EasyJet agrees to be bought by US private equity firm Apollo Global Management in a deal worth £5.7 billion (about $7.7 billion), following the collapse of rival bidder Castlelake’s attempt to acquire the airline. Multiple outlets report that easyJet formally accepts Apollo’s offer after Castlelake announced it would no longer pursue its bid. The agreement follows months of uncertainty for one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, as investors and bidders competed for the company. The terms reported across sources value easyJet at roughly the same figure, with reporting differing only in the currency conversions used. The news outlets also describe the development as ending a prolonged period of deal speculation tied to the airline sector’s broader challenges, including rising costs. After Castlelake’s withdrawal, easyJet proceeds with Apollo as the remaining bidder, moving the takeover process forward under the agreed offer.