Report by Steve Jones
THOMSON chief executive Charles Gurassa has insisted the
operator will not lose its culture or identity under its new German owners.
But while stressing customers will not notice any difference
following the £1.8 billion sale to Preussag, Gurassa said the deal will lead to
major internal changes which will benefit the business.
Speaking at the ABTA convention in Kos, Gurassa said: “We
are always told the Germans are great at planning but Preussag asked us what we
wanted when it acquired us.
“Having a German owner does not mean our customers will be
put on a German bus with a German guide and made to eat Bratwurst for
breakfast. Our customers will still be on a Thomson holiday and go to accommodation
which they like.
He said changes will occur “below the water line” with
increased efficiencies created by the joint buying of fuel, information
technology systems and aircraft with Preussag.