EasyJet to Be Sold to Castlelake for Over £5 Billion

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

US investment firm Castlelake is close to securing a takeover of EasyJet after the airline’s board signaled it would likely recommend a formal offer valuing the company between £5.2 billion and £5.5 billion. This move marks Castlelake’s fifth bid and, if successful, would add EasyJet to a growing list of major UK companies acquired by foreign investors, highlighting ongoing international interest in the budget airline sector.

EasyJet is poised for a takeover by US investment firm Castlelake after the airline’s board indicated it would be inclined to recommend a formal offer, marking a potential deal valued between £5.2 billion and £5.5 billion. The proposed acquisition follows Castlelake’s fifth approach to acquire the Luton-based budget carrier, with shares set to be purchased at £6.90 each.

The airline announced on Sunday that Castlelake now has until August 3 to submit a firm bid or withdraw its proposal, following an extension request from EasyJet under City takeover rules. The board described the latest offer as being at a level they would be “minded to recommend” to shareholders if formalized. The news sparked a significant positive reaction in the markets, with EasyJet’s shares rising more than 10 percent in early trading.

This development follows four previous rejected bids by Castlelake, including the most recent offer of £6.50 per share last month, which valued EasyJet at just under £5 billion. The latest bid represents a premium over earlier proposals and reflects Castlelake’s continued interest in acquiring the airline amid competitive pressure on budget carriers.

If completed, the deal would represent another notable UK company acquisition by a foreign investor, joining a series of recent high-profile overseas takeovers. Recent examples include the £2.7 billion purchase of Tate & Lyle by US-based Ingredion, Greek gambling company Bally’s Intralot acquiring William Hill’s owner Evoke for £243.1 million, and Swedish firm EQT’s £9.5 billion buyout of Intertek.

Castlelake is a private credit company with approximately $36 billion (£27.3 billion) in assets under management. Its persistent pursuit of EasyJet underscores the firm’s strategic interest in expanding its portfolio in the transport and leisure sectors.

EasyJet’s board has yet to receive a formal, unconditional offer, and shareholders will need to consider the proposed terms once a binding bid is made. As the August 3 deadline approaches, industry observers will be closely watching for any further developments on this significant potential transaction.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.