EasyJet shares gain on talk of possible 1600p per share takeover offer; AerCap in the frame
EasyJet [LON:EZJ] shares gained 2.96% yesterday, 18 August on market gossip that the UK-based budget airline might have attracted takeover interest from North America, The Times reported.
The newspaper’s market report section said the Netherlands-based aircraft leasing company AerCap [NYSE:AER] was mentioned as a potential bidder for easyJet, but did not cite a source for the rumour.
AerCap could offer 1600p per share for easyJet, according to the speculation.
The item also mentioned talk that private equity firms might consider bidding for easyJet.
The article noted the family of easyJet founder and chairman Stelios Haji-Ioannou owns 34% of the airline.
An easyGroup spokesperson said the company does not comment on market rumours, the report added.
A market report in the Daily Express also mentioned talk that a buyout group is interested in buying easyJet, but did not cite a source for the information.
EasyJet’s share price closed 31p up at 1078p in London on Thursday, valuing the company at GBP 4.28bn (EUR 4.95bn).
Link to original source (The Times)
The Daily Express report appeared on page 47 of the print edition of the newspaper on Friday, 19 August.
The Times (London), Daily Express