On October 14, 2025, speculation erupted that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping firm, was eyeing a stake or full takeover of easyJet.
The rumor, sparked by Italy’s Corriere della Sera, sent easyJet’s shares soaring. However, MSC swiftly denied any involvement, cooling the frenzy but not extinguishing interest in the budget carrier’s strategic value.
The carrier is Europe’s second-largest low-cost airline. With a market value near €4 billion and prime airport slots, easyJet remains a hot target for investors.
What Fueled the Takeover Talk?
The Corriere della Sera report cited three unnamed sources claiming MSC was reviewing a “dossier” on easyJet, potentially with an investment fund, to acquire a majority stake or full control.
The airline was deemed more attractive than alternatives like Spirit Airlines or Portugal’s TAP. easyJet’s appeal is clear: it operates over 300 aircraft, serves 150+ destinations, and employs 16,000 staff from its Luton base.
Its coveted slots at airports like London Gatwick, Milan Linate, Paris Orly, and Lisbon provide a competitive edge in Europe’s short-haul market.
Despite post-pandemic hurdles like French strikes and high fuel costs, easyJet reported £602 million in pre-tax profit on £9.3 billion in revenue for FY2024.
It targets over £1 billion in medium-term profits, bolstered by a £50 million Q3 2025 profit uptick from rising passenger numbers and holiday package growth.
Trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: EZJ), easyJet’s shares jumped 11.5-12% in early trading on October 14.
They peaked at 487p before settling at a 5% gain, valuing the firm at roughly £3.6 billion. Analysts see a 33% upside potential, noting its “cheap” valuation compared to rivals like Ryanair.
MSC’s Denial and Market Reaction
MSC quickly quashed the rumors. A spokesperson told Reuters, “MSC denies any involvement in this matter,” calling the reports “without foundation.” easyJet declined to comment on speculation, emphasizing operational focus and no binding agreements.
The denial tempered the share surge, with gains dropping to 2-5% by midday. As AJ Bell’s Dan Coatsworth noted, “The longer its shares trade on a cheap valuation, the louder the bid speculation could get.”
The rumor fits a trend of logistics firms eyeing aviation. Kuehne + Nagel holds a 15% stake in Lufthansa, and CMA CGM owns 8.8% of Air France-KLM. MSC’s air cargo operations and MSC Cruises could leverage easyJet’s routes for synergies.
However, analysts like Bernstein’s Alex Irving question the fit, asking if a “break-up play” for slots is the goal, given MSC’s limited passenger aviation expertise.
Past MSC bids, like a failed 2022 Lufthansa tie-up for ITA Airways, show its aviation ambitions, but regulatory hurdles, such as EU antitrust scrutiny, could complicate any deal.
The news trended on social media, with posts alerting on the share surge and MSC’s denial, and Bourse Academy noting the 11% jump. One investor quipped, “If liners can’t order more ships, buy airplanes!”
easyJet’s history of bid interest, including Wizz Air’s rejected 2021 approach, and Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s 15% stake keep it in the spotlight.
While MSC’s denial has paused the buzz, easyJet’s assets ensure it remains a takeover target. A deal could reshape Europe’s budget airline sector, and investors are watching closely.
