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Hapag-Lloyd announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire all the shares of Israeli ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
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The deal is worth over US$4 billion at $35 per share
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Israeli participation in the business will remain through FIMI, Israel’s largest and leading private equity fund
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FIMI will own a carved-out container liner business that will serve some of the trade-lanes that will have seamless connection to Hapag-Lloyd’s network
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Combined business would exceed a standing capacity of over 3 million TEU with more than 400 vessels and transport more than 18 million TEU annually
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Approvals of ZIM shareholders and regulatory authorities expected by late 2026
German international container shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire all the shares of Israeli ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. for a total of over US$4 billion at $35 per share.
Under the deal, Israeli participation in the business will remain through FIMI, Israel’s largest and leading private equity fund.
Hapag Lloyd said FIMI “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.”
This new container line will start with 16 modern vessels and take over full responsibility for ZIM’s Golden Share as well as the ZIM brand.
Ishay Davidi, founder and CEO of the FIMI Funds, said they recognize the “strategic importance for the State of Israel of a strong independent Israeli shipping company. We will create a stable Israeli company, the new ZIM, and view Hapag-Lloyd as a significant strategic partner for its on-going operations.”
The “New ZIM will integrate significant transatlantic capabilities, alongside additional shipping routes to Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, supported by advanced global maritime transport capabilities, while continuing to place the customer at the center of its operations,” Davidi said.
The agreement is subject to, among other transactional requirements, the approval by ZIM’s shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities. These are expected to be completed by late 2026.
Hapag-Lloyd, the 5th biggest in the global container business, said its acquisition of ZIM, the 10th largest, would secure its current market position with a modern fleet of over 400 vessels, a standing capacity of more three million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs), and an annual transport volume of more than 18 million TEU.
“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,” the company said.
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said ZIM “is and excellent partner” for them, adding that “Customers will benefit from a significantly strengthened network on the Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean. We share the same ambitions: great customer service, outstanding operational quality, and a commitment to digital innovation – all powered by the expertise and passion of our people worldwide.”
Jansen also said that the combined workforce of both companies will mean an even stronger human resource that will redound to improved operations and customer service.
“We will use this opportunity to create the best team from the exceptional talent in ZIM and Hapag-Lloyd – in Israel and around the globe – and we commit ourselves to build a very substantial and long-term presence in Israel. Together, we will set new benchmarks of excellence and secure our position as the undisputed number one for quality in our industry,” he said.
ZIM’s chair of the Board of Directors, Yair Seroussi, said the agreement “is the culmination of a thorough strategic review conducted by ZIM’s Board of Directors dedicated to maximizing shareholder value.”
READ: Hapag‑Lloyd confirms advanced negotiations to acquire ZIM
“The decision reflects a comprehensive evaluation of all available options to ensure the best possible outcome for the company’s investors. We believe that it represents the most prudent and beneficial transaction for all ZIM stakeholders that further advances the tremendous value creation track record that we have established since our IPO,” Seroussi said.
Until the full approval of the transaction, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will operate as separate entities and do “business as usual” and their operational collaboration will remain limited to existing vessel sharing and slot charter agreements.
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