Advisers Poised for $425 Million Windfall in easyJet Sale to US Private Equity

City advisers stand to earn approximately £334.5 million (about $425 million) in fees from the sale of easyJet to US private equity firm Apollo Global Management. The deal, valued at £5.7 billion, will see the budget airline delist from the London Stock Exchange.

Bankers, lawyers, and public relations experts are among those positioned to profit from the transaction, according to takeover documents. The sale requires investor approval on November 9. If successful, easyJet will join a growing list of British companies acquired by US ownership.

The acquisition has received the backing of the airline's founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, whose family retains a 15.3% stake in the company. Apollo Global Management will allocate £190.6 million towards financing arrangements and an additional £22.5 million for brokers and advisers.

Legal counsel involved in the deal are expected to receive £39.2 million, with public relations teams earning £3 million. Tax advisers are set to be compensated with £25.1 million. On easyJet's side, bankers will share £32 million, lawyers £17.9 million, and PR professionals £2.3 million. Other professional services and expenses related to the sale amount to £2 million.

The news of these substantial fees emerged as easyJet pilots voiced concerns about their future employment. Approximately 4,000 pilots, represented by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa), have expressed a need for greater clarity regarding workforce plans, pensions, operational strategy, and employee consultation processes following the completion of the transaction. Their concerns are outlined in the 320-page court document detailing the sale.