Originally Posted by ToneTheWone
Before I put forward my tuppence worth, I have to point out that this is in no way a xenophobic, anti-Muslim or anti-anything thread. However there are issues which may make a take-over of BA unworkable.
If I recall the facts, British Ports have recently been, or about to be taken over by a Dubai based company. All well and good, but included in British Port’s portfolio is New York. Something which the Americans had something to say about. I don’t know what the outcome is, but I know the Americans were none too happy.
It was P&O wot got taken over by Dubai Ports World. P&O's 'port'-folio contained several US operations:
http://portal.pohub.com/portal/page?...schema=POGPRTL
Associated British Ports is currently the subject of a bid by a Goldman Sachs-led consortium.
Also re Virgin - I seem to recall that The Hirsute One wanted to retain control so was only ever going to let 49% go. As long as their corporate HQ remains in the UK, they're still a UK company (well actually for tax purposes it's where effective control resides, but that's a different matter).