Fosun Tourism Group, a Chinese firm which owns Club Med, has approached Thomas Cook Group over the potential takeover of the British tour operator. Thomas Cook confirmed the bid and clarified that it did not include its airline units.

Fosun already has an 18% stake in Thomas Cook.

"There can be no certainty that this approach will result in a formal offer. However, the board will consider any potential offer alongside the other strategic options that it has, with the aim of maximising value for all its stakeholders," the British firm said.

Due to European Union regulations, a non-EU investor cannot control an airline registered in the bloc.

Previously, Triton expressed interest in buying Thomas Cook's Nordic business, including both the tour operator unit and Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia (Copenhagen Kastrup).

Lufthansa Group has confirmed its interest in Condor. Virgin Atlantic and Indigo Partners have also been reported as interested in Thomas Cook's airline assets.

The tour operator is seeking investors and is trying to sell its generally profitable airline units to raise much-needed cash to meet its liabilities.