Hapag-Lloyd has signed a merger agreement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services under which the German carrier would acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares for USD 35.00 per share in cash, valuing the transaction at over USD 4bn.
Under the proposed structure, Israel’s private equity firm FIMI Opportunity Funds would take ownership of a carved-out Israeli container liner business, which would assume full responsibility for ZIM’s “golden share” and take over the ZIM brand.
The parties said the deal is subject to approvals, with ZIM shareholder and regulatory approvals expected by late 2026.
What’s in the deal
According to the press release, the carved-out business owned by FIMI will launch as a new dedicated Israeli container line with 16 “modern, sizeable, and efficient” vessels and will take over responsibility for the state’s special share rights.
Hapag-Lloyd said the combined business would keep its position as the world’s fifth-largest container line, with a fleet of over 400 vessels, standing capacity of more than 3 million TEU, and annual transport volume of more than 18 million TEU.
The company estimates the transaction would generate “several hundred million USD” of annual synergies.
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said customers would see a stronger network across trades including the Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean.
“Business as usual” until closing
Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM said they will remain competitors until the transaction closes, with operational collaboration limited to existing vessel sharing and slot charter agreements.
Trans.info has previously reported that Israel’s golden share gives the state special rights designed to protect strategic maritime capacity, and it has been a central factor in takeover discussions around ZIM. In your earlier coverage, unions and political stakeholders also raised concerns about the ownership structure of any buyer and the implications for national interests.
The companies have tied the timetable to corporate and regulatory sign-offs, stating that the necessary approvals are expected by late 2026.
If the process moves forward as planned, the next milestones to watch will be the ZIM shareholder vote, competition/regulatory decisions, and the formal set-up of the FIMI-owned “new ZIM” that will carry the golden share obligations.
