Before all the RB haters jump in, it is reported that VS would be interested in part of a consortium. That means a minority role with their staff closely involved NOT to have RB sitting at the top of the table. But don't let that stop a good rant. 
It is certainly very sensible of BAA to get on with the sale now in their own time, rather than wait to be forced. The local residents will already be with their lawyers going over the small print of their agreement.
In the BBC report there is an amusing quote:
However there were misgivings at the Unite trade union, whose national officer, Steve Turner, said: "It simply beggars belief that a 'For Sale' sign can be hung across the country's second largest airport. "Gatwick is a core component of the national infrastructure and an essential part of the UK's aviation sector, yet it is to be flogged off with little care for the wider social impact."
Mr Turner is a bit late. The Conservative govt sold it off 'with little care for the wider social impact' 20 years ago!