Thomson and Cook in crucial truce talks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A crucial attempt was being made last night to resolve the fierce row between Thomson, the market leading tour operator, and Thomas Cook, one of the biggest travel agency chains, writes John Shepherd.
A spokeswoman for Thomas Cook said yesterday that Thomson had initiated the moves to try and resolve the row. The row was fuelled by Thomson demanding that Thomas Cook accept lower commission rates on its holidays.
Thomson, which recently pulled the plug on its computerised booking system in all of Thomas Cook's nation-wide network of 385 High Street shops, refused to comment. Thomas Cook has had no option but to withdraw Thomson brochures from its shelves.
Failure to reach an amicable settlement would hurt both companies as the holiday industry gears up for the key January to March selling season. More than 10 per cent of Thomas Cook's business comes from selling Thomson holidays.
In turn, Thomas Cook is Thomson's second biggest customer after its own 650-strong chain of Lunn Poly travel agency shops. A leisure analyst reckoned that Thomas Cook sold almost 8 per cent of the 3 million holidays that Thomson sold in this year's winter and summer seasons.
First Choice results
Investment column, page 18
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments