Eurotunnel rebels target Branson

VIRGIN boss Sir Richard Branson became embroiled in the Eurotunnel shareholder revolt today after his spokesman said he would look seriously at intervening in the row between investors and the board.

A group of French small investors is agitating for a special general meeting of Eurotunnel at which it is understood that dissident investors want to topple the management or put their own directors on the board.

The dissidents, led by Albert Jauffret, chairman of French shareholders' association Adacte, and journalist and presidential hopeful Nicolas Miguet, are tapping into fears over the Channel Tunnel operator's performance and future.

Today Jauffret claimed to have approached French business magnate Vincent Bollore and Branson in the search for directors. He said: 'We are seeking leaders and great European entrepreneurs in industry, services, commerce and why not diplomats too, because there is a diplomatic problem too.'

Branson's spokesman said: 'We have received no correspondence. But if and when we do, we will take it seriously and look at it.'