Is EasyJet About to Change Hands?
Rumours of a possible EasyJet acquisition by Mediterranean Shipping Co. boost the airline’s shares to a three-year high.
According to Corriere della Sera, the world’s largest container shipping group, owned by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte, is in early discussions with an investment consortium about a potential offer for EasyJet. The report cited three unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
While EasyJet declined to comment, MSC denied that any talks were currently underway. The speculation alone, however, was enough to ignite investor enthusiasm, pushing EasyJet’s stock to its highest level since 2022.
The potential tie-up between a shipping powerhouse and a low-cost airline raised eyebrows among analysts. Bernstein’s Alex Irving noted that “there are no obvious synergies between a container shipping business and a passenger airline.” Still, MSC’s previous bid alongside Lufthansa to acquire Italy’s ITA Airways demonstrates its willingness to diversify beyond maritime transport — though that attempt ultimately fell through.
EasyJet, founded by Cypriot-Greek entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, remains one of Europe’s top three budget airlines, alongside Ryanair and Wizz Air. Haji-Ioannou still owns roughly 15% of the airline’s shares.
This is not the first time EasyJet has been the subject of takeover interest. In 2021, Wizz Air reportedly considered a bid, which EasyJet’s board rejected.
The possible move by MSC fits a broader trend of shipping companies investing in aviation, fueled by record pandemic-era profits. Industry consolidation is a recurring theme. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has long predicted that Europe’s low-cost airline sector would see mergers and acquisitions, naming EasyJet and Wizz Air as the most likely targets.
If MSC were to pursue the EasyJet deal, it would signal yet another major cross-sector bet — merging air and sea transport capabilities under one logistics umbrella.
