When Easyjet launched in November 1995 with a flight from London to Glasgow, it operated just two routes. Since then, it has grown into the UK's largest airline, offering more than 927 routes across more than 34 countries.
Founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in a bid to democratise travel, the budget airline has become synonymous with cheap holidays for millions of travellers across Europe, as well as being a symbol of British entrepreneurship.
But now US private equity investors are circling the airline, with two rival bids tabled this week meaning Easyjet could soon fall into foreign hands.
The London-listed airline confirmed on Sunday it had agreed a £5billion deal in principle with US consortium Castlelake, before Apollo swooped in with a superior bid. This morning, Easyjet said it was minded to agree to the £5.7billion offer.
If either offer is accepted, it would spell the end of the budget airline's 26-year history on the London stock market but, most importantly, could bring about significant changes for customers.
