UK's EasyJet rises amid media reports of MSC acquisition

** Shares of British budget airline EasyJet EZJ up 3.6% at 480.5 p, top gainer on London's FTSE 100 CURRENCYCOM:UK100

** Italian media reports of co's possible acquisition by global container shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping

** Co's spokesperson declines to comment, MSC denies any involvement in a statement to Reuters

** Up to Monday's close, stock had fallen 17.14% so far this year