Could MSC Shipping Be Eyeing a Bid for EasyJet? Rumors Surge!

Shares of the European low-cost airline easyJet surged by up to 12% following rumors of a potential acquisition bid from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Reports from Italian media indicated that MSC, a prominent Swiss logistics and transportation firm, was contemplating either a complete or partial takeover of easyJet.

Founded in 1995 by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyJet is nearing the 30th anniversary of its inaugural flight in November 2025. Over the years, it has grown to become the second-largest low-cost airline in Europe, trailing only behind Ryanair and surpassing Wizz Air.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera on October 14, 2025, insiders reportedly suggested that MSC was assessing the opportunity to acquire easyJet. While MSC has categorically denied any involvement, easyJet has refrained from commenting on the speculation.

The MSC Group is a privately held entity controlled by the affluent Aponte family, operating a fleet of 600 cargo and passenger vessels and employing approximately 100,000 individuals worldwide. Although it is widely recognized for its MSC Cruise division, its interests extend beyond just shipping.

MSC’s Interest in Airlines

If the rumors regarding MSC’s interest in easyJet are accurate, this wouldn’t be their first foray into the aviation sector. In 2022, MSC engaged with Germany’s Lufthansa Group regarding the acquisition of ITA Airways, the resurrection of Alitalia. Eventually, though, MSC withdrew, allowing Lufthansa Group to finalize the deal after extensive EU scrutiny.

The report from Corriere Della Sera speculated that MSC might partner with an investment fund to either acquire a stake in or fully take control of easyJet, but these evaluations are currently in the early stages.

Despite easyJet’s established presence in the low-cost marketplace, some analysts express concerns regarding its long-term profitability and growth potential amid an increasingly competitive European budget airline environment.

Following the Corriere Della Sera report, easyJet’s shares experienced a notable spike on the London Stock Exchange, propelling the airline’s market valuation to approximately £3.6 billion (around US$4.8 billion).

Notably, MSC quickly distanced itself from the takeover rumors. A statement sent to European news outlets clarified that there are no plans to include air transportation in its logistical operations, despite ongoing ventures in other areas.

This same Italian publication was responsible for the initial announcement regarding the MSC-Lufthansa Group negotiations for ITA Airways before that deal collapsed.

Is easyJet Actually Up for Sale?

Interestingly, the same Italian newspaper recently published an interview with Ryanair’s Chairman, Michael O’Leary. In this discussion, O’Leary openly questioned easyJet’s long-term stability, suggesting that the airline might struggle to maintain growth, potentially leading to its fragmentation as different airline groups acquire operations in various regions.

There has previously been speculation regarding easyJet becoming a target for acquisition due to slot limitations at key European airports. Analysts predict that British Airways could eventually take over easyJet’s operations at London Gatwick, while the Air France-KLM Group might be interested in its businesses in France and Switzerland.

Regarding easyJet’s substantial operations in Italy, O’Leary refrained from making specific comments, but this is where MSC could potentially play a role. Experts emphasize that any acquisition would likely involve regulatory scrutiny across multiple markets, given easyJet’s importance on key routes and at various airports—a consideration that will remain a focal point for European investors and regulators.

In a May 2025 update, easyJet informed investors that it was on track to surpass £1 billion in pre-tax profit in the medium term. For 2024, the airline reported pre-tax profits of £602 million from revenues totaling £9.3 billion.