en.Wedoany.com Reported - easyJet extended the deadline for potential acquirer Castlelake to submit a takeover bid to align with the deadline for Apollo Management's offer on August 3, 2026. Castlelake was originally required to submit a competing bid under the "put-up or shut-up" rule by 17:00 on August 3, 2026; now both bidders must announce their intention to make a takeover offer or declare their withdrawal by 17:00 on August 7, 2026.

easyJet stated on July 10, 2026, that it had reached an agreement in principle with Apollo Management for a $7.6 billion (£5.7 billion) acquisition. Apollo's offer corresponds to $9.59 (£7.15) per easyJet share, while Castlelake's bid, submitted on July 5, 2026, was valued at $6.9 billion (£5.2 billion), corresponding to $9.26 (£6.90) per share.

The request to unify the bid deadlines was made by easyJet's board and has been approved by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers. easyJet stated that the announcement was made without the consent of Apollo or Castlelake. The move aims to prevent either bidder from gaining a clear advantage in the process, while encouraging both companies to present their best offers, enabling the board to evaluate the two bids side by side.

easyJet added that there is currently no certainty that a formal offer will be made and advised shareholders to take no action at this stage.