Fosun, which acquired Thomas Cook travel brand after its collapse in 2019, is planning to relaunch the business as an on

Fosun, which acquired Thomas Cook travel brand after its collapse in 2019, is planning to relaunch the business as an online holiday travel company.  Thomas Cook was one of the UK’s biggest and best known travel operators.  Thomas Cook was founded nearly 180 years ago and was a pioneer in offering complete travel packages when employers started offering annual paid holidays to their workers.

Fosun, was already a major shareholder in Thomas Cook for several years prior to the company's demise amid pressures on profitability and rising fuel costs. Thomas Cook had also failed to adapt to the digital age and relied too heavily on its physical store presence on the British high street.

An announcement about the relaunch could be made in the next few weeks and is dependent on Fosun receiving the necessary regulatory approvals and any further changes to the requirement for travellers returning to the UK from certain countries having to quarantine.  Thomas Cook's revival will come as British travel companies face an uncertain future because of the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fosun acquired the Thomas Cook brand and other intellectual property assets for £11m in 2019.  Whilst the outlook for the travel industry is still uncertain, Fosun has the opportunity to create a leading business. This is a good case study of a Chinese investor with a long-term horizon recognising the value of a long-established brand that is well-known and loved by the British population. The UK has a wealth of established and iconic Consumers brands which have significant potential in UK and international markets.

Shanghai London Corporate Finance’s  Vice Chairman, Calvin Man, would be happy to discuss UK acquisition and investment opportunities with any friends and clients. Please feel free to make contact.