British budget carrier easyJet is rumored to have come under the radar of U.S. investment firm Castlelake for a possible takeover.

While ​easyJet has called the timing "highly opportunistic," analysts say its low valuation, slots at key airports and stable fleet make it ⁠a prime takeover target as ⁠it has struggled to boost its market capitalization since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Few people can resist a bargain," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst ​at trading platform IG.

Shares underperform rivals

The British carrier's ​shares have ⁠underperformed peers like Ryanair, making it attractive to potential suitors.