EasyJet Takeover Deadline Pushed
EasyJet and Apollo Extend Takeover Deadline Pending Further Regulatory Discussions
Key Points
Takeover Panel granted permission to extend the deadline for publishing the scheme document to 15 October 2026, effectively extending the timetable by about two weeks.
The bid is being led by Eagle Bidco Ltd, an entity indirectly owned by Apollo Capital Management, the vehicle behind the £5.7 billion offer for easyJet.
Prospect, a union representing workers at easyJet, has pressed for greater transparency regarding the long-term strategy and its implications for jobs amid the takeover.
EasyJet and Apollo have extended their deadline for publishing the takeover scheme document to October 15, 2026, giving regulators more time to review the £5.7 billion deal Travel Gossip. The two companies say the 15 October extension won't derail the overall timeline — they still expect the acquisition to close by the end of Q1 2027, with court and shareholder meetings scheduled for the week of November 9, 2026 UK ADVFN.
Regulator Scrutiny Drives Two-Week Delay
The Takeover Panel approved the extension to allow continued talks with aviation regulators during the post-summer period UK ADVFN. European rules require that any airline owned by Apollo maintain at least 51% European ownership — a key hurdle both firms are addressing with authorities Ask Traders.
Both EasyJet and Apollo stressed the extension is purely procedural. They remain confident in the deal's fundamentals and see no reason the acquisition cannot complete on schedule Ask Traders.
Union Pushes for Job Guarantees and Strategy Details
Prospect, the union representing EasyJet workers, has demanded greater transparency about the airline's long-term strategy under Apollo ownership TTG Media. The union wants clear commitments on job security and how Apollo plans to run the carrier after the takeover closes.
These labour discussions are happening in parallel with regulatory talks. Both issues could affect the deal's completion timeline if they aren't resolved before November's shareholder vote TTG Media.
Deal Remains Priced at 715 Pence Per Share
The offer values EasyJet at £5.7 billion, or 715 pence per share UK ADVFN. Eagle Bidco Ltd, Apollo's acquisition vehicle, is the formal buyer in the transaction Ask Traders.
No changes to the price have been announced. Both parties say the October scheme document publication will lay out the full transaction terms for shareholders to review before voting UK ADVFN.
Timeline Narrowing Toward Completion Window
The revised schedule compresses the final phases: scheme document by October 15, court and shareholder meetings in early November, and completion targeted for Q1 2027 TTG Media. Each milestone depends on regulatory sign-offs and shareholder approval.
The extension buys roughly two weeks for regulator engagement but doesn't push back the ultimate completion target. Apollo and EasyJet are betting these remaining months are enough to clear all approvals Ask Traders.
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