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Hapag-Lloyd, FIMI in Advanced Talks to Acquire ZIM in ~$3.5 Billion Deal

Israel is weighing a golden-share veto following union protests.

Overview

  • Both buyers say negotiations are advanced yet non-binding, with a proposed transaction that would delist ZIM from Wall Street.
  • The consortium has indicated it would assume obligations tied to Israel’s golden share that protect strategic assets.
  • Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered an immediate review, tasking Director-General Moshe Ben-Zaken to assess state veto options.
  • ZIM’s workers’ union announced a 48-hour warning strike after reports highlighted Hapag-Lloyd’s links to Qatari and Saudi sovereign funds.
  • Shareholder approvals and multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearances, potentially including EU competition review, are expected, with closing unlikely before 2027.