EasyJet Group expects its 5.7 million pound takeover by Apollo Global Management, to be finalised in early 2027. The transaction would give Apollo control of a carrier with a substantial European network, including a modern Airbus A320-family aircraft, landing slots at capacity-constrained airports in London, Milan and Geneva, and an established package holiday business.
The verdict on Apollo’s EasyJet takeover
Speaking at an Airlines for Europe meeting on Oct. 8 in Brussels, easyJet Chief Exectuive Officer, Kenton Jarvis, announced that Apollo Global Management’s 5.7 billion pound acquisition is on track to close early next year.
Jarvis said:
“I don’t see a real barrier from shareholder sentiment, that’s what I’m hearing. And from regulators, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Apollo, a U.S. private equity firm, cannot assume full control under UK and European rules, which require airlines to be majority-owned and controlled by regional nationals. The firm must structure the transaction to comply with these requirements.
Rising fuel costs have also prompted easyJet to reduce capacity by up to 700,000 seats this winter.
Competitive bidding process
The takeover followed a competitive bidding process. easyJet aligned deadlines for Apollo and rival bidder Castlelake; both firms faced a deadline of Aug. 7 to either make an offer withdraw.
Apollo originally put 5.5 billion pounds, and Castlelake’s competing proposal of 6.90 pounds per share had been described as “opaque” by easyJet’s board. Castlelake later withdrew and Apollo agreed in Aug. 2026 to acquire the airline for $7.53 billion.
Regulatory approval remains outstanding, and easyJet is expected to publish its scheme document next Thursday, setting out further details of the proposed deal.
What do you think about Apollo’s $7.53 billion easyJet takeover? Share your thoughts in the comments!
