Fosun eyes Thomas Cook as bidders circle holidays group

Thomas Cook is in talks with several potential buyers after a horrible year for the company, during which its market capitalisation tumbled by 80%. Private equity groups KKR and EQT, as well as the acquisitive Chinese group Fosun International, are among the companies said to be interested in parts, or the whole, of Thomas Cook. Fosun, which holds stakes in Club Med and Cirque du Soleil, is said to be definitely interested in making a bid, said a person close to the company. Complicating any takeover plans are EU rules that require airline carriers to be owned by European investors. Thomas Cook’s tour operator arm, which makes up the majority of group revenues, could be bought by an international investor. Two months ago, however, Thomas Cook announced a “strategic review” of its airline business, including a possible sale. <br/>