Virgin

UK company founded and owned by Richard Branson. Branson started Virgin in 1969 as a mail-order business, and the first Virgin record store opened in 1971. The company developed quickly, diversifying from retailing records to travel, soft drinks, Internet and financial services, mobile phones, bridal wear, clothing, and cosmetics.

Branson started the Virgin record label in 1973. In 1984 he moved into the airline business, founding Virgin Atlantic Airways, which was followed by Virgin Express, which operates flights to Europe. The Virgin Music Group was sold to Thorn EMI in 1992. Virgin FM, the UK's second independent national radio station, opened in 1993, but Virgin Radio was sold to Capital Radio in 1997. In 1995 Virgin bought the MGM UK chain of 116 cinemas. Virgin Rail Group Ltd was formed in 1996, and operates the west coast rail franchise and cross-country services radiating from Birmingham. The company diversified into financial services in 1995, with the launch of Virgin Direct. In 1997 Virgin One bank accounts were set up in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland. Virgin Vie stores began selling cosmetics and toiletries in 1997, and the Virgin Clothing Company was launched in 1998. Virgin Mobile mobile telephone service was launched in 1999.