A deal, that includes HR administration and payroll, has been struck between travel powerhouse Thomas Cook Group and outsourcing specialists Accenture.

The contract supersedes the 2002 agreement and enables Thomas Cook to integrate a range of MyTravel Plc functions into the new operation, following the merger of the two companies in June. The new company has sales of about £8bn and 33,000 employees.

In addition to HR services, Accenture will provide application management, technology infrastructure management, finance and accounting.

“We are delighted to further extend our successful strategic outsourcing relationship with Accenture,” said Manny Fontenla-Novoa, joint chief executive of Thomas Cook Group Plc. “The relationship has and will continue to support our delivery of back-office operational excellence.”