Shares in EasyJet have risen on news that founder Mr Stelios Haji-Ioannou is considering taking the company private.
The shares were up 2.6 per cent, or four pence, at 160.75p by 9:25 a.m. today, valuing the airline at £627.7 million sterling.
An EasyJet spokesman confirmed that Mr Haji-Iannou, who set up the airline in 1995, was considering taking the firm private, but said no final decision had been reached.
Media reported earlier that the businessman, alarmed at a steep fall in the airline's share price since 2002, could borrow to fund a £650 million takeover. Mr Haji-Iannou's family owns 41 per cent of EasyJet.
EasyJet shares plunged last month after the airline said 2004 pre-tax profits could fall under market forecasts due to high fuel costs, a price war with Ireland's Ryanair and competition with similar no-frills European carriers.
EasyJet shares traded over 500 pence in May 2002.