Bunhill: Branson pickle

TOMORROW marks the publication of yet another book about Richard Branson. I do hope it doesn't end in tears because, believe it or not, Branson has not been blessed with the best of fortunes recently.

For instance, yesterday the Virgin Megastore in Hamburg closed its doors for the last time. All 21 employees lost their jobs.

Apparently the competition was too stiff, the store notched up large losses, and the rent was too high to compete.

But that's not all. There are two companies who are using the Virgin name, and Branson is pursuing them with a vengeance.

One, a store in Dorset, has started trading as Virgin Computers and another outfit in Durham is trading as Virgin Transport.

Branson believes both are guilty of 'passing off' and means to take action.

'We will take action against anyone using the Virgin name in this way,' says Will Whitehorn, Branson's affable spokesman.

And as for the book? He hasn't seen it yet.

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