THOMSON is eyeing Premier Travel as its next retail acquisition after securing Midlands chain James Travel.
Cambridge-based Premier, which has 15 shops in the eastern counties and is part of the Premier Holidays group, is wanted by the market leader to expand its retail distribution. It follows the acquisition by Thomson-owned Travel House of six-strong James Travel.
Premier managing director Renford Sargent said he had been approached by Thomson – and other companies – but said he wasn’t in a hurry to sell. Thomson declined tocomment.
Meanwhile, Midconsort chief executive Sue Foxall has relinquished her position as a James Travel director but will remain with its air-fares division which was not part of the sale. Foxall said she turned down the offer of a position with Thomson but added: “It was tempting and I have not closed the door on Thomson. But I want to concentrate on Midconsort for the time being.”
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