Is easyJet for sale ?

Last week, markets were rocked by rumors of an acquisition involving EasyJet, following an announcement, reported by an Italian newspaper, regarding the shipping company MSC. Although MSC had previously expressed interest in acquiring ITA Airways, its substantial cash reserves make it a credible player in an attempt to acquire EasyJet.

The impact of this single announcement was immediate and spectacular: EasyJet’s stock price rose by more than 11%.

However, as is often the case in markets driven by speculation, this rise was quickly corrected by a subsequent denial.

It is important to note that this volatility comes at a time when EasyJet’s value has already fallen 11% since the beginning of the year, suggesting that the company’s performance is perceived as less robust than in 2024.

The possibility of an acquisition by MSC also raises several strategic questions:

Could MSC’s alleged intention be to use EasyJet to provide the air transport needed for its cruise operations?

This justification appears implausible to analysts, as EasyJet’s transport capacity far exceeds MSC’s logistical needs.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently fueled market fears by publicly predicting that both EasyJet and Wizz Air would face increasing difficulties.

Despite the rumors, the majority of analysts believe IAG (owner of Iberia, Vueling, and British Airways) is the most logical buyer for EasyJet.

Such an acquisition, they believe, would provide an ideal operational and strategic fit within the IAG group.