Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to acquire Israel’s ZIM Integrated Shipping Services for US$35 per share in a cash deal worth US$4.2bn (c. £3.1bn).
The offer represents a 58% premium to ZIM’s prior day closing share price.
The merger would secure Hapag-Lloyd’s market position as the fifth-largest container shipping company worldwide, operating a fleet of more than 400 vessels and with capacity of 3 million TEU.
The transaction is expected to close by late 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
As part of the deal, Israeli private equity firm FIMI Opportunity Funds will establish a new liner company, ‘New ZIM’, to assume certain Special State Share obligations.
New ZIM will operate a fleet of 16 vessels focused on connecting Israel with major ports in Europe, the USA, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The company will receive commercial support from Hapag-Lloyd and access to its Gemini network.
“Customers will benefit from a significantly strengthened network on the Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. He added that company is committed to building “a very substantial and long-term presence in Israel”.
Yair Seroussi, chairman of ZIM’s board of directors said: “The decision to enter into a transaction with Hapag-Lloyd reflects our commitment to maximising value for shareholders through a competitive bidding process, while ensuring the best possible outcome for the company, our employees and the State of Israel.”
For shippers and logistics customers, the deal is expected to deliver broader port coverage, increased schedule reliability and enhanced service through a more integrated global network.
Until closing, ZIM and Hapag-Lloyd will continue to operate as independent companies.
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