German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd AG said it is in advanced discussions to acquire its Israeli rival, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., marking one of the largest potential deals in the container shipping industry this year.
In a statement to the stock market, Hapag-Lloyd confirmed the talks but noted that no binding agreement has been signed yet. The negotiations include discussions with Israeli investor FIMI Opportunity Funds to meet conditions tied to Israel’s special rights over ZIM, which the state considers a strategic asset.
The deal, if completed, would likely be worth more than $3.5 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Once a sale is finalized and approved by regulators and the Israeli government, ZIM could be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
ZIM is one of the world’s long-standing shipping lines and has traded on the NYSE since 2021. Its workers’ union has already responded to the takeover talks with action, including a work stoppage at the company’s main office.
The involvement of FIMI, Israel’s largest private equity firm, appears to be aimed at meeting requirements related to ZIM’s special share held by the Israeli state. That “golden share” gives the government influence over ownership, given ZIM’s role in national logistics and security.
Hapag-Lloyd, based in Hamburg and ranked among the world’s top container carriers, said it and FIMI are working to structure a deal that could win all necessary approvals. No final price or timeline has been publicly shared.
But the political side of the deal is now drawing attention. According to Israel Hayom, Israel’s Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered an immediate review after reports of the proposed sale surfaced. Officials are examining whether the government could use its “golden share” rights to block the transaction, adding another layer of uncertainty as negotiations continue.
