A stronger-than-expected peak season pushed Hapag-Lloyd to increase its 2026 EBITDA and EBIT forecasts by more than $1bn, and the carrier and partner FIMI have presented a reworked takeover proposal to address Israeli government concerns over a purchase of Zim’s international operations.
Hapag-Lloyd upgraded 2026 full-year EBITDA guidance to $3.9bn–$4.4bn and group EBIT to $1.25bn–$1.75bn, citing strong demand and rising spot freight rates.
Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI submitted revised terms for the proposed acquisition of Zim Israel to meet Israeli government conditions, including route commitments, increased reefer capacity, and a separate IT system.
Key operational questions remain: whether the proposed 16-vessel Zim Israel fleet can support the promised Far East–Israel, Israel–US east coast, and intra-Europe services, and how any additional tonnage would be financed.
Nonetheless, the carrier's growing war-chest will give it further financial ammunition to push through its acquisition of Zim's international operations. Previous reports have suggested the deal could result in the loss of some 200 jobs at Zim, although FIMI has reportedly offered "generous conditions for voluntary retirement and a commitment to avoid layoffs by the end of 2027". Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI are due to present the revisions in detail within the next 45 days.
Hapag-Lloyd ups 2026 profit forecast and submits revised Zim bid. It explained that this was due to "continued strong market demand and the ongoing positive development of spot freight rates", but also warned that "against the backdrop of volatile freight rates and persistent geopolitical challenges, the forecast is subject to a high degree of uncertainty". In a series of meetings in Israel at the weekend, Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI Opportunity Funds, the Israeli private equity fund that would own and operate Zim Israel, produced a revised offer that attempted to satisfy the government's concerns.
The carrier boosted its earnings guidance for the year by approximately $1 billion, citing continued strength in spot freight rates.
The carrier boosted its earnings guidance for the year by approximately $1 billion, citing continued strength in spot freight rates.
The carrier was forced to make changes to the $4.2 billion deal to address Israeli government concerns that the transaction in its original form would undermine Israel's national security.
Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli private equity firm FIMI are expected to submit a revised proposal for their US$4.2 billion acquisition of ZIM. The two parties have been given 30 days to make structural changes to the transaction, according to a report by Calcalist. The changes are aimed at addressing concerns raised by the Is
Hapag-Lloyd may yet land its prize purchase of Zim, the Israeli government affording the carrier an extra 30 days to revise the details of its proposed $4.2bn takeover and silence critics in Tel Aviv who remain hostile to the deal. It is understood the German carrier and Israeli financial institution FIMI Opportunity F
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