Completion of the First Choice takeover would create a group that has operations in 17 countries, carries 14m passengers a year and retails through 1,200 agencies, according to Airtours.
The offer document sent out to shareholders details how the enlarged company would also operate 67 aircraft, 26 hotels and 11 cruise ships. It would also employ 25,000 people.
The document sets out benefits for customers which include enhanced choice through the sale of First Choice brands via Airtours distribution channels and vice-versa, improved service to First Choice customers after the installation of Airtours’ Matchmaker technology, which is currently used in the Going Places shops, and better choice of products arising from more investment in assets like hotels and cruise ships.
Sources believe First Choice’s new high-street brand Travel Choice is unlikely to be retained by Airtours if its bid for the company is successful.