German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd AG is in advanced negotiations to acquire Israeli carrier Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, in a move that could reshape the global container shipping hierarchy. The Hamburg-based group confirmed that talks with Zim and key Israeli investor FIMI Opportunity Funds are at a late stage, though no binding agreement has yet been signed.
The deal could be finalised within days following months of negotiations, with Zim expected to be valued at more than $3.5 billion.
If completed and approved by regulators and the Israeli government, the Haifa-based company would be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and absorbed into Hapag-Lloyd’s global network.
Zim’s workers’ union has already reacted by shutting down activities at the company’s headquarters, reflecting concerns over the future of Israel’s flagship shipping line. The Israeli state holds a “golden share” in Zim, making FIMI’s participation crucial to preserving national shipping routes deemed strategic during emergencies.
Ranked fifth globally with about 7.4 per cent market share, Hapag-Lloyd would strengthen its position by adding Zim’s charter-heavy fleet and international routes, while FIMI is expected to retain certain Israel-linked shipping assets.