Castlelake valuta l’acquisizione di easyjet


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EasyJet, colpo di scena: l’americana Castlelake valuta di comprare la compagnia low cost
di Leonard Berberi

La mossa della società d’investimento che ha già lavorato con Air France-Klm per Scandinavian Airlines. Tempo fino al 26 giugno per fare l’offerta e avviare il risiko dei cieli

Il colpo di scena plana in un afoso venerdì sera e rischia di stravolgere gli equilibri nei cieli europei se dovesse trasformarsi in un atto formale. Castlelake studia il dossier easyJet, la seconda più grande compagnia aerea low cost d’Europa, e non esclude di rilevare una quota più o meno significativa.

La nota
È la stessa società di investimento a «confermare di essere nelle fasi iniziali di valutazione di una possibile offerta per la società», senza al momento chiarire se si tratta di una fetta di minoranza o della maggioranza. «Non è stato effettuato alcun approccio al Consiglio di amministrazione di easyJet», prosegue la comunicazione, e «non vi è alcuna certezza che un’offerta verrà formulata, né in merito ai termini di un’eventuale offerta». Castlelake si dà tempo «entro le ore 17 del 26 giugno 2026» per «annunciare o la ferma intenzione di formulare un’offerta oppure dichiarare che non intende presentarne alcuna».

Cos’è Castlelake
Fondata nel 2005, Castlelake gestisce circa 36 miliardi di dollari di asset per conto di una base diversificata di investitori globali ed è partner strategico di Brookfield Asset Management, primario gestore globale di investimenti alternativi con oltre 1.000 miliardi di asset in gestione. Nel settore dell’aviazione è uno dei protagonisti più attivi: possiede e gestisce un portafoglio di centinaia di aeromobili commerciali attraverso la sua piattaforma di leasing.

L’investimento in Sas
Non solo. Nel 2024, nell’ambito del rilancio di Scandinavian Airlines, Castlelake ha preso parte a una cordata con Air France-Klm: assieme hanno il 51,9%. Quando il gruppo franco-olandese avrà il via libera Ue, la società d’investimento potrà cedergli il sui 32%.

Le voci sulla low cost inglese
Da settimane tra le banche di investimento si ragiona su una possibile mossa sulla low cost, oggi nelle mani dell’imprenditore greco-britannico Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Di recente il Corriere ha raccontato che tra i soggetti interessati c’è Msc. Da quanto si apprende Castlelake intende muoversi in cordata. Ma come? Al momento non è chiaro. Nel segmento a basso costo easyJet — 364 aerei, circa 93 milioni di passeggeri all’anno — è seconda soltanto a Ryanair. Venerdì la sua capitalizzazione in Borsa era di 3,4 miliardi di euro.

 
Ultima modifica:
..una decina di anni fa si parlava anche di un interesse diretto di airfrance su easyjet...Che non sia la volta buona con uno scenario SAS bis
 
La notizia e' riportata da decine di fonti, non e' che puo' riportarla solo uno.


Esistono agenzie di stampa che predispongono la notizia e le varie fonti secondarie la pubblicano, spesso facendo solo un copia-incolla o apportando modifiche minime. Poi qualcuno fa copia-incolla non autorizzati. Non so come e' andata questa volta e non approfondisco. Ma succede.
 
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La notizia e' riportata da decine di fonti, non e' che puo' riportarla solo uno.


Esistono agenzie di stampa che predispongono la notizia e le varie fonti secondarie la pubblicano, spesso facendo solo un copia-incolla o apportando modifiche minime. Poi qualcuno fa copia-incolla non autorizzati. Non so come e' andata questa volta e non approfondisco. Ma succede.
Il problema non è riportare fonti di agenzia — il problema è non citarle in modo esplicito. Citare la fonte delle notizie è uno dei requisiti etici principali del giornalista….
 
Castlelake informa:

Possible Offer for easyJet plc (the "Company" or "easyJet")​

www.castlelake.com (PRNewsfoto/Castlelake)

News provided by​

Castlelake
May 29, 2026, 14:20 ET


MINNEAPOLIS, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Castlelake, L.P. ("Castlelake") notes the recent speculation regarding easyJet. Castlelake confirms that it is in the early stages of considering a possible offer for the Company.

No approach has been made to the Board of easyJet.

There can be no certainty that any offer will be made, nor as to the terms of any offer.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Castlelake must, by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 26 June 2026, either announce a firm intention to make an offer for the Company in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline will only be extended with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.

A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.
Easyjet risponde:
News Details
View all news
Response to Possible Offer for easyJet
1 June 2026 - 07:00

easyJet plc

Response to Possible Offer for easyJet

The Board of easyJet plc (“easyJet” or the “Company”) notes the announcement made by Castlelake, L.P. (“Castlelake”) on Friday, 29 May 2026, that it is in the early stages of considering a possible offer for easyJet.

The Board of easyJet has not had any discussions with, nor received any approach or proposal from Castlelake.

The Board is clear in its duty of aiming to maximise shareholder value and will consider any proposal, should one be made. In any assessment, the Board will be especially mindful of its valuation and deliverability.

Valuation: the Board notes the highly opportunistic timing when easyJet’s share price is temporarily depressed due to the current situation in the Middle East and its impact on customer confidence and jet fuel prices.
Deliverability: the Board notes the considerable regulatory, financial and other execution challenges associated with a potential takeover of easyJet.
easyJet is in a position of strength, underpinned by an investment grade balance sheet with a net cash position, alongside strong customer satisfaction and high employee engagement. The Board remains highly confident in easyJet’s strategy and its ability to deliver attractive long-term value for shareholders. The Company remains focused on executing its medium-term target of delivering greater than £1 billion profit before tax.

There can be no certainty that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made.

Shareholders are advised to take no action at this time.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Castlelake must, by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 26 June 2026, either announce a firm intention to make an offer for the Company in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline will only be extended with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.

A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.
 
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In altre parole:
easyJet oggi vale circa 3-3,5 miliardi di sterline in Borsa, dopo un inizio anno piuttosto difficile, Il management sostiene che il titolo sia temporaneamente depresso e ha definito l’interesse di Castlelake “highly opportunistic”.
Come dire: “State cercando di comprarci co du spicci mentre siamo momentaneamente sottovalutati.”
 
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In altre parole:
easyJet oggi vale circa 3-3,5 miliardi di sterline in Borsa, dopo un inizio anno piuttosto difficile, Il management sostiene che il titolo sia temporaneamente depresso e ha definito l’interesse di Castlelake “highly opportunistic”.
Come dire: “State cercando di comprarci co du spicci mentre siamo momentaneamente sottovalutati.”

Il problema, pero', e' che la “sottovalutazione” continua da un po’, ed è questo il problema di fondo di EZY.

Dal post di Robert Boyle di cui sopra:

IMG_4049.jpeg

IMG_4050.jpeg
 
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EasyJet, il fondo Castlelake ora guarda a Msc della famiglie Aponte come socio per l’offerta​

di Leonard Berberi

Le manovre sulla compagnia low cost britannica. C’è tempo fino al 26 giugno per consegnare l’offerta. Le possibili sinergie e il ruolo di un partner aereo (di minoranza)

Castlelake guarda a Mediterranean Shipping Company come partner della cordata per provare a mettere le mani su easyJet. Entro il pomeriggio del 26 giugno il fondo d’investimento americano dovrà decidere se presentare un’offerta formale per il vettore britannico o rinunciare. Se decidesse di andare avanti l’auspicio è presentarsi assieme al colosso mondiale della logistica di proprietà della famiglia Aponte. È quanto spiegano al Corriere due fonti a conoscenza delle discussioni.

Le mosse​

Il mercato segue con attenzione quanto sta succedendo attorno a easyJet, seconda più grande low cost d’Europa dopo Ryanair. L’offerta di Castlelake — al momento soltanto in bozza — potrebbe trasformarsi nella più rilevante operazione dei cieli europei degli ultimi anni, con un impatto maggiore anche dell’accordo tra il ministero dell’Economia italiano e Lufthansa su Ita Airways o della stessa Castlelake con Air France-Klm su Sas.

Le norme Ue
Altre due fonti danno come «possibile» il coinvolgimento di Msc — che sarebbe stata già contattata — attraverso una delle sue realtà registrate nell’Unione europea. Castlelake ha bisogno di un socio comunitario per essere sicuro che la sua eventuale offerta per easyJet sia conforme alle norme sulla proprietà (che valgono anche per i vettori britannici dopo la Brexit) le quali prevedono che le aviolinee siano controllate a maggioranza da entità Ue. Castlelake non ha risposto alle domande. Msc non commenta.

Il portafoglio di Msc​

Msc, le cui attività principali sono nella logistica marittima e nelle crociere, da tempo studia diversi dossier aeronautici. Dopo il tentativo (fallito) su Ita Airways in cordata con Lufthansa, la famiglia Aponte ha rilevato AlisCargo per sviluppare la divisione di trasporto merci via aria (Msc Air Cargo). Quindi è toccato all’investimento nell’alta velocità ferroviaria in Italo-Ntv.

Il valore dell’azienda​

Lo scorso ottobre il Corriere ha scritto che Msc guardava al dossier easyJet per un’eventuale operazione con un fondo d’investimento. Castlelake (che nel frattempo ha acquistato il 2,14% della low cost) potrebbe soddisfare il requisito. La low cost arancione ieri pomeriggio aveva una capitalizzazione di mercato di 4,1 miliardi di euro e fronte di asset (aerei di proprietà e slot aeroportuali) valutati almeno 5,4 miliardi.

Le sinergie​

Secondo gli esperti una cordata simile avrebbe un senso per tutti. Il colosso logistico ha milioni di crocieristi che devono arrivare ai porti di imbarco (Civitavecchia, Barcellona, Atene, Dubrovnik). Con la low cost potrebbe controllare l’intera catena del viaggio leisure, dal volo alla nave. Un modello simile a quello di Tui, con in più i treni e i pullman (Itabus).

La possibile cordata​

E mentre Castlelake estrae valore dagli asset, una quota minoritaria affidata ad Air France-Klm come partner operativo senza controllo consentirebbe al gruppo aereo di ottenere accesso agli slot senza sbattere contro i paletti antitrust. L’ago della bilancia in ogni caso potrebbe essere la famiglia Haji-Ioannou: possiede il 15% di easyJet e riceve ogni anno lo 0,25% dei ricavi per l’utilizzo del marchio «easy».

 
A quanto pare, ci sono state tre offerte riservate, tutte migliorative, tutte rifiutate dal consiglio di amministrazione.
Adesso Castlelake ha preso l'ultima offerta e l'ha spifferata direttamente alla base azionaria.

Intanto il titolo ha fatto +30% da quando è iniziata questa storia.

https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/168619-castlelake-and-two-industry-execs-offer-62bn-for-easyjet

Castlelake and two industry execs offer $6.2bn for easyJet​

Castlelake has publicly disclosed a non-binding GBP4.7 billion pound (USD6.2 billion) bid for easyJet Group, after the board of the low-cost carrier rejected both this and two earlier, lower bids submitted in June 2026.

The US-based fund said it was making the offer public to allow easyJet's shareholders to "consider its merits and provide their views" ahead of the June 26 deadline for the binding bid. Castlelake said easyJet's board rejected its offers on June 16, June 20, and June 21, and was "unwilling to engage meaningfully".

The offer, priced at GBP6.25 (USD8.25) per share, represents an almost 60% premium on easyJet's share price from May 28, when Castlelake first disclosed its readiness to bid for the LCC.

Castlelake said that to meet EU control and ownership rules, which ban non-EU investors from owning a majority stake in any airline in the bloc, it teamed up with individual investors Peter Bellew and Mark Breen, who would remain the majority owners of the airline. Bellew has held C-level positions at multiple airlines, including Ryanair, Malaysia Airlines, and Riyadh Air, and between 2020 and 2023 was easyJet's chief operating officer. Breen, in turn, has held senior roles at, among others, Oman Air, Arajet, Cebu Pacific Air, and flyadeal. Both are Irish citizens.

The involvement of Bellew and Breen dampens speculation about a potential team-up with Air France-KLM or MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Castlelake said it would fund the potential offer from "a combination of committed equity and debt facilities. The committed equity financing will come from funds managed or advised by Castlelake and will comprise a combination of existing Castlelake commitments and commitments from a small number of co-investors, as well as the EU partner."

easyJet has subsequently confirmed that it received and rejected the three offers, arguing they significantly undervalued the airline.

"The board of easyJet carefully considered the proposal with its advisers and concluded that it is highly opportunistic, delivered against the backdrop of easyJet’s temporarily depressed share price, and still fundamentally undervalues easyJet and its prospects. The premium, multiple, and future share price analyses presented by Castlelake are based primarily on the Middle East conflict-affected share prices, short-term earnings, and analyst reports. They fail to reflect easyJet’s medium-term prospects, its strong balance sheet and capital structure, and still less provide an adequate control premium thereto," the LCC's board said.

It also highlighted the "opaque" proposed ownership structure, and concluded it was an attempt to acquire the growing LCC "on the cheap".
 
Castlelake have made three offers, all previously rejected. They've now gone public to try and appeal to the shareholders.


No partner airline. A separate EU controlling company consisting of Bellew and Breen - and no one else.


Possible Offer of 625 pence per share for easyJet plc (the "Company" or "easyJet")


Castlelake, L.P. ("Castlelake") announces that it has submitted three non-binding indicative proposals to the easyJet Board to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of easyJet.


Castlelake's first non-binding indicative proposal was submitted in a letter dated 12 June 2026 at an offer price of560 pence in cash for each easyJet share (the "First Proposal"). The First Proposal was rejected by the easyJet Board on 16 June 2026.


Castlelake submitted a second non-binding indicative proposal in a letter dated 17 June 2026 at an offer price of600 pence in cash for each easyJet share (the "Second Proposal"). This Second Proposal was designed to facilitate prompt engagement from the easyJet Board. The easyJet Board rejected the Second Proposal on 20June 2026.


Castlelake submitted a third non-binding indicative proposal in a letter dated 20 June 2026 at an offer price of 625pence in cash for each easyJet share (the "Third Proposal"). As with the Second Proposal, Castlelake expected that the Third Proposal would elicit prompt engagement from the easyJet Board. However, the easyJet Board rejected the Third Proposal on 21 June 2026.


Following the rejection of three proposals by the easyJet Board, and given its unwillingness to engage meaningfully, Castlelake is announcing this Third Proposal to enable easyJet shareholders to consider its merits and provide their views on the Third Proposal to the easyJet Board ahead of the upcoming "Put-up or Shut-up" deadline at 5.00 pm (London time) on 26 June 2026.


Third Proposal at 625 pence per easyJet share in cash


The Third Proposal offers compelling value to easyJet shareholders and represents:


· a premium of approximately 59% to the easyJet share price of 394.20 pence per share as at the close of business on 28 May 2026, being the last day before Castlelake's interest in easyJet became public (the "Undisturbed Date");


· a premium of approximately 71% per cent to the volume weighted average easyJet share price of 365.42 pence per share from 16 April 2026 (being the date that easyJet published its interim trading update for the six months ended 31 March 2026) until the Undisturbed Date;


· a premium of 35% to the closing easyJet share price of 464.00 pence per share on 27 February 2026, being the last trading day prior to the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict;


· a premium of approximately 39% to the 12-month volume weighted average easyJet share price of 449.50 pence per share as of the Undisturbed Date;


· a price above any closing easyJet share price since 25 February 2022;


· a price above all research analyst price targets published since 16 April 2026; and


· a price to 2027E earnings per share multiple of 16.5x.


In addition, for easyJet shareholders, the Third Proposal substantially de-risks the execution of the Company's business plan. By way of illustration, Castlelake estimates that its Third Proposal of 625 pence per easyJet share compares favourably to the net present value of easyJet's share price, even assuming easyJet were to achieve its aspirational target of delivering greater than £1 billion profit before tax in the medium-term and were to trade between its 5-10 year average trading multiple.


Castlelake also intends to offer a partial equity alternative to allow easyJet shareholders to remain invested in easyJet as a privately held business in partnership with Castlelake, subject to a maximum equity participation limit and limitations on transferability.


If easyJet announces, declares or pays any dividend or any other distribution or return of value to shareholders after the date of this announcement, Castlelake reserves the right to make an equivalent reduction to the Third Proposal.


EU Ownership Requirements, Other Regulatory Approvals and Financing


As a long-term investor with two decades of experience in Europe, Castlelake respects the form, spirit and importance of the EU ownership requirements.


Castlelake also has great respect for easyJet's position as an established, leading airline that serves millions of people across Europe and for the important role it plays in affordable air travel. The Third Proposal includes details of ownership and governance structures designed to ensure responsible stewardship of easyJet.


Castlelake's ambition is to support easyJet as a stronger, more resilient European airline under European control, respecting easyJet's valuable airline assets and continuing to sustain its network, serve the passengers who depend on them and enable future growth. Castlelake is committed to working constructively with employees, regulators and government, and to being transparent about its intentions throughout this process.


Castlelake has presented deliverable proposals to the easyJet Board. It has partnered with Peter Bellew and Mark Breen as EU national individual investors. Peter and Mark are experienced executives who have successfully held senior positions in airlines, including European Low-Cost-Carriers. The Third Proposal includes these EU national partners investing and participating in the proposed acquisition of the Company through their ownership and control of an EU company (the "EU Partner"). This EU Partner will hold a controlling shareholding in the overall structure. The EU Partner will at all times be owned and controlled by EU nationals. This proposed structure is consistent with structures adopted by a number of other European airlines that are subject to the same EU ownership rules as the Company. Castlelake is confident that this is a clear, deliverable solution to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.


Castlelake has assessed the transactional regulatory filings that will apply to the proposed transaction, including antitrust, foreign investment controls and the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Castlelake is highly confident that the transaction will be structured and completed in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, with any required formal approvals obtained swiftly.


Castlelake's Third Proposal is expected to be fully funded through a combination of committed equity and debt facilities. The committed equity financing will come from funds managed or advised by Castlelake and will comprise a combination of existing Castlelake commitments and commitments from a small number of co-investors, as well as the EU Partner. In addition, Goldman Sachs has indicated that they are highly confident of being able to arrange the required debt financing.


Following completion of any acquisition, easyJet would remain well-capitalised, with a robust capital structure and ample liquidity. The post-acquisition company would retain the necessary financial flexibility and capacity to support its ongoing operations and continue investing in its core business and growth opportunities.


Timeline


Castlelake has already performed an extensive review of publicly available information regarding easyJet. As a result, Castlelake's proposed due diligence exercise will be focused, and Castlelake is ready to begin that diligence exercise as soon as possible. Castlelake is well-positioned to make a firm offer announcement pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Code on an expedited basis upon receiving access to due diligence information.


The Third Proposal is subject to satisfaction or waiver of a number of customary pre-conditions, including the completion of satisfactory due diligence and the agreement of definitive transaction documentation. The intention would be to implement the Third Proposal by way of a scheme of arrangement, subject to Castlelake retaining the ability to switch to a contractual offer.


Other Matters


Pursuant to Rule 2.5 of the Code, Castlelake reserves the right to vary the form and/or mix of the consideration described above in this announcement. Castlelake reserves the right to make an offer for easyJet on less favourable terms than the form described above in this announcement, and/or not to offer any partial equity alternative:


(i) with the agreement or recommendation of the easyJet Board;


(ii) if a third party announces a firm intention to make an offer for easyJet on less favourable terms than contemplated under the terms of the Third Proposal; or


(iii) following the announcement by easyJet of a Rule 9 waiver transaction pursuant to Appendix 1 of the Code or a reverse takeover (as defined in the Code).


This announcement does not amount to a firm intention to make an offer under Rule 2.7 of the Code. There can be no certainty that any firm offer will be made for easyJet.


Castlelake has been informed that Peter Bellew acquired interests in aggregate of 50,000 ordinary shares in the Company (approximately 0.007% of the issued share capital of the Company) in a series of transactions from 2 March 2026 to 20 May 2026 (the "Share Acquisitions"). The highest price paid for these Share Acquisitions was 437.14 pence per Company share. Accordingly, further to Rule 2.4(c)(iii) and Rule 6 of the Code, if Castlelake were to make an offer for easyJet, such offer must be at no less than 437.14 pence per Company share.


In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Castlelake is required, by not later than 5.00 pm (London time) on 26 June 2026, either to announce a firm intention to make an offer for easyJet in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or to announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline can be extended with the consent of the Takeover Panel in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.


A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.
 
Inquietante il ruolo di P.B. Già sonoramente fanculizzato da Ezio e da Ryan per i pessimi rapporti industriali, rilevatisi un arma che gli si è ritorta contro, tipo i crew index risicati che portarono non pochi problemi sia ai gialloblù che agli orange.
 
Inquietante il ruolo di P.B. Già sonoramente fanculizzato da Ezio e da Ryan per i pessimi rapporti industriali, rilevatisi un arma che gli si è ritorta contro, tipo i crew index risicati che portarono non pochi problemi sia ai gialloblù che agli orange.

Un amico pilota ne modificava il cognome, leva la "w" e metti "nd".