Deadline looms this week for rival easyJet takeover bids

A key deadline this week will determine whether two U.S. bidders make formal takeover offers for easyJet. The budget airline initially agreed to a £5.2 billion purchase by Castlelake after rejecting four earlier proposals from the private equity firm as “highly opportunistic.” Soon after, Apollo Management entered with a £5.7 billion offer that the easyJet board accepted. Castlelake had until 5pm Monday to decide, while Apollo’s original deadline was 5pm Friday, Aug. 7. easyJet then aligned both timelines: each bidder must announce a firm intention to offer or state it will not by 5pm on Aug. 7, 2026.