Virgin Active chain shelves flotation

Virgin Active, the health and fitness chain, has shelved plans for a £1 billion flotation, it was reported yesterday.

The 187-club company, which is 76 per cent owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, was rumoured to be in talks with private equity buyers, but it is said these plans have also been put on hold. There is a trend of fitness clubs eyeing up stock market listing, analysts said. Virgin Active was not available for comment.