ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has approved a takeover but the deal could be put on hold after a new investor proposed a richer offer.
The Israeli liner earlier this year agreed to be acquired by Hapag-Lloyd of Germany and investor FIMI Opportunity Funds of Israel for $4.2 billion. That valued Zim at $35 per share, or a 58% premium at that time. The terms of the deal call for the creation of a separate entity, New Zim, which for national security purposes would control 16 Israel-flagged vessels, the Zim brand and a golden share owned by the government.
The company’s shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deal in late April.
Hapag-Lloyd is the fifth-largest container carrier in the world. Zim would add capacity of about 700,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), but not move Hapag-Lloyd up in the rankings.
Zim offers trans-Pacific headhaul services from Asia to the U.S. West and Gulf coasts, and to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Now, an all-cash bid of $4.5 billion has been made by businessman Haim Sakal and Israeli investors. It reportedly includes a $250 million employee‑bonus package, and the group has pledged to keep the fleet and operational headquarters under Israeli control.
Sakal is chairman of Sakal Holdings, with extensive experience in fashion, duty‑free and retail franchise operations in Israel and the region.
It is not clear whether Zim can legally switch to the rival proposal, though the Sakal group aims to force a review or extension‑related renegotiation.
Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
Related coverage:
This autonomous ship mooring system really sucks – and that’s a good thing
The U.S. Navy wants to build 15 nuclear-powered battleships
Houston gains cargo share as volumes soften at West Coast ports
Trans-Pacific ocean rates remain above pre-war levels despite muted outlook
Freight Fraud Symposium
Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.
Supply Chain AI Symposium
Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.
Future of Rail Symposium
Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.
Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH Register NowPast the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.
The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL Register NowReshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now