MSC Eyes easyJet Takeover, Could Add Flights to Cruises

Shares in British budget airline easyJet surged significantly on October 14, 2025, amid reports that the shipping company MSC Group (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is exploring a potential takeover of the airline.

This news stirred investor interest, causing easyJet's stock to jump by up to 12 percent early in the trading day.

The MSC Group is one of the world's largest privately owned shipping conglomerates, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Known primarily for its extensive container shipping operations with a fleet of over 600 vessels and about 100,000 employees globally, MSC also owns MSC Cruises, a cruise line business.

There is a strategic angle to the acquisition interest, as easyJet’s network of short-haul flights throughout Europe aligns with many cruise departure ports served by MSC Cruises, pointing to potential integrated travel packages that include both flights and cruises.

EasyJet is one of Europe's largest low-cost airlines, operating flights to more than 30 countries.

Despite its size, there have been concerns about easyJet's long-term profitability and growth due to increasing competition.

While the link between a container shipping business and an airline is not obvious, MSC’s broader transportation strategy, including its foray into cargo airlines and previous investments in high-speed rail and ports, suggests a vertical integration approach to control multiple transport modes.

The acquisition, if it happens, is expected to be valued around £4 billion (approximately $5.4 billion), with MSC possibly partnering with investment funds as it has done previously for big acquisitions.

As of October 17, 2025, MSC and easyJet have not publicly confirmed any formal talks or agreements regarding a takeover.

In August 2025, easyJet extended its content distribution agreement with Travelport, allowing travel agencies using Travelport+ (a retailing platform for travel agencies) to continue to have access to easyJet's content.

Photo by Ansel Huang on Unsplash