), the world’s oldest travel company, were meeting lenders and creditors in London on Sunday to seek a last-ditch deal to save the company.
Following are key dates from the history of Thomas Cook , and the most recent developments as reported by Reuters. Cook offers a complete holiday “package” for the first time. Thomas also offers a foreign exchange service for the first time.1874 - Thomas Cook launches “Cook’s Circular Note” a precursor of the travelers cheque, in New York.
1928 - Frank and Ernest Cook, the two surviving grandsons of Thomas Cook, retire, selling the business to the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens.1972 - Privatised and bought by a consortium of Britain’s Midland Bank, Trust House Forte and the Automobile Association.
1994 - Thomas Cook acquires Interpayment Services Limited, a subsidiary of Barclays bank, to become the largest supplier of travelers cheques outside the United States.1999 - The European Commission approves the merger of Thomas Cook and Carlson Leisure Group’s UK travel interests.2001 - Thomas Cook is acquired by the German travel company Condor & Neckermann, which changes its name to Thomas Cook AG.
2015 - Thomas Cook Group plc announces a new strategic partnership with Chinese investment group Fosun International Limited.