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Total container capacity of 4.15 million TEUs, 19.3 pc global fleet capacity share & combined fleet of 773 vessels
On December 1, 2016, Maersk Line had announced its intention to acquire Hamburg Süd. The acquisition triggered a regulatory approval process in 23 jurisdictions, which was successfully concluded on November 28, 2017 with the approval of the acquisition by the Korea Fair Trade Commission.
“With the final approval of the acquisition, we have reached an important milestone in our strategy to become an integrated transport and logistics company delivering sustainable growth. These are truly exciting times and we are looking forward to taking the first steps forward as one company,” said Mr Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk.
“Hamburg Süd is an outstanding brand with high quality products. By combining our two businesses, we will reinforce the global positions of both companies and enhance our service offers towards customers,” he added.
The acquisition is in line with Maersk Line’s growth strategy. It represents a unique opportunity to realise commercial opportunities as well as sizable operational synergies. Combined, the two companies will be able to realise operational synergies in the region of $ 350-400 million annually as from 2019.
Upon transfer of ownership, Dr Ottmar Gast will retire as Chairman of the Executive Board of Hamburg Süd to become new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Hamburg Süd. Mr Søren Toft, Chief Operating Officer, A.P. Moller-Maersk, will become Board Member of the Supervisory Board of Hamburg Süd.
The new CEO for Hamburg Süd will be Dr Arnt Vespermann.
“Becoming part of the world’s number one shipping company will create a lot of opportunities. We will strengthen Hamburg Süd in the global playing field and grow our market share together. At the same time, Hamburg Süd will continue serving our customers as a separate brand,” said Mr Vespermann.
In the future, Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd will offer customers better market coverage, attractive direct services and other benefits via a combined global network. The cost synergies will primarily be derived from integrating and optimising the networks as well as standardised procurement.
Together, Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd will have a total container capacity of 4.15 million TEUs and a 19.3 per cent global fleet capacity share (Alphaliner, November 27, 2017). 105 Hamburg Süd vessels will be integrated into the fleet of Maersk Line. The combined fleet will include a total of 773 vessels (owned and chartered).
Maersk Line will acquire Hamburg Süd for €3.7 billion on a cash and debt-free basis. Maersk Line will finance the acquisition through a syndicated loan facility.
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