Sunshine investors deserve higher price package By Patrick Hosking The opening salvoes in the battle for Thomson Travel have been fired. Now the half million small shareholders who piled in two years ago can sit back and, if not enjoy the ride, at least see their burnt fingers soothed. And by promising to honour holiday discounts made to Founder Club shareholders, it has removed one potential obstacle. It also has the element of surprise - to some investors it was a real shock. A fourth factor favours the Germans.
Analysts say there are no obvious candidates to make a rival offer.
A British bid would be blocked on monopoly grounds and there are few white knights in view from the Continent. If the Germans walk away, therefore, there is a danger that Thomson shares will slump again. If Thomson is ultimately to surrender, it should certainly be able to demand a higher price. This is a one-off opportunity. Brands with such a level of customer loyalty don't come on the market very often.