Singapore Airlines said to be eyeing larger stake in Virgin Australia
By David Flynn, August 31 2018
Singapore Airlines is believed to be eyeing an increased stake in Virgin Australia, above its current 20%, through a bid for the 19.8% shareholding of China's HNA Group.
Nanshan Capital, which also controls about a fifth of Virgin Australia’s shares, is also said to be interested in HNA's stake as the Chinese conglomerate offloads non-core assets to reduce debt, according to people familiar with the matter.
HNA's stake could attract bids from existing shareholders in the company as well as other airlines and investment funds if HNA decides to pursue a sale, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private.
While the group is open to offers, it isn’t actively working on selling its holding, one of the people said.
Virgin Australia has a market value of about $1.9 billion after its shares dropped about 20% this year through Thursday, which saw the airline report a pre-tax profit of $109 million – its best result in a decade – but formally declare a $653 million loss due to "accounting adjustments" including deferred tax assets and a $121 million write-down in the value of its international business.
More than 90 percent of Virgin Australia’s shares are controlled by five investors, according to the company’s last annual report. In addition to HNA, Singapore Airlines and Nanshan, they include Etihad Airways with a 21% stake and Richard Branson's Virgin Group at 10%.
A representative for HNA didn’t immediately have a comment. Representatives for Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines declined to comment on speculation. Nanshan didn’t immediately respond to calls and and email.
HNA is selling off assets after racking up one of China’s biggest corporate debt loads in a global acquisition spree. It sold out of the Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and its stake in NH Hotel Group. The Chinese company also agreed to sell the Radisson hotel chain this year, as well as a stake in aircraft leasing firm Avolon Holdings.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
12 Apr 2011
Total posts 71
If HNA sells out, does that mean the end to Virgin Australia flying to HK? Has the China experiment failed?
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
17 Nov 2014
Total posts 101
Not likely.
12 Apr 2011
Total posts 71
I think the question though is whether it is profitable. From what I've heard, loads are very low on this service.
27 Jan 2016
Total posts 52
ABS shows May to have <50% in both directions for VA to HK and picked up marginally in June
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
17 Nov 2014
Total posts 101
Perhaps Cargo might have been able to sustain the route?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
This is the June Report.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
True, but fares have dropped so yields are probably depressed. Unprofitable.
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 104
Low fares does not mean unprofitable. Love all the yield "experts" on these sites...
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
Technically this would require a formal takeover offer from SQ. Having said that, most small shareholders have sold their shares under the buyback scheme and the other existing shareholders (basically EY and SRB) would probably be aware of the offer and have accepted that it would mean SQ would almost be the majority shareholder going forward. EY can't afford to counter-bid and Branson is happy just maintaining his minority presence.
20 Oct 2011
Total posts 77
I don't see it as the end for the HKG service. If it stands up to funnel PRC traffic onto the (many) HNA group airlines through HKG and whisk them around Aus while they're here, HNA doesn't need to be an owner.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1003
What a tight rope of investors , I won't like to be the person walking. All you need is for one to fail and what happens then.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 344
HNA and EY are already in massive debt. I wouldn't be surprised if EY is next to sell their stake (to repair their own financial sheet) despite them saying otherwise.
Pretty much all of EY's investments from the Hogan era have been failures.
QF
02 Oct 2012
Total posts 45
SQ obviously gain connecting passengers by having a stake in Virgin but can they ever expect to get a return on their investment in the way of dividends? Will Virgin Australia ever make a profit? Does anyone remember the saying that Ansett was a great airline but a bad business (showing my age I know). Is Virgin really any different?
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
VA is very different from AN. AN was unprofitable in its core business, being a domestic airline. VA is very profitable in this area already with upside in identified cost savings. It is part of a cosy duopoly and runs an efficient fleet, with an effective cost base and a committed workforce. AN had an aging mixed fleet, inefficient work practices and a bloated cost base.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1003
When you read between the lines VA is in great shape, never just look at the final line. I’m sure Borghetti is getting several offers with a lot more cash.
27 Jan 2017
Total posts 5
SQ wants to get access to the BNE/SYD/MEL to LAX route. The most profitable route in the world. This and their previous Tiger Airways attempt is how they will wriggle into it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 344
I don't think it's the most profitable route in the world now considering there's 4 competitors on it (or 3 competitors if you count DL/VA as one carrier as both have an approved JV).
Can't see the Australia approving 5th freedom rights if SQ wanted to replace VA on the Trans-Pac route. They denied Air Canada fifth freedom rights (in addition to denying SQ fifth freedom) back when it was only QF and UA on the route.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
I don't think it has been super-profitable for about 12 years. It was very profitable for QF and UA when they were the only 2 participants but not any longer; it's still good but not the money machine it once was.
04 May 2018
Total posts 43
Lhr-Jfk most profitable route, Syd-Mel next, don't think trans Pacific in top 10 'though Lhr-Sin is for SQ.
11 Dec 2016
Total posts 11
VA's routes to HKG wasn't due to it, being a profitable route, more as a way to reduce the stranglehold QF & CX have
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jul 2016
Total posts 11
I'd like to see them up their stake and VA to join Star Alliance.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 344
A larger stake doesn't always guarantee the subsidiary joins the parents alliance (see VS / DL and EI / BA).
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
17 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
So would I SQ would be a great match with VA
01 Sep 2018
Total posts 25
This is an interesting development, and a bold move by SQ. VA’s financial performance has only improved after QF started to restrain domestic capacity growth. It could choose to ramp up the pressure and bring VA to its knees if it wished to do so.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
14 Apr 2013
Total posts 325
I fell that there are two possible solutions:
Option A) DL to purchase HNA’s Stake which inturn would bring them closer together & at the same time bring them closer to VS/AF/KL/AZ = Possible Entrance into SkyTeam.
Option B) SQ to purchase HNA’s stake as reported. This combined with the probability the EY will join *A and SQ is already a powerful member would then = Possible Entrance into *A despite UA&NZ veto
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 691
So, you completely dismiss:
the third option of Nanshan buying a larger stake, which would presumably please the Chinese government more than SQ?
the fourth option of an aggressive DL buying a (new) stake for partnership? Particularly, given DL's recent expansion in Asia.
a fifth option of Branson expanding his existing stake to avoid becoming increasingly marginalised in a carrier which he had a substantial bankroll?
a sixth option of a new investment from a (non-EY/QR/EK) Middle Eastern player with a bit of cash and a desire to secure some Aussie gold?
a seventh option of .. anyone else who may be interested or in partnership mode?
01 Sep 2018
Total posts 1
Well, let’s all hope that SQ does buy the HNA stake. As for alliances I do not believe VA will join *A as their is way to much bad blood. Also SQ wouldn’t need them to join *A as they would be able to apply for a JV in their own right which has greater benefits that an alliance. I see the below unfolding within the next 12 months.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
21 Jan 2016
Total posts 193
I agree with most of your comments. If SQ does purchase HNA shares, it will mean that SQ is protecting its patch in Asia and Europe, South Pacific and Australian domestic services. It will also give them co-share options on VA's Australia/USA services.
With regards to Alliances, I don't see VA joining any Alliances, as there is not requirement to do so.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Also note that due to takeover laws designed to protect minorities, any of the existing large shareholders can't just buy one of the others stakes without making a full or partial takeover bid
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
17 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
lets hope they will do it
11 Dec 2016
Total posts 3
Why is everyone so obsessed with VA joining an alliance? It seems to me that alliances aren't the best way to manage airline partnerships as the airline in question doesn't get complete control over their friends vs enemies. E.g. QF/CX competing on the same routes. If I had an airline, I'd want to partner with specific airlines based on their locations mainly and then other factors like common customer base appeal.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
17 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
im more for VA to be taken over by SQ
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 231
If SQ goes ahead and it is approved by the FIRB then it will be really great for VA. ( I am presuming this would have to go before the FIRB ) I would dearly love to see VA start to boom and show " Rat Air " that they are a really serious good competitor. Go VA!!!!!!!!
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
I assume it would be pretty much waved through by FIRB. It is the transfer of already foreign held shares, Singapore is a preferred AU trading partner and there are few, if any, local investors who would be interested in significant airline investments. If you want to make serious money in aviation in AU, buy an airport not an airline.
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 92
If SQ did purchase HNAs share and possibly EYs, then what would they prefer, Air NZ in Star or VA? Is that possible? Considering how NZ and QF are getting closer, I wouldn't be happy if I was SQ or UA.
Also what about DL? Wouldn't they be interested?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 344
The other (very very less likely) alternative: SQ leaving Star and joining SkyTeam with VA.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 344
And almost 12 months has past since this article has posted, and this late post is in reply in light of the recent Turkish Airlines rumours combined with yet another "fake news" rumour from SQ for 2019.
IMO SQ should be disregarded as a "serious bidder" for any VA stake in the future until it's actually confirmed
Every year an article from the media always posts stories about SQ "rumours" of buying an extended VA stake on a annual basis and it turns out to be "Fake News" everytime.
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