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Tour operator Thomas Cook said winter trading has been encouraging and announced the acquisition of hotels4U.com for £21.8 million from Centurion Holiday Group.

Thomas Cook's operating loss in the two months to December 2007 was reduced by €39.6 million (£29.37 million), or 27 per cent, to €106.8 million (£29.23 million), a result which was in line with the company's expectations and reflects the seasonality of the business.

The improved result reflects cost savings and improvements in underlying margins, partially offset by increased costs of fuel, the holiday company said.

Thomas Cook said in a statement: "As outlined in our preliminary results announcement of 30 January 2008, trading for winter 07/08 and summer 08 continues to be encouraging and we are in a strong position for the rest of the year."

The group has also agreed to acquire hotels4U.com from Centurion Holiday Group for £21.8 million in cash from internal resources.

Thomas Cook confirmed its target of at least €620 million (£459.83) operating profit in 2009/10.

Shares in Thomas Cook dropped 0.87 per cent in afternoon trading to £2.85.