Jewish billionaire Marc Rowan’s Apollo has agreed to buy EasyJet for about $7.5 billion, putting one of Europe’s biggest budget airlines under new ownership once the deal closes.
EasyJet’s board supports the purchase after Apollo offered more than rival bidder Castlelake. Shareholders would receive £7.15 for each share.
The airline says the deal is expected to finish by March 2027. Shareholder and regulatory approvals are still needed.
New documents show around £334 million in financing and adviser fees across both sides, separate from the purchase price.
Apollo says it plans to keep the EasyJet name and protect existing employment rights. Some European employee groups oppose the deal over concerns about jobs and the airline’s future.