EasyJet shares surged after agreeing in principle to a £5.5 billion takeover by Castlelake, though the stock remained below the offer price amid concerns over EU ownership rules and deal structure. Analysts flagged regulatory and shareholder approval risks, while the bidder must formalise its offer by August 3.

The offer of £6.90 per share for Easyjet remains short of the £7 per share offer that some shareholders had been holding out for.

Agreement in principle with Castlelake follows several rejected offers and means UK’s biggest low-cost carrier will be taken private

The agreement marks huge progress for the companies after months of fraught negotiations

Castlelake’s £6.90-a-share bid values EasyJet at more than £5 billion.