Shares in Thomas Cook have plummeted by over 60 per cent in early trading, after the firm announced it is in talks with banks about borrowing more money.

A statement from the holiday provider claimed that, due to a ‘deterioration of trading’ and its ‘cash and liquidity position since its year end’, the firm needs to extend its borrowing to cover the winter period.

It also revealed that its first year results announcement, which was to be released on Thursday, has been delayed. However, the company said it expects to report a full-year profit to 30 September 2011.

Investors responded to the news by abandoning Thomas Cook entirely, with shares falling by 51 per cent on opening before dropping by more than 75 per cent. The price is currently rallying slightly, down 66 per cent at 14p at 10.30am.

The stock had already fallen more than 78 per cent before today, after the firm issued three profit warnings.

Thomas Cook has blamed government cuts and the Arab Spring for impacting on its business in the last year.

The firm is also without a chief executive following the abrupt departure of Manny Fontenla-Novoa in August this year.

Thomas Cook previously announced in October that it had reached an agreement with the banks on its existing debt, while securing an extra £100 million of headroom.

Joshua Raymond, chief market strategist at City Index, explained the move to amend those agreements already means ‘either they drastically underestimated their fiscal requirements in October's negotiations or trading conditions have deteriorated significantly since then’.

‘Both of those potential factors are significantly bearish for shareholders and investors in Thomas Cook alike. Today’s loss in share price may seem harsh but, for some investors and considering the tough times they have faced, it is entirely justified.

‘The news is yet another devastating blow for shareholders of the travel firm.’