Hapag-Lloyd to Acquire ZIM Integrated Shipping Services for $11.1 Billion

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) entered a merger agreement on February 16, 2026, to be acquired by Hapag-Lloyd in an all-cash deal valued at $11.1 billion.

Deal Structure:

Hapag-Lloyd will acquire ZIM for $35 per share in cash, representing a 57.66% premium from the stock’s last close.

Company Profile:

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services is a global container shipping company founded in Israel in 1945 that provides door-to-door and port-to-port ocean freight and logistics services, operating a largely chartered fleet across major trade routes and more than 300 ports worldwide.

Hapag-Lloyd is a global container shipping and logistics company based in Hamburg, Germany, that operates hundreds of vessels and a worldwide network connecting more than 600 ports in 140+ countries, providing ocean freight and supply chain services to customers around the world.

Deal Details and Timeline:

In December last year, ZIM received a non-binding proposal from CEO Eli Glickman and Israeli shipping magnate Rami Ungar. The stock was trading at $17.17 when the Board commenced a strategic review of alternatives in response to the proposal.

Hapag-Lloyd has signed an agreement with FIMI Opportunity Funds about the future of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services.

The special government share in ZIM, currently held by the State of Israel, is expected to be transferred to a new subsidiary that FIMI will create, pending government approval. FIMI, based in Tel Aviv, is Israel’s largest private equity fund, managing over $11 billion.

FIMI plans to set up a new shipping company called “New ZIM.” It will be based in Israel, own its ships, and operate under the ZIM brand.

FIMI will own and manage the new company. Hapag-Lloyd will support it through a long-term partnership, including commercial help at the beginning to ensure a smooth start to operations.

In addition to supporting “New ZIM,” Hapag-Lloyd stated that it plans to maintain a long-term presence in Israel and intends to retain ZIM’s employees.

The deal is expected to close by late 2026.

ZIM was advised on financial matters by Evercore. Its legal advice was provided by Meitar Law Offices and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

The acquisition sees Hapag-Lloyd paying 4.23 times EBITDA for ZIM.

Deal Metrics:

For further details on this merger and acquisition transaction, please visit the Deal Metrics page here:

Deal Metrics for the acquisition of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) by Hapag-Lloyd

The Deal Metrics page for each merger or acquisition includes:

• A spread history chart of the merger from announcement through eventual completion or failure.
• Timeline of events as the merger progresses, including the expiration of the HSR period, regulatory approvals, shareholder votes, etc.
• Updates on news and SEC filings.
• A history of deal updates.
• And many more details.

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Editor’s Note: Baranjot Kaur contributed to this article