EasyJet Rejects Indigo Partners' Fourth Bid, Doubts Offer's Deliverability

Budget airline EasyJet has dismissed a fourth acquisition proposal from US private equity firm Indigo Partners, citing concerns over the “deliverability” of the offer. This latest rejection follows a prior undisclosed approach from rival low-cost carrier Wizz Air, which EasyJet also declined.

Indigo Partners, a firm known for its investments in budget airlines globally, including Wizz Air, Frontier Airlines, and JetSmart, submitted the offer. The specific terms of this fourth bid, or the preceding three from Indigo, have not been publicly disclosed by EasyJet.

In its statement, EasyJet acknowledged that it had received an unsolicited takeover approach, confirming that the board had assessed and rejected it. The airline emphasised that it was not currently considering a sale of the company.

This ongoing interest in EasyJet arrives as the aviation sector navigates the complex and protracted recovery from global travel restrictions. Despite the approaches, EasyJet recently announced plans to raise £1.2 billion through a rights issue, aiming to bolster its balance sheet and capitalise on post-pandemic travel demand.