In brief
EasyJet, a major European budget airline, is now owned by US investment firm Apollo following a £5.7 billion takeover. Apollo’s offer of £7.15 per share outbids the withdrawn bid from Castlelake. The airline, founded by Sir Stelios Haji‑Ioannou in 1995, operates over 1,200 routes and employs more than 19,000 people. Apollo claims it will accelerate EasyJet’s operational and commercial ambitions, while the airline’s CEO and long‑term investors endorse the partnership. The deal marks a new chapter for the carrier’s growth prospects.
EasyJet, the no‑frills airline that has carved out a huge presence across Europe, is now owned by Apollo Global Management. The U.S. investment firm closed the takeover on Tuesday for £5.7 billion after rival Castlelake withdrew its offer.
EasyJet flies more than 1,200 routes in 35 countries and employs over 19,000 workers. Founded in 1995 by Sir Stelios Haji‑Ioannou, the carrier has grown from a small Luton‑to‑Glasgow service to a European budget‑flight leader.
Under Apollo’s bid, each EasyJet share will be paid at £7.15, giving shareholders a premium over the median recent offer by Castlelake. Apollo said it is “highly supportive” of the airline’s current strategy and intends to accelerate operational and commercial ambitions.
EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis welcomed the partnership, saying Apollo’s aviation experience makes it a strong ally for the company and its people. The airline’s long‑term investors, including Sir Stelios and his family who still hold about 15 % of the shares, pledged to stay on as major shareholders for the next chapter.
The takeover comes as the airline’s future ownership had been uncertain since early May when Castlelake’s interest surfaced. With the deal secured, EasyJet’s shareholders now look to Apollo’s capital and expertise to drive further growth across its network.
