ALERT easyJet has agreed in principle to a £5.2 billion takeover by U.S. private investment firm

easyJet has agreed in principle to be acquired in a deal valued at £5.2 billion (about $6.9 billion) by U.S. private investment firm Castlelake LP, ending weeks of competing attempts to take control. Announced on Sunday, the agreement follows four earlier bids that the easyJet board rejected, before Castlelake’s fifth offer of 690p per share in cash persuaded the board to shift its stance. Previous proposals ranged from 625p to 650p per share, which easyJet had characterized as highly opportunistic during market volatility tied to high fuel costs and softer summer booking trends. In a market statement, the board said it was minded to recommend the latest 690p offer to shareholders if a firm bid is finalized. The joint statement emphasized Castlelake’s intent to support easyJet’s growth and transformation toward a more resilient European airline. The article also notes regulatory complexities for a U.S. buyer under post-Brexit and EU aviation ownership rules.