Update on Competition Commission Inquiry

21 July 2011

Thomas Cook Group Plc

Update on Competition Commission Inquiry

The Thomas Cook Group, The Co-operative Group and the Midlands Co-operative are delighted the Competition Commission has provisionally cleared their merger to create the UK's largest multi-channel travel retailer, and welcome their provisional conclusion that the joint venture will not result in a substantial lessening of competition. Assuming the final report confirms today's news, the merger would create the UK's biggest travel retailer with the largest network of stores, a leading internet business and significant direct channels that all complement each other.

Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Thomas Cook Group plc Chief Executive said: "This announcement is not only great news for Thomas Cook and the Co-operatives, but also for our customers and staff too and we now look forward to bringing the merged business to life. High street retail remains an important distribution channel for package holidays and one that consumers continue to value. We firmly believe in the highly synergistic nature of this deal and the significant opportunities that it offers; this merger is just one part of the plan to strengthen our UK business."

Peter Marks, The Co-operative Group Chief Executive added: "We are delighted by the Competition Commission's provisional findings which clear the way for the creation of the most exciting and dynamic travel business in the UK. We're also sure that when the joint venture launches it will deliver significant benefits for our customers and members thanks to the greater range of holidays and services offered. "

Martyn Cheatle, Midlands Co-operative Chief Executive commented: "This is great news. We have always said the joint venture is in the best interest of our customers, members and colleagues and we welcome the provisional findings announced today by the Competition Commission."

The merger will consolidate the parties' high street networks; provide a broader distribution base; and it will enable the retail operations to be more cost effective with the rationalisation of back office operations. The Competition Commission is now expected to publish its final report by 16 August 2011, and assuming that the final report gives outright approval for the merger, it is anticipated that the deal will be completed by the end of the current financial year.

Enquiries:

Thomas Cook Group plc +44 (0) 20 7557 6413

Investor Relations

Finsbury +44 (0) 20 7251 3801

Faeth Birch

Notes to editors:

1. Thomas Cook Group plc, the Co-operative Group and the Midlands Co-operative announced the agreement to merge their high street travel and foreign exchange businesses on 8 October 2010.

2. The merger will:

·; Create the UK's largest high street travel network with more than 1,300 shops. Each company will contribute their entire retail travel estates in the UK, comprising 780, 360 and 100 shops respectively, together with other operations such as foreign exchange and cruise distribution

·; Increase in-house distribution of Thomas Cook's own travel products to around 80% and provide opportunity to drive additional sales through the combined network

·; Leverage Co-operative Travel's brand by rebranding Thomas Cook's Going Places shops

·; Create a new company to be 66.5% owned by Thomas Cook, 30% by The Co-operative Group and 3.5% owned by the Midlands Co-operative

·; Be transacted for no initial cash consideration