View Full Version : NATS up for sale ?
flower
9th Jul 2006, 09:23
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8209-2261666,00.html
vintage ATCO
9th Jul 2006, 09:31
Start a whip round, lads . . . :uhoh:
chevvron
9th Jul 2006, 10:10
I still think the 'co-operation' agreement with AENA is a prelude to a takeover, after all the Spanish have got one of NATS' backers now (BAA)
BRITISH AIRWAYS, Virgin Atlantic and five other British airlines have put up for sale their controlling stake in National Air Traffic Services, the company that provides air-traffic control in the UK.
Nowt to do with HM Revenue and Customs approving the PwC share value of £1.20 per share, of course? :yuk:
In the Airline Group we have selected a preferred bidder who will help us achieve all our objectives from the PPP, and who will bring their expertise and commitment, as users, to this partnership--a commitment that includes commitment to a high standard of safety. After all, who has greater interest in robust safety management than air users who depend on the provision of safe and efficient services? They will provide the management capability and investment to ensure that NATS can continue safely to meet the growing demand of air travellers in the future. They will also introduce appropriate management skills to NATS while maintaining good industrial relations. The Government look forward to working with the Airline Group to provide a highly successful future for NATS through a true partnership between the public and private sectors. I beg to move.
source: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld200001/ldhansrd/vo010329/text/10329-10.htm
Again, :yuk: :yuk: :yuk: :yuk:....
Some revision required? See... http://www.nao.gov.uk/publications/nao_reports/01-02/01021096.pdf
Expect it would be the Spanish who will buy it. They get a tax break from the Spanish Governement if buying foreign companies that amounts to upto 25%.
bagpuss lives
9th Jul 2006, 15:48
No doubt Serco will start sniffing around again.....
Standard Noise
9th Jul 2006, 20:10
Don't s'pose there's any chance they'll dump the Bristol contract and I can get out of this madhouse!!??
throw a dyce
9th Jul 2006, 21:16
Nothing at all on the Intranet about it.Just a snazzy photo of a hot air balloon.:D (message there maybe)
Communications are top priority.Yeah right:ugh:
Flybywyre
9th Jul 2006, 21:47
Well it is Sunday after all.............:)
Someone must be reading this, there was something on the intranet by this evening...
throw a dyce
10th Jul 2006, 00:21
Maybe they found out the same way as the rest of us,reading the papers.They used to say that the Russians would attack at the weekend,when the RAF were in the pub.Looks like someone was rattled up quick to write something before Monday.Good show chaps:=
zkdli
10th Jul 2006, 06:49
Looks like Paul wont be around to see his destinations reached if this happens!:)
bagpuss lives
10th Jul 2006, 19:22
Looks like Paul wont be around to see his destinations reached if this happens!:)
I think his only destination maybe be the Bank.
niknak
10th Jul 2006, 22:28
Serco couldnt afford it, so that only leaves Safeskys or Ryanair.....:ooh:
chevvron
11th Jul 2006, 06:42
From a report in the Daily Mail, it would seem it's actually Mytravel trying to solve its money problems by cashing in on NATS profits! Virgin have said that they and the other scheds still want to own NATS.
throw a dyce
11th Jul 2006, 06:44
...Or Alstom.Maybe Airports and En-route might have different owners.So much for the Airline group not making any money.
SM4 Pirate
12th Jul 2006, 22:03
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200businessfarmingnews/tm_objectid=17354015&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=airlines--set-to-sell-air-traffic-control--name_page.html
Airlines 'set to sell air traffic control'
Jul 10 2006
Daily Post
THE future of air traffic control in the UK was plunged into doubt yesterday amid reports that a number of airlines planned to sell their stake in National Air Traffic Services in a highly controversial move.
A Sunday newspaper said members of The Airline Group, which is made up of British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, BMI British Midland, easyJet, MyTravel Airways, Monarch and Thomsonfly, were looking at offloading the group's 42% share of Nats it acquired in 2001.
The plan needs the backing of six of the seven airlines.
It is thought the sale is being pushed by the three charter airlines, MyTravel, Monarch and Thomsonfly, as they look to cash in on the high level of demand for infrastructure businesses.
The airlines paid around £6.6m each for an equal 6% share of Nats but could now fetch up to £36m each.
Virgin director of communications Paul Charles said: "We are not selling our stake." Mr Charles said, if the other airlines did decide to sell, Virgin would consider buying their shares.
British Airways said the report was "speculation" while MyTravel and BMI declined to comment. Monarch, Thomsonfly and easyJet were unavailable.
rab-k
14th Jul 2006, 11:29
Prospect's 'ATCO & ATSS Branch Briefing' landed today and goes as far as saying that ('scuse the PPRuNe quote device but it stands out better...):
Our understanding is that the press coverage goes beyond mere speculation and that the Airline Group are considering appointing a 'financial advisor' in order to to develop options for a potential sell off.
As usual, the mere press speculation line being spun elsewhere re. this matter falls well and truly into the 'well he would say that, wouldn't he' category.