EasyJet shares surged after reports that shipping giant MSC is considering a potential takeover of the low-cost airline.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, several anonymous sources close to the matter indicated that the proposal is serious.
EasyJet has not commented on the takeover speculation, while MSC has denied being directly involved in any discussions.
The airline, which is listed on the UK’s FTSE 100 index, employs around 16,000 people worldwide and is one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, behind Ryanair but ahead of Wizz Air.
In 2021, Wizz Air expressed interest in acquiring EasyJet, but the approach was quickly dismissed by the Luton-based company.
Geneva-based MSC previously attempted to buy ITA Airways, the Italian state-owned airline, partnering with Lufthansa in 2022.
