CEO of the shipping giant that buys Zim: “We will maintain the presence in Israel”

To questions about the expected optimization of the employee situation, he replied that at least initially no change is expected, but he estimated that in the 5-10 years after the acquisition, it is likely that the number of employees in both companies together will be slightly less than today. “From experience in previous purchases, we handled it well,” he promised. Regarding the question of his opinion on the concern of the employees, who started a warning strike at the company’s headquarters, he expressed understanding for the concern, but said that “we are trying to explain to people the plans going forward. I certainly understand that people are afraid when there is uncertainty.” He estimated that when the employees understood the plan, they would feel more comfortable.

“Zim presented exceptional results, the team did a great job there,” said Haben Jansen. “There is a strategic fit between the two companies.” According to him, based on Zim’s forecasts and Peg Lloyd’s results, the combination would have generated in 2025 revenues of $28 billion with EBITDA of $5.8 billion. He promised that Pegg Lloyd would maintain a significant presence in Israel, in order to benefit from the highly skilled workforce.

Haben Jansen was asked if he is not afraid that the Houthis will treat Peg Lloyd as an Israeli company and threaten them, and he replied that the ownership of Peg Lloyd itself does not change. Another question concerned the shareholders from Qatar and Western Saudi Arabia at Hagg Lloyd (the sovereign funds of the two countries), to which he said that the representatives of these shareholders are on the supervisory board of the company, which supports the transaction.

Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of 2026, and among other things, is subject to the approval of the State of Israel, which holds a “golden share” in Zim, as well as to the regulators that oversee competition in various countries. Habne Jansen estimated that the solution of Fimi’s integration into the deal and the commitment of Peg Lloyd to a significant presence in Israel are good for the country, and he estimated that the other regulators abroad would also approve it.

Regarding the question about the premium that the company is paying – 58% above the market price of Zim in New York – he said that “the price is certainly not low, but we estimate that it is an excellent property and that the premium is justified.”