Hapag-Lloyd in talks to acquire Zim for $3.5 billion

Core Viewpoint - Hapag-Lloyd is in advanced negotiations to acquire Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. for approximately $3.5 billion, partnering with private equity investor FIMI Opportunity Funds of Israel [1][4][5] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will involve assuming financial obligations related to Israel's golden share in Zim, which allows the government to control the carrier's strategic assets for security purposes [1] - No binding agreements have been signed yet, and the deal requires approval from regulators and Zim shareholders, with completion not expected until 2027 [4] Group 2: Company Profiles - Hapag-Lloyd is the world's fifth-largest container line, with a capacity of 2.38 million TEUs, representing 7.1% of the global total [3] - Zim, currently ranked 10th, has a capacity of 704,000 TEUs, and the acquisition would strengthen Hapag-Lloyd's position in the market, although it would still remain outside the top four carriers [3] Group 3: Market Context - Zim shares were valued at $1.5 billion at its public offering in 2021 and are currently valued at $2.7 billion [4] - The acquisition would delist Zim shares from public trading [4]