EasyJet shares plummeted 8% on Wednesday to £5.15 per share, wiping off nearly £300 million in market value, as investors grew increasingly anxious over the European Union's scrutiny of airline ownership rules. The EU's review is expected to examine the implications of foreign investment in the sector, with particular attention paid to ensuring that strategic national assets remain under adequate oversight.
The proposed takeover by US private equity firm Apollo Global Management has raised concerns among investors and regulators alike. The company had reportedly offered a £5 billion all-cash bid for EasyJet earlier this month, eclipsing a previous offer from Castlelake. However, the EU's review of airline ownership rules is not directly triggered by the EasyJet acquisition, but rather forms part of a broader assessment aimed at clarifying permissible corporate structures and ensuring that control remains with European nationals.
A recent report highlighted that 74% of airlines operating in the EU have foreign investors holding a majority stake. The review's focus on oversight and control is expected to impact not just EasyJet, but also other carriers operating within the region. Castlelake had previously attempted to circumvent these restrictions by establishing a new vehicle managed by European nationals.
"The market's nervousness is driven by the uncertainty surrounding private equity firms' ability to meet the EU's demands," said Mark Kelly, chief executive of MKI Advisors. "Given the stringent framework applied by the European Commission, it's unlikely that healthy airlines will be taken over without significant concessions." Kelly's comments were echoed by an unnamed EU official, who stated that the review aims to clarify permissible corporate structures and ensure sufficient headroom for oversight.
EasyJet has remained tight-lipped on the matter, while Castlelake declined to comment. Apollo Global Management was contacted for a statement but had yet to respond at the time of going to press. The EU's review is expected to have far-reaching implications for the airline industry, and investors will be closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks.
A total of 44 million EasyJet shares changed hands on Wednesday, with over £1 billion worth of stock traded during the day. The stock has been a popular choice among British holidaymakers and remains a significant player in the European airline market.