Thomas Cook / Co-op merger approved
17.08.11
The merger between Thomas Cook and the travel divisions of the Co-operative Group and Midlands Co-operative received the final ratification from the Competition Commission yesterday. The Commission said the merger would not result in a substantial lessening of competition, confirming its preliminary findings published last month. It said customers are unlikely to suffer higher prices or reduced choice as a result of the deal.
The merger will create the UK's largest retail travel chain, with more than 1,300 shops. It is expected to be completed by October. Thomas Cook has said that it will close about 75 outlets as a result of overlaps between its branch network and Co-op Travel.
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