| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 1 |
| Copyright: Other |
Carlson jets in forThomas Cook talks
CARLSON leisure president Mike Batt has jetted into London for talks with Thomas Cook as speculation mounted over further European consolidation.But any deal is unlikely to be completed until the European Commission rules on Preussag’s bid for Thomson. The German operator distributed its official offer document for Thomson last week, outlining its £1.8bn bid. It will now be analysed by competition authorities in Brussels who will make a judgement or instigate a full-scale investigation.
A Carlson spokesman reiterated its intention to acquire 100% of Thomas Cook but said any deal is dependent on the EC ruling. Other deals are also set to be put on hold.
German operator C&N and Kuoni have both spoken to Thomas Cook, while C&N is still in talks with Airtours and First Choice.
Thomson chief executive Charles Gurassa stands to receive £3.5m from Preussag if the deal is ratified by Brussels.
n See News, page 3; Comment, page 8