The Competition Commission clears Thomas Cook, Co-op Travel and Midland Co-op joint venture
Final approval has been given by The Competition Commission to allow the merger of Thomas Cook, The Co-operative Travel and Midlands Co-operative.
In a statement, the Commission said: "In its final report published today, the CC has concluded that the acquisition will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in any markets in the UK, in particular for customers buying package holidays from high street travel agents.
"Therefore customers are unlikely to suffer from significantly higher prices or reduced choice as a result of the joint venture."
As a result, a chain of more than 1,200 high street stores will be make up the joint venture, with 780 provided by Thomas Cook, 100 by Midlands Co-operative and 360 by The Co-operative Travel 360.
The merger is expected to be concluded by October.