Thomas Cook chief executive, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, has confirmed it is in contention as bidding for First Choice’s mainstream holidays division hots up.
Speaking in Frankfurt last week, he said: “First Choice has said it is in discussions with MyTravel and at least one other company.”
First Choice has refused to do more than confirm it is reviewing its options, although Travel Weekly understands the deadline for bids for its mainstream holidays division was yesterday and an announcement is expected early April.
Fontenla-Novoa said discussions involve “First Choice holidays, shops and the airline.”
He said: “We are in very good shape to take part in consolidation, first in the UK, and not far behind, in Germany. But issues can get in the way.”