Hapag-Lloyd has signed an agreement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, the world’s 10th largest container shipping line, under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares for a consideration of USD 35.00 per share in cash. The total transaction value amounts to over USD 4 billion.
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FIMI, Israel’s largest and leading private equity fund, will take ownership of a carved-out container liner business that will serve some of the most important strategic trade-lanes, seamlessly connect to the global network of Hapag-Lloyd and in combination enhance and secure the global maritime connectivity for the State of Israel. The new container line will start with 16 modern, sizeable, and efficient vessels and take over full responsibility for ZIM’s Golden Share as well as the ZIM brand.
The completion of the envisaged transactions is subject, among others, to approval by ZIM’s shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities.
The business combination of Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM would secure Hapag-Lloyd’s market position as the fifth-largest container shipping company worldwide with a modern fleet of over 400 vessels, a standing capacity of over 3 million TEUs, and an annual transport volume of more than 18 million TEUs. The combined business would strengthen the network on all major global trades and consolidate their leadership in key growth markets. The transaction is estimated to generate several hundred million USD of annual synergies. Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will leverage the highly skilled workforce and cutting-edge technologies of both companies to build an even stronger combined team that will remain very customer centric, focused on profitable growth and delivering superior quality to customers around the globe.
Until the closing of the transaction, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will remain competitors and do “business as usual”. Their operational collaboration will stay limited to existing vessel sharing and slot charter agreements. The necessary approvals of regulatory authorities and ZIM shareholders are expected by late 2026.