Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen is expected to visit Israel as the German carrier and Israeli private equity fund FIMI prepare a revised proposal for their planned $4.2 billion acquisition of ZIM.
According to a report by Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist, Habben Jansen is due to arrive in Israel on Wednesday, ahead of a revised proposal expected to be submitted on Sunday.
The report said the buyers are preparing significant changes to address concerns raised by Israeli authorities reviewing the transaction.
Israeli authorities raise concerns over ZIM routes
According to Calcalist, six of the eight Israeli government bodies whose positions are required before the state can approve the transfer of its golden share currently oppose the transaction.
The report identified concerns from bodies including the Government Companies Authority, the Israel Shipping and Ports Authority and the Ministry of Defense.
One of the main issues reportedly concerns the international shipping network that would remain available to ZIM’s Israeli operations following the transaction.
Under the proposed structure, Hapag-Lloyd would acquire ZIM’s international operations, while FIMI would establish and control a separate company, referred to as ZIM Israel, holding strategic Israeli assets covered by the state’s golden share.
Calcalist reported that FIMI would receive 16 vessels to form the core of ZIM Israel. The report said Israeli authorities do not object to the transfer of those vessels.
Instead, discussions are focused largely on the number of shipping routes that would remain available to the Israeli company.
Israel reportedly seeks six to 10 routes
According to Calcalist, the current proposal would leave ZIM Israel with three shipping routes.
Two would serve Greece, while another would connect with the United States.
However, citing sources familiar with the discussions, Calcalist reported that Israeli authorities want ZIM Israel to retain access to at least six routes and potentially as many as 10.
At least one connection with the Far East is considered essential, according to the report.
The concern is linked to maintaining Israel’s maritime connectivity during a regional emergency, particularly if foreign carriers reduce or suspend services to Israeli ports.
Israeli officials also reportedly have concerns about the financial strength of the proposed ZIM Israel entity and its potential dependence on Hapag-Lloyd for parts of its operations.
Buyers prepare revised proposal
The Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI proposal has already undergone changes as discussions with Israeli authorities continue.
According to Calcalist, the buyers have agreed to tighter restrictions on foreign ownership of ZIM Israel and increased state control over the company.
They have also committed to strengthening shipping connections between Israel and destinations in Asia, the report said.
The transaction has already received approval from ZIM shareholders but remains subject to the required Israeli regulatory approvals.
The revised proposal expected on Sunday is aimed at addressing the outstanding government concerns over maritime security, route access and the structure of ZIM Israel.
