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Mon, 01 Jun 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 EasyJet says possible takeover bid 'opportunistic'

US investment firm Castlelake is considering making an offer for the budget airline.
EasyJet has dismissed a potential takeover bid from US investment firm Castlelake as "highly opportunistic" and timed to take advantage of the airline's low share price. The airline's board said it had noted the bid, which valued the company at £3.06bn, but added that any offer would need to be for no less than 403.23p a share. EasyJet shares surged by up to 12% on Monday after the news of the potential bid, but were still down over 30% from last year's levels. The airline highlighted its strong financial position and reiterated its medium-term target of delivering £1bn in pre-tax profits. Castlelake has until June 26 to make a firm offer or walk away under UK takeover rules.