The German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. for 35 dollars per share in cash, which puts the total value of the transaction at over 4 billion dollars. According to ZIM itself, the agreed price represents a 58% premium over the stock price on February 13, 2026, a 90% premium over its volume-weighted average price over the last 90 days, and a 126% premium over the unaffected price of 15.50 dollars recorded on August 8, 2025, prior to market speculation.
The signing of the agreement comes just a day after Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that it was maintaining "advanced talks" about the acquisition of the Israeli shipping company.
ZIM currently operates a fleet of approximately 120 container ships with a combined capacity of 704,450 TEU, making it the tenth largest container shipping company in the world, according to data from Alphaliner. Of this total, 15 vessels are owned (92,934 TEU) and 102 operate under charter agreements (611,516 TEU).
As part of the agreement, Hapag-Lloyd has explained that FIMI, the Israeli private equity fund, will assume ownership of a segregated container shipping line that will service some of the most relevant strategic trade routes, seamlessly connecting with Hapag-Lloyd's global network. The new line, named "New ZIM", will begin operations with 16 modern, large, and efficient vessels and will take full responsibility for ZIM's Golden Share as well as the commercial brand.
For its part, ZIM has detailed that the Special State Share that the State of Israel holds in the company will be transferred to a new subsidiary of FIMI, subject to the approval of the Israeli Government. The new entity, incorporated in Israel, will operate under the ZIM brand and will be owned and managed by FIMI, backed by a long-term strategic partnership with Hapag-Lloyd that includes commercial support during the initial period to allow for a structured start of operations.
The transaction is subject to the approval of ZIM's shareholders and the competent regulatory authorities. Once completed, the combination of both shipping companies would consolidate Hapag-Lloyd's position as the fifth largest container shipping company in the world, with a fleet of over 400 vessels, a capacity of 3 million TEU, and annual volumes exceeding 18 million TEU. The German company forecasts that the operation will generate "several hundred million dollars in annual synergies."
"ZIM is an excellent partner for Hapag-Lloyd," declared Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. "Customers will benefit from a significantly strengthened network on Transpacific, Intra-Asia, Atlantic, Latin America, and Eastern Mediterranean routes. We share the same ambitions: great customer service, outstanding operational quality, and a commitment to digital innovation," he added, also committing to "building a very substantial and long-term presence in Israel."
Yair Seroussi, chairman of ZIM's board of directors, noted that the announcement is "the culmination of a thorough strategic review dedicated to maximizing value for shareholders," and stated that the operation "represents the most prudent and beneficial transaction for all stakeholder groups of ZIM."
Until the transaction is closed, both shipping companies will continue to operate as competitors and will maintain their usual activities. Operational collaboration will be limited to existing vessel-sharing and space charter agreements, with regulatory and shareholder approvals expected by the end of 2026.
However, the operation is not without labor tensions. Israeli media have reported that ZIM's unionized workers began an indefinite strike on Sunday to protest against the sale plans to Hapag-Lloyd. According to these reports, employees claim that they were not consulted about the operation and have expressed concerns about job security and Israel's ability to transport essential supplies in emergency situations.