Wales, the park's owners have ruled out any sale of the prized asset.
A Carmarthenshire Council spokesman has denied the claims, stating the Millennium Coastal Park and Pembrey Country Park cannot currently be sold, while the airport is the subject of two long-term leases.
A spokesman for Virgin Media said that were no plans for investment in Pembrey.
rob.dalling@swwmedia.co.uk
01554 775306
Comments
by hacker_jack
Friday, September 14 2012, 5:09PM
“Branson didn't give us the Pistols, he just saw a chance to make money off the back of them. They were pretty much guaranteed to make a shed load thanks to their profile by that point (stories had been front page news about the Today program incident and the Anarchy in the UK tour for six months before Virgin got involved) whoever they signed with.”
by Neathboy234
Thursday, September 06 2012, 12:26PM
“DJofTNE I take it your not a fan of The Pistols either.”
by DJofTNE
Thursday, September 06 2012, 12:20PM
“that inbred neathboy loves loggin in and logging out and adding arrows, what a child ! get back to school 6 toes.”
by Neathboy234
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 6:11PM
“immigrant1 I know Branson wasn't there from the start, but after EMI dumped them it was virgin that took them on. I don't know if you remember but Branson was on the boat sailing up and down the river thames on jubilie day back in 1977. Not sure if he was arrested along with the group when the police finally caught up with them”
by immigrant1
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 4:39PM
“Neathboy234 - Branson didn't give us the Sex Pistols. Wherever did you get that idea?”
by beano12345
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 4:38PM
“He already has in hands on a few nhs hospitals in England !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NHS patients to be treated by Virgin Care in £500m deal
Thousands of patients are to be cared for by staff working for a private company after Virgin Care finalised the biggest outsourcing deal yet for running day-to-day NHS services
A very sad day for the NHS and the sheep who allow it,pardon the pun.”
by Neathboy234
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 4:32PM
“The best thing Branson did for us was to give us the Sex Pistols. I was lucky enough to see the Pistols back in 77, one of the highlights of my life. Better than any holiday in the sun.”
by GorsseinonJoe
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 3:19PM
“Get ready!! ...to empty your wallets if this guy gets his hands on anything!”