Thomas Cook to sell off specialist brands?

Thomas Cook is reportedly planning the sale of Club 18-30, Neilson, Style Holidays and Sunworld in Ireland.

The operations are collectively thought to be worth £30 million, according to a report in the Sunday Times which said accountants Ernst & Young would handle the sale.

It is expected that management at some of the brands, particularly ski and activity business Neilson, may be interested in buy outs.

A Thomas Cook spokeswoman declined to comment on “market rumour and speculation” but confirmed that Ernst & Young was involved in a strategic review of the Thomas Cook UK & Ireland business.

The company employs more than 11,000 people and, besides 600 high street travel agencies, has the tour operating brands Thomas Cook, JMC and Thomas Cook Signature. One is six of all package holidays booked last year was organised by Thomas Cook’s tour operatng division.

There are seven Thomas Cook travel warehouses, three call centres, Thomas Cook TV, Thomas Cook Sport and inhouse airline and a range of travel websites.

The UK and Ireland division is owned by German-based Thomas Cook AG.

Report by Phil Davies