Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
EasyJet takeover faces union concerns as approval process continues
Apollo's £5.7 billion takeover of easyJet faces union opposition over concerns about the airline's future ownership.
EasyJet's European Works Council said the proposed structure could weaken the airline's long-term resilience and expose workers to risks.
It also said employee protections amount to just 12 months of non-binding commitments.
Representatives in France, Portugal and Spain did not endorse the deal, while those in Britain and Germany took a neutral position on its financial terms.
The deal still needs regulatory clearances, including approvals in several countries where some clearances have already been granted.
Apollo says a governance framework would keep easyJet majority-controlled by European interests, a key issue for aviation regulators.
EasyJet plans shareholder and court meetings in the week starting November 9, and says it remains on track to complete the takeover by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
EasyJet faces union concerns over Apollo’s £5.7 billion takeover, while the airline says the deal remains on track to close before the end of the first quarter of 2027.
The European Works Council opposes the deal, saying its structure could weaken easyJet’s long-term resilience and expose employees to risks.
Employee representative bodies in France, Portugal and Spain did not endorse the acquisition, while representatives in Britain and Germany took a neutral position on its financial terms.
EasyJet says it has secured some regulatory approvals, but additional clearances remain outstanding.
Apollo has proposed a governance framework intended to keep easyJet majority-controlled by European interests.
- Who
- EasyJet, Apollo and employee representative bodies, including the European Works Council.
- What
- Apollo’s £5.7 billion takeover of easyJet faces union concerns as regulatory approvals remain in progress.
- When
- The articles were published on October 15, 2026. EasyJet says it expects the deal to close before the end of the first quarter of 2027.
- Where
- EasyJet operates across Europe; the deal requires regulatory clearances in multiple jurisdictions.
- Why
- Unions raised concerns about the ownership structure, employee risks and the limited duration of non-binding commitments.
European Works Council
EasyJet
Ownership structure
European Works Council
The transaction is likely to weaken easyJet’s long-term resilience and expose employees to risks not addressed by the assurances.
EasyJet
EasyJet says it remains on track to complete the deal and says Apollo’s governance framework is designed to ensure European interests retain majority control.
Employee commitments
European Works Council
The deal provides employees with only 12 months of non-binding commitments.
EasyJet
EasyJet says it has given assurances, but its full response to this concern is not stated.
EasyJet published a scheme document detailing union concerns and the status of regulatory approvals.
EasyJet plans to hold court and shareholder meetings to seek approval for the deal.
EasyJet says it expects to complete the takeover.
- Takeover value
- £5.7 billion
- Buyer
- Apollo
- Expected completion
- Before the end of the first quarter of 2027
- Approvals secured
- Austria, Britain, France, Germany and Malta
- Employee commitment period
- 12 months of non-binding commitments
3 sources
What people are saying
The EWC considers that the transaction, as structured, is likely to weaken easyJet's long-term resilience and to expose employees across Europe to risks that are neither addressed nor mitigated by the assurances given