Delta buys Virgin stake: The short history of a quick consummation

Today’s announcement by Delta that it had secured a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic from Singapore Airlines for $360 million was the finale to a fevered, 10-day drama that began when the Sunday Times reported that Delta was making secret moves to buy a large portion of Richard Branson’s marquee airline.

As the days unfolded, it became clear that Delta’s pursuit of Virgin was about one thing: More slots at Heathrow for the SkyTeam Alliances, which was woefully underrepresented at one of Europe’s primary hubs. Below you’ll find Skift’s complete coverage of the events:

• It’s official: Delta buys 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic for $360 million
• Delta nearing $300-$500 million deal to buy Singapore’s piece of Virgin Atlantic
• Why Delta and Skyteam need the Virgin Atlantic partnership and Heathrow slots
• Air France-KLM not involved with Delta-Virgin sale talks; cutting debt by $645 million
• British Airways boss would love to see the Virgin Atlantic brand become history
• Does Branson risk spoiling his well-built brand by partnering with a traditional airline like Delta?
• Virgin’s travel branding masks financial performances that are all over the map
• Delta-Virgin deal talks: Delta’s Heathrow hopes and Virgin’s motivations
• UPDATED: Delta is making secret moves to take over Virgin Atlantic as Heathrow’s the prize