SPECULATION is rife that First Choice is about to make a large-scale
acquisition.
Industry and City sources have
earmarked Holidaybreak as a potential target, which observers say would involve
a hostile bid.
Neither company would comment, despite a rise in Holidaybreak’s share
price to 597p as Travel Weekly went to press and a rise in First Choice share
dealings following the speculation. Its share price was 141.25p at the time of
going to press.
Meanwhile, Hoseasons is discussing acquisitions. Chief executive Richard
Carrick said: “We’re talking to a number of companies.”