business & aviation•Fri, August 7, 2026•4 min read

EasyJet's New Chapter: Apollo Global Management Seals £5.7 Billion Takeover

EasyJet has officially agreed to a £5.7 billion acquisition by US investment firm Apollo Global Management. The deal ends a high-stakes bidding war and marks a major shift for one of Europe's most prominent low-cost carriers.

A Landmark Deal in European Aviation

The landscape of European low-cost aviation has shifted significantly this week. EasyJet has confirmed it has accepted a £5.7 billion acquisition offer from Apollo Global Management, a massive private equity firm based in the United States. The decision follows a tense period of uncertainty for the airline, during which it faced multiple acquisition approaches and intense scrutiny regarding its future ownership.

EasyJet’s fleet faces a transition as the airline shifts to private ownership under Apollo.

How the Deal Came Together

The road to this acquisition was far from straightforward. For months, the airline was the subject of intense takeover speculation, most notably from the private equity firm Castlelake, which had been actively bidding for the carrier. However, Castlelake recently withdrew from the race, clearing the path for Apollo to finalize its agreement. EasyJet’s board, advised by Evercore, unanimously recommended the cash offer, citing that the terms were fair and reasonable for shareholders.

Apollo Global Management will take control of the airline in a deal valued at £5.7 billion.
EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou has thrown his support behind the deal and plans to remain a long-term shareholder.
Apollo has pledged to avoid job cuts for at least one year following the acquisition.
The airline will continue to focus on its fast-growing holidays business as a core commercial ambition.

What Lies Ahead for EasyJet

As EasyJet transitions to private ownership, industry analysts are watching closely to see how the airline will navigate the current economic climate. The carrier has faced significant headwinds recently, including rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Apollo, which manages over $1 trillion in assets, has significant experience in the aviation sector, having previously invested in carriers like Atlas Air and Aeromexico.

Apollo plans to accelerate easyJet's commercial ambitions, specifically by expanding its fast-growing holidays business under the stability of private ownership.
— Corporate statement from Apollo Global Management

Key Takeaways

EasyJet has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Apollo Global Management for £5.7 billion.
The deal effectively ends a prolonged period of takeover speculation and competing bids.
Founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou will retain a stake in the company moving forward.
Apollo has committed to maintaining current employment levels for a minimum of 12 months.
The acquisition aims to bolster the airline’s competitive standing in the face of rising operational costs.

FAQ

Who is buying EasyJet?

EasyJet is being acquired by the US-based private equity firm Apollo Global Management.

How much is the EasyJet deal worth?

The acquisition is valued at approximately £5.7 billion.

Will there be job cuts at EasyJet?

Apollo has pledged not to cut jobs at the airline for at least one year following the deal.

What is the role of the founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou?

Stelios Haji-Ioannou supports the deal and intends to remain a long-term shareholder in the company.