First Choice tipped as Holidaybreak suitor

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.”