MSC Cruises denies reports of making offer to buy easyJet
The aviation sector has been abuzz this week following speculation that easyJet could be the target of a major takeover. Reports of a possible bid caused the British low-cost carrier’s shares to rise by around 7% in recent days.
The rumours began after Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera claimed that MSC Cruises, the Swiss cruise and shipping giant, had made an offer for the airline.
However, MSC quickly issued a statement categorically denying the report, insisting that it has no interest in entering the airline business.
Despite the denial, several aviation industry sources and specialist media continue to suggest that easyJet may have attracted the attention of major European groups.
Names frequently mentioned include IAG (parent company of British Airways), Air France–KLM, and Lufthansa, all of which have been linked to airline acquisition talks in recent years.
EasyJet, which has a market capitalisation of around €4.6 billion and operates a fleet of 190 aircraft, has so far declined to comment on the speculation.
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