Preussag hopes to use the addition of Thomson's aircraft to negotiate cheaper fuel, for instance.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators

Like many before it, Preussag would rather overpay than be leapfrogged by an arch-rival.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators: A place in the sun | The

Preussag hopes to finance the deal, in part, by floating half of its Hapag-Lloyd logistics arm on the stockmarket.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators

When he took over at Preussag in 1994, it was best known for its stodgy mining and engineering interests.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators

Mr Frenzel says that Preussag will concentrate on Thomson for now, but still has gaps in Europe to fill, such as France.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators

Mr Frenzel brushes aside the negative reaction to the deal Preussag's shares fell by more than a tenth by insisting that it is too early for the market to see its full potential.

ECONOMIST: Tour operators