The shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company is considering the possibility of acquiring a stake or even full control of easyJet, according to information from Corriere della Sera. The Geneva-based MSC group, however, denied “any involvement in this matter”, while easyJet refused to comment on the speculation.
MSC is looking for “wings” for its portfolio
According to the Corriere della Sera report, the easyJet file has landed in the offices of several investors who are studying the prospect of entering the airline’s share capital. Among them stands out the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the global shipping and logistics giant, which is reportedly considering the possibility of a collaboration with an investment fund to acquire a stake.
These are, as it is emphasized, preliminary exploratory moves, without any formal approach or intention to submit an offer. The easyJet board, according to the publication, may reject unsolicited proposals.
The “orange” company with a strong presence in major European airports
EasyJet was founded almost 30 years ago by Stelios Hadjiioannou, the Greek Cypriot businessman who started as a shipowner and today owns more than 15% of the shares. The airline has evolved into one of the most important low-cost players in Europe, with a strong presence in high-value airports, such as Milan Linate, London Gatwick, Paris Orly and Lisbon.
It has a fleet of 356 aircraft and has ordered another 290, while its capitalization reaches 4 billion euros – an amount considered attractive to potential investors.
In 2021, Wizz Air had attempted a takeover, but its proposal was rejected as low.
MSC’s strategy after the “shipwreck” with ITA Airways
MSC, after the failed attempt to acquire ITA Airways (through a joint venture with Lufthansa), as reported in the publication, seems to be looking to re-enter the airline sector. The addition of a company like easyJet would ideally complement its broad portfolio, which already includes ports, cruise ships, cargo ships, cargo transport and even private clinics.
easyJet’s presence in key tourism countries —Italy, France, Greece, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland— is considered strategic, as it could also support MSC’s cruise activities.
No competition violation – but no confirmation
Analysts estimate that MSC’s potential entry would not cause competition issues, as the shipping company and easyJet operate in different sectors.
MSC did not confirm the information, stating that it “does not comment on rumours or speculation”, while easyJet also declined to comment.
The background and market assessments
The publication hosts statements by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who estimates that “in the medium term, Air France–KLM will buy easyJet’s activities in France and Switzerland, while British Airways may acquire those of Gatwick.”
Finally, the pandemic has accelerated the convergence of shipping and aviation, with major shipping groups increasingly investing in aviation. For example, Kuehne+Nagel is the largest shareholder in Lufthansa, while CMA CGM is now the largest private investor in Air France–KLM.
MSC, with 945 ships and available liquidity of €55–60 billion, seems poised to make its next strategic move — perhaps this time in the air.
