AIRTOURS is still hoping to thrash out a deal with the European Commission in a last-ditch attempt to win approval for its bid for First Choice.
Lawyers for the operator were locked in negotiations with the competition authorities in Brussels just 48hrs before the EC is expected to make its ruling. Airtours has already drawn up a package of concessions that were rejected by the EC.
Sources said any opportunity Airtours had of rebidding for First Choice were now all but gone.
“There is now only a one in 10 chance that the EC will be convinced,” the source said. “Lawyers are still trying to negotiate a package but it’s looking more and more unlikely. The feeling is that whatever Airtours offers it will not be enough.”
If a decision is not made this Wednesday it will be put back to September 29.