Thomas Cook Group has reported a 26% rise in pro forma group operating profit before exceptional items to €375.3 million.
The group has brought forward its results announcement for the year ended October 31 because of its better than expected figures.
It has also announced plans for a share buy-back programme of around €375 million. It intends to seek shareholder approval for this at the AGM.
Joint chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said: “Both our current trading and our first operating result as Thomas Cook Group plc are very encouraging.
“With our merger synergies of at least €200 million, we have a sound platform to achieve our target of at least €620 million operating profit in 2009/10, implying EBITDA of more than €800 million.
“We are also announcing our intention to proceed with a €375m share buy-back programme.”
According to the group’s pro forma unaudited results, UK sales for the period fell from €4736.6 million to €4714.3 million.
By Bev Fearis
