Thomas Cook and Kuoni deny merger talks

THOMAS Cook and Kuoni have flatly denied rumours of merger talks.

Speculation emerged at the weekend that the two groups were looking at a merger, headed up by Thomas Cook group chief executive Stefan Pichler, amid claims they had held talks in March to set up an airline distribution agreement.

Thomas Cook claimed it had “no idea” where the story had come from and that Pichler was equally surprised by the claims.

A spokesman said it was normal for operators to consider “common issues” but added: “We are not in merger talks with Kuoni. It is definitely not true.”