Easyjet Approves $6.7 Billion Acquisition by U.S. Firm

WHO:

CBS News - EasyJet, a U.K. budget airline, and Castlelake, a U.S. private equity firm.

WHAT:

CNBC - EasyJet shares increased by 10.5% shortly after 8:15 a.m. in London, reaching a new 52-week high following the agreement in principle to the takeover.

CNBC - Castlelake's new bid for EasyJet is valued at £5.5 billion ($7.3 billion), with a cash offer of $6.90 per share.

CNBC - Castlelake has until Aug. 3 to make a firm offer or withdraw from the deal.

CBS News - EasyJet has struck a deal to be acquired for $6.7 billion.

Bloomberg Markets - EasyJet agreed in principle to a takeover offer of more than £5 billion from Castlelake.

Bloomberg Markets - EasyJet has accepted Castlelake’s offer of £6.90 per share in cash.

WHERE:

CBS News - The acquisition involves EasyJet, based in the U.K., and Castlelake, based in the U.S.

WHY:

CNBC - The offer comes during a challenging period for the global aviation sector, with the International Air Transport Association warning that global airlines could see profits halved this year due to rising jet fuel costs, which are projected to be about 70% higher year-on-year.

Bloomberg Markets - The deal comes as EasyJet was reeling from soaring jet fuel prices and suppressed demand after the Iran war.

HOW:

CNBC - Castlelake expressed its intention to support EasyJet's future growth and transformation into a stronger, more resilient European airline if the transaction is completed.

Bloomberg Markets - Castlelake made a fifth takeover offer that was accepted by EasyJet after the airline rejected four previous offers.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:51 UTC)

EasyJet shares surged by 10.5% shortly after 8:15 a.m. in London, hitting a new 52-week high following Castlelake's new bid valued at £5.5 billion, which includes a cash offer of $6.90 per share. Castlelake has until August 3 to either make a firm offer or withdraw from the deal, as the global aviation sector faces challenges with profits projected to be halved this year due to soaring jet fuel costs. If the transaction goes through, Castlelake aims to support EasyJet's growth and transformation into a more resilient European airline.

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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 16:06 UTC)

EasyJet has agreed to be acquired by the U.S. private equity firm Castlelake for $6.7 billion, marking a significant move for the U.K. budget airline. The deal, which includes an offer of £6.90 per share in cash, comes after EasyJet faced challenges from rising jet fuel prices and reduced demand following the Iran war. This agreement follows Castlelake's fifth takeover proposal, which was accepted after EasyJet turned down four earlier offers.