Thomas Cook and Co-op Travel merger gets approval

The two firms will retain their separate branding

Plans by Thomas Cook and the Co-Operative Group to merge their High Street travel agent businesses have been given preliminary approval by the Competition Commission.

The commission said it did not expect the deal to have a major impact on customers buying package holidays.

If the merger gets the final go ahead it will create the UK's largest travel agent group.

The Competition Commission will release its final report on 16 August.

Thomas Cook and Co-Operative Travel plan to maintain their separate branding.