Hapag-Lloyd confirms acquisition talks with ZIM
Hapag-Lloyd’s Management Board has confirmed that it is engaged in advanced discussions regarding the potential acquisition of all shares in Zim Integrated Shipping Services.
At present, no binding agreement has been finalized. The transaction is contingent upon the approval of both Hapag-Lloyd’s Management Board and Supervisory Board. Furthermore, the deal requires consent from ZIM’s corporate bodies and shareholders. Due to special rights outlined in ZIM’s articles of association, approval from the State of Israel is also necessary.
Hapag-Lloyd is currently in advanced discussions with FIMI Opportunity Funds to address these specific obligations. The transaction will also be subject to various regulatory approvals before its completion.
According to reports from Calcalist, Hapag-Lloyd has emerged as the successful party in a six-month tender process and has agreed to acquire ZIM in partnership with FIMI, which is recognized as Israel’s largest private equity fund. The proposed deal values 100% of ZIM at over $3.5 billion.
Should this transaction proceed, it will result in ZIM’s delisting from the New York Stock Exchange, where it has been publicly traded since its initial public offering in 2021. Calcalist also indicates that Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI intend to divide ZIM’s global and strategic assets to adhere to the Israeli state’s “golden share” requirements.