Apollo Global Management to acquire easyJet in $7.7 billion deal

The private equity firm concludes a protracted takeover battle for the British low-cost carrier, marking a major shift in the European airline ownership landscape.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 6 August 2026, 14:15 UTC · 1 min read Last updated: 7 August 2026, 10:53 UTC

Apollo Global Management has agreed to acquire British low-cost carrier easyJet in a transaction valued at approximately $7.7 billion.

The deal marks the conclusion of a lengthy takeover battle for the airline, with the American investment firm emerging as the final buyer after a protracted period of uncertainty.

7 billion or €6.6 billion in earlier coverage, underscores the premium placed on easyJet’s established route network and brand equity despite ongoing industry headwinds.

The acquisition represents a significant consolidation move in the European aviation sector, bringing a major public-listed carrier under private equity ownership.

The transaction value, reported at roughly £5.7 billion or €6.6 billion in earlier coverage, underscores the premium placed on easyJet’s established route network and brand equity despite ongoing industry headwinds.

This development follows a complex bidding process that saw multiple parties vying for control of the carrier.

The agreement signals Apollo’s confidence in the long-term recovery of European leisure travel and its ability to drive operational efficiencies within the airline’s cost structure.