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EasyJet accepts Apollo bid in £5.7bn takeover move

Airline says it has accepted offer from Apollo Global Management after rival bidder Castlelake walks away EasyJet has formally agreed to a £5.7bn takeover from US private equity firm Apollo Global Management. The airline announced it had ac

Novexa News DeskAugust 6th, 2026 2:56 PM0 views2 min read
EasyJet aircraft on the tarmac at an airport

Image credit: Photo by Planespotter Geneva on Pexels

EasyJet has agreed to a £5.7bn takeover offer from US private equity group Apollo Global Management, marking a major development in the airline’s ownership story. The announcement came after rival bidder Castlelake said it would no longer pursue its own attempt to buy the company, according to The Guardian Business.

The airline said on Thursday that it had accepted a firm offer from Apollo. The deal value, as reported in the feed summary, is £5.7bn.

Apollo emerges after Castlelake steps back

The latest move leaves Apollo as the agreed buyer after Castlelake withdrew from the process. No further terms of the transaction were provided in the supplied metadata, and EasyJet has not set out additional details in the feed summary.

For investors, the development is significant because easyJet is one of Europe’s best-known budget airlines and any change in control would be closely watched by the market. The company’s acceptance of Apollo’s offer suggests the private equity firm has advanced further than its rival in securing a deal.

What is confirmed so far

Based on the available feed information, the confirmed facts are limited but clear: easyJet has accepted a takeover offer, Apollo Global Management is the bidder, the price is £5.7bn, and Castlelake has walked away. The source cited is The Guardian Business.

At this stage, the metadata does not include details on shareholder reaction, regulatory timing, financing structure or whether any conditions remain before completion. Those points should be treated as unconfirmed unless provided by the company or additional reporting.

Why this matters for easyJet

A takeover approach for a listed airline of easyJet’s size is a notable business event, particularly when it comes from a US private equity firm. Such transactions can reshape strategy, ownership and long-term direction, although the next steps will depend on the formal deal process and any approvals that may be required.

For now, the key takeaway is straightforward: easyJet has formally agreed to Apollo’s £5.7bn bid, while Castlelake has exited the contest.

Brief FAQ

What has easyJet agreed to?

EasyJet has accepted a firm takeover offer from Apollo Global Management.

How much is the deal worth?

The reported value is £5.7bn.

What happened to the other bidder?

Castlelake said it would no longer pursue its own acquisition attempt.

Is the takeover complete?

The feed confirms acceptance of the offer, but it does not provide completion details.

In a market where ownership changes are often shaped by competing bids, easyJet’s acceptance of Apollo’s offer now puts the private equity firm in pole position. Further company statements will be needed to understand the timetable and next stages of the process.

BusinesseasyJetApollo Global Managementprivate equitytakeoverairlinebusiness newsEasyJet takeover

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