Apollo Agrees to $7.7 Billion Deal for Britain's easyJet -- WSJ

By WSJ Staff

Apollo Global Management looks set to take to the skies.

The private-equity group on Thursday agreed a deal to buy British budget airline easyJet for the equivalent of roughly $7.7 billion, prevailing in a weekslong bidding war with fellow American investor Castlelake.

Easyjet is one of Europe's best-known low-cost airlines. The business, recognized by its distinctive orange branding, controls valuable takeoff and landing slots at some of the region's busiest airports. It has also tried to leverage its brand by building a package-vacation business.

The deal comes at a tricky time for the airline industry. The outbreak of war in the Middle East this year has driven jet-fuel prices higher, disrupted routes and weighed on travel demand. In April, easyJet issued a profit warning, citing higher fuel costs linked to the conflict.

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August 06, 2026 11:55 ET (15:55 GMT)