n rebrand decision
Travel Shop Direct has confirmed it has changed its name to Travel Deals Direct in order to avoid confusion with rival company TV Travel Shop. The rebranding follows the threat of legal action by well-established TV Travel Shop. However, Travel Deals Direct has claimed there was no legal case to answer and denied the change of name was forced on it (Travel Weekly February 14).
n stelios’ legal threat
EasyGroup is to register its name as a trademark to prevent other companies from capitalising on its brand. Chairman Stelios Haji-Ioannou said his solicitors would be contacting companies whose titles incorporate the words easy, rent and car in their name. Haji-Ioannou said: “There are people trying to capitalise on our fame and are trying to get bought off. They’re essentially blackmailers. But we won’t pay them off, we’ll take them to court.”
n AAC eyes europe
The Association of Airline Consolidators is considering opening up its 69-strong membership to European companies following a number of enquries.
n creditors to meet
A meeting of creditors has been planned for April 11 after the collapse of one-branch London travel agent Winge Travel.
n hylton pyle retires
Highlife Breaks managing director Hylton Pyle is retiring on May 13 after 11 years with the company. He will still work occasionally as a consultant for the Thistle Hotels subsidiary. Superbreaks product director Margaret Simpson will replace Pyle in June.