Travel companies Co-op and Thomas Cook are seeking a speedy resolution to their plans for a tie-up. Both are requesting that the Competition Commission revue the plans immediately rather than wait for the Office of Fair Trading to refer the case, which could take a further three weeks.

If the tie-up is allowed, the combination of Co-op travel and Thomas Cook would create the largest travel agent in the UK. Together they would have some 1,300 shops and would also be the second largest in terms of foreign exchange. The OFT has already raised concerns that any such alliance will have a negative affect on competition for package holidays supplied by retail travel agencies.

Once the case arrives with the Competition Commission it will have six months to make a decision as to whether a tie-up would be in the best interests of the consumer or not. The plan to merge their high street travel stores was first announced by Midlands Co-op, Co-op and Thomas Cook in October last year. If the move goes ahead, it is expected that job losses will be in the hundreds.

Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Thomas Cook’s chief executive, said he expected clearance for the tie-up because previously, similar decisions had been given the go ahead. He added that by moving as swiftly as possible to the Competition Commission an answer would be given quickly.

In the event that a tie-up is permitted, Thomas Cook and Co-op will continue to sell holidays under their own banners.