| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 76 |
| Copyright: Other |
Carlson still keen to buy up operator
CARLSON is set to complete the acquisition of Thomas Cook in two to three months, according to Carlson leisure president Mike Batt.He said the deal remained the priority for Carlson and dismissed speculation that it was planning to take a stake in Thomson as part of a deal with German operator Preussag.
“Technically it is an option but our intention is to get Thomas Cook,” said Batt. “Negotiations are progressing well but a deal of this size takes time. I would anticipate we will have something to say in eight to 12 weeks’ time.”
Carlson is believed to be behind Thomas Cook putting its financial services division up for sale. The division is valued at £450 million.
An information memorandum has been sent to a selection of interested parties -Êbelieved to be banks and private equity groups.