EasyJet says US takeover bid would be ‘highly opportunistic’

EasyJet has called a potential £3bn bid by a US investment group “highly opportunistic”, as shares in the budget airline shot up to their highest level in three months on the takeover interest. The US private credit firm Castlelake said on Friday it was considering a takeover offer for the airline. On Monday, it said it had already bought a 2.14% stake in the business and its offer would value easyJet at least at 403p a share, or about £3bn overall. However, easyJet hit out at its potential buyer, saying it was “highly opportunistic timing” as its share price was “temporarily depressed due to the current situation in the Middle East and its impact on customer confidence and jet fuel prices”. Before news of takeover interest emerged, shares in easyJet had lost about a fifth of their value since the start of the year. However, the company said its board was confident in its strategy given its cash position and profit outlook. Shares in easyJet shot up by as much as 12% in early trading on Monday, reaching 444.7p – well above the minimum level of a potential offer by Castlelake, and their highest level since 2 March, valuing the company at about £3.4bn. The jump later eased, with shares up about 10%. Under City takeover rules, Castlelake, which is headquartered in Minneapolis and manages $36bn (£27bn) in assets, has until 5pm on 26 June to announce whether intends to make an offer for easyJet. …