Special State Share (Golden Share) in ZIM held by the State of Israel to be transferred to a new dedicated Israeli container line owned by FIMI Opportunity Funds (FIMI)
Approvals of ZIM shareholders and regulatory authorities expected by late 2026
Today, Hapag-Lloyd signed an agreement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., the world’s 10th largest container shipping line, under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares for a consideration of USD 35.00 per share in cash. The total transaction value amounts to over USD 4 billion.
FIMI, Israel’s largest and leading private equity fund, 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. The new container line will start with 16 modern, sizeable, and efficient vessels and take over full responsibility for ZIM’s Golden Share as well as the ZIM brand.
The completion of the envisaged transactions is subject, among others, to approval by ZIM’s shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Keys to the merger
The business combination of Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM would secure Hapag-Lloyd’s market position as the fifth-largest container shipping company worldwide with a modern fleet of over 400 vessels, a standing capacity of over 3 million TEU, 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. Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will leverage the highly skilled workforce and cutting-edge technologies of both companies to build an even stronger combined team that will remain very customer centric, focused on profitable growth and delivering superior quality to customers around the globe.
“ZIM is an excellent partner for Hapag-Lloyd”, said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. “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. 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.”
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a thorough strategic review conducted by ZIM’s Board of Directors dedicated to maximizing shareholder value. 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,” said Yair Seroussi, Chairman of ZIM’s Board of Directors.
Ishay Davidi, Founder and CEO of the FIMI Funds: “FIMI recognizes and believes in 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. 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. New ZIM will work to provide its customers with the highest level of service. FIMI intends to leverage its experience and strategic capabilities to lead New ZIM toward stable operations and uncompromising quality, while maintaining a deep commitment to its employees, suppliers and customers”.
Until the closing of the transaction, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will remain competitors and do “business as usual”. Their operational collaboration will stay limited to existing vessel sharing and slot charter agreements. The necessary approvals of regulatory authorities and ZIM shareholders are expected by late 2026.
