The deal offers shareholders £7.15 per share, representing an 81% premium over the airline’s price on May 28, just before takeover speculation began. EasyJet shares responded positively to the announcement, climbing 3.6% to reach 675 pence by mid-afternoon trading in London.
Apollo Global Secures EasyJet in $7.7 Billion Acquisition
Apollo Global has finalized an agreement to acquire budget carrier EasyJet, valuing the airline at approximately £5.7 billion. The move concludes a months-long bidding war after rival suitor Castlelake abruptly withdrew its pursuit, clearing the path for Apollo to secure the board’s unanimous recommendation.
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the airline’s founder, confirmed his family’s support for the acquisition. Under the proposed structure, the Haji-Ioannou family and other existing stakeholders will retain between 45.1% and 49.9% of the purchasing vehicle, while an EU management trust will hold 5%. Apollo’s own funds will account for the remainder. This transition comes as the European aviation sector faces sustained pressure from fluctuating operational costs and regional geopolitical instability.
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