Overview
- easyJet’s board said on Friday it had reached an agreement in principle to support Apollo Global Management’s 715p-per-share proposal and withdrew support for Castlelake’s earlier 690p approach.
- Apollo’s proposal values easyJet at about £5.7 billion and offers eligible shareholders a cash payout or an option to roll their shares into the buyer’s vehicle.
- Under UK takeover rules Castlelake must firm or withdraw by 17:00 BST on August 3 and Apollo has until 17:00 BST on August 7 to announce a binding offer or walk away.
- Both suitors face a key hurdle because EU and UK rules require majority European ownership and effective control of airlines and Apollo has said it will take steps to meet those regulatory requirements.
- The contest matters to staff, passengers and airports because easyJet’s valuable take-off and landing slots, modern Airbus fleet and growing holidays business are central to bidders’ plans and to any future strategy or restructuring.