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Sources speculatedthat Sir Richard Branson is considering a sale of some or all of his 51 percent ownership stake after losing a 15-year battle to prevent a
joint venture between transatlantic rivals British Airways and American Airlines. "Deutsche Bank is working with Virgin on an assessment of the aviation marketplace and to seek growth opportunities for the airline," according to an official statement. "The study is at a very early stage, so there is no further comment to make."