February 18, 2026
ZIM is sold to a German shipping giant, company employees are expected to protest
תמונה: chatgpt
The Israeli shipping company ZIM is being sold to the German company Hapag-Lloyd.
The deal is valued at approximately $4.2 billion.
This is one of the largest deals in the market.
Hapag-Lloyd is one of the largest companies in the field globally.
It operates hundreds of ships and millions of containers.
The shipping market is going through a tough period.
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There are many ships and less cargo. Prices are falling, and competition is tough. The deal strengthens Hapag-Lloyd's position in the global market. Its market share rises to nearly nine percent.
Hapag-Lloyd is also supported by investors from Gulf states. This creates a broad regional economic connection. But there are also people who are concerned about it. The chairman of ZIM's workers' committee said, "Selling to a company with ties to Qatar and Saudi Arabia is a disaster for Israel."
However, ZIM's management emphasizes that the state holds a 'golden share' in the company. This means that if the new owners make decisions that harm security interests, the state has the right to revoke them. ZIM is considered a strategic asset for Israel. Especially in times of emergency and war.
The Israeli investment fund FIMI continues to be involved in local operations. ZIM's management remains in Israel. The employees continue their work. But the workers' committee opposes the move and threatens a strike.