The Management Board of Hapag-Lloyd has officially confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations to acquire all shares of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services.The potential deal is valued at more than $3.5 billion.
Hapag-Lloyd reportedly won a six-month tender process to acquire the Israeli carrier. To navigate complex regulatory requirements, the German shipping giant is partnering with FIMI Opportunity Funds, Israel’s largest private equity fund.
- The partners plan to acquire 100% of ZIM.
- If successful, the transaction will result in ZIM’s delisting from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where it has traded since its 2021 IPO.
While talks are advanced, no binding agreement has been signed.
The deal faces several critical approval stages:
- Corporate Approval: Both Hapag-Lloyd’s and ZIM’s boards and shareholders must greenlight the transaction.
- State Consent: The State of Israel holds a “golden share” in ZIM, granting it special rights over the company’s strategic assets to ensure national interests are met.
- Asset Split: To comply with these state requirements, reports suggest Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI will split ZIM’s global and strategic assets. Hapag-Lloyd is currently discussing with FIMI how to manage these special obligations.
The transaction remains subject to final regulatory approvals and the consent of the State of Israel.