American Castlelake close to taking over easyJet for £5.5 billion
The management of the British low-cost carrier has in principle accepted the fifth, financially improved offer from the American investment company after months of negotiations. American Castlelake is close to taking over easyJet for £5.5 billion.
After rejecting four previous attempts, easyJet He succumbed to Castlelake's new offer of £6.90 per share. This has brought the total value of the transaction to £5.5 billion. The airline's management has confirmed that an agreement on key financial terms has been reached. They are also ready to recommend to shareholders that they accept this offer if it becomes official.
A manoeuvre with the ownership structure due to European regulators
To comply with the strict EU rules on majority ownership Airlines, Castlelake had to devise a specific management model. It was proposed that a holding company be established in which Americans would retain a 49 percent stake. The remaining 51 percent would be controlled by European Union citizens. Among the key names mentioned to take over operational management are experienced aviation managers Peter Bellew and Mark Breen.
Focus on fleet modernisation and extending deadlines
American investors have already announced their full support for easyJet's current fleet modernisation programme. They consider this process to be key to the company's long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the European skies. The fifth offer arrived at the last minute, precisely on the legal deadline for a decision. At the request of easyJet's management, the British regulator extended the official deadline for submitting the final offer to 3 August 2026. Although an agreement in principle has been reached, shareholders are advised not to take any action for the time being. The final legally binding agreement has not yet been signed.
