Shares digital

Thomas Cook (TCG) 290.8p

Travel giant Thomas Cook has bought back its former businesses in India and the Middle East. (Read the full story: www.sharesmagazine.com/node/3563)

Shares says: Good brand and people will still want to go on package holidays (its core market) despite the worsening consumer outlook. BUY

The Times says: What the FTSE 100 tour operator yesterday declared to be a ‘key strategic acquisition’ might to the rest of the world look like an embarrassing about-turn.

FT says:The merger last year of Thomas Cook and MyTravel and its listing on the London Stock Exchange has opened the prospect of a return to non-European markets, in particular the fast-growing travel markets of India, China and Russia.

The City says: This is a very expensive acquisition for a travel business. It can partly be justified on the growth potential, the group sees the market growing at 15% a year, nevertheless looks expensive.