Shipping Firm Targets Acquisition of Europe’s 2nd Largest Budget Airline

LONDON– EasyJet, the British low-cost airline, saw a significant rise in its share prices on Tuesday (October 14, 2025). This surge followed reports indicating that MSC Shipping, a privately owned Swiss shipping powerhouse, is contemplating a takeover bid for the airline.

As Europe’s second-largest budget carrier, easyJet operates flights across more than 30 countries. Yet, it faces ongoing concerns regarding its long-term profitability and growth potential, particularly in light of increasing competition and fluctuating travel demand.

MSC’s Shipping Empire

The MSC Group, better known as the Mediterranean Shipping Company, ranks among the globe’s largest privately held shipping companies, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Operating a fleet exceeding 600 vessels and employing around 100,000 individuals globally, MSC maintains a presence in 155 countries.

In addition to shipping, MSC owns MSC Cruises, a robust cruise line that has expanded significantly in recent years.

Industry analysts posit that a potential link between MSC and easyJet could be established through their respective operations, aligning easyJet’s short-haul routes with key cruise departure locations throughout Europe.

According to the Italian publication Corriere Della Sera, sources cited indicate that MSC is exploring both partial and full acquisition options. Meanwhile, the Haji-Ioannou family, easyJet’s largest individual shareholder, lost majority control back in 2022.

Currently, approximately 70% of easyJet’s shares are held by institutional investors, which could provide prospective buyers with more leverage in acquisition pursuits.

Given MSC’s financial strength and industry know-how, insiders believe that a partnership could significantly transform both the shipping and airline sectors, although any formal propositions remain speculative at present.

Past Airline Interests

This isn’t MSC’s first foray into the aviation industry. In 2022, the company teamed up with Germany’s Lufthansa to pursue a takeover bid for ITA Airways, Alitalia’s successor.

Although MSC later retracted its bid, Lufthansa went on to secure a notable stake on its own. This previous interest lends some credibility to the current rumors regarding easyJet.

Corriere Della Sera was also the first to report on MSC’s earlier involvement with ITA Airways, which adds weight to the current chatter.

Following the news of potential acquisition talks, easyJet’s shares rose on the London Stock Exchange (LON), reflecting renewed investor optimism. However, MSC has since commented that it has “no comment” regarding the takeover speculation.

The Bottom Line

While MSC has not confirmed or denied its interest in easyJet, the mere rumor of a takeover has ignited excitement in both financial and aviation sectors.

If this potential move materializes, it would signify a significant entry of one of the world’s leading shipping companies into the airline industry. Such a shift could reshape the future of easyJet, indicating new opportunities for cross-industry collaboration in Europe’s transport landscape.