Overview
- Hapag-Lloyd agreed to buy ZIM for $35 per share in cash, a roughly $4.2 billion transaction approved by both companies’ boards.
- The structure creates an Israel-based “New ZIM” financed by FIMI that will hold 16 vessels and Israel’s golden-share rights to safeguard strategic control.
- Israel’s transportation minister ordered an immediate review, and the sale requires the consent of the state in addition to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
- ZIM workers launched strikes at the Haifa headquarters, disrupting port activity, as attention focused on Hapag-Lloyd’s minority shareholders from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
- Closing is targeted for late 2026 subject to multi-jurisdictional competition clearances and a shareholder vote, and ZIM’s stock jumped about 34% after the announcement.