OFT to probe Thomas Cook merger with Co-op
Thomas Cook’s merger of its High Street travel business with The Co-operative Travel Group’s retail operation is to be investigated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
The European Commission announced today that is was handing the review to the OFT because it only affects UK businesses. The OFT now has 45 working days to examine the merger and decide whether it should be referred to the Competition Commission for an in-depth investigation.
The two companies issued a joint statement saying they would continue to work closely with the OFT to obtain a "rapid clearance" for the merger, which will create the UK’s largest travel retail chain.
If the deal goes ahead, Thomas Cook and The Co-operative Travel Group will collectively own more than 1,200 stores across the UK, but the Competition Commission has the power to block the merger or insist that the two companies sell off some shops.
Thomas Cook and The Co-operative Travel Group anticipate the merger will save them more than £35m in total. Thomas Cook will own 66.5% of the business, The Co-operative Travel Group 33% and Midlands Co-operative will take a 3.5% share.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season