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MSC looking to buy stake in Hapag-Lloyd, Manager Magazin reports - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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MSC looking to buy stake in Hapag-Lloyd, Manager Magazin reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 17, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 17, 2026

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Finance Markets Shipping M&A

MSC denies media report it looking to buy stake in Hapag-Lloyd

MSC Responds to Acquisition Rumors

Background of the Report

June 17 (Reuters) - MSC, the world's largest container shipping company, denied a report by Manager Magazin published on Wednesday that its founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte is looking to acquire a stake in German rival Hapag-Lloyd.

Official Statements

"This report is not true," MSC told Reuters. Hapag Lloyd declined to comment on the report.

Details from Manager Magazin

Citing sources, the business magazine had reported that Aponte had been in talks with Hapag-Lloyd's main shareholders for some time despite being brushed off.

Hapag-Lloyd Shareholder Structure

German billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne and Chilean shipping company Compania Sud Americana De Vapores each hold 30% in Hapag-Lloyd, LSEG data show.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Linda Pasquini, editing by Thomas Seythal and Madeline Chambers)

Key Takeaways

  • MSC, under Aponte, is exploring a strategic entry into Hapag‑Lloyd, signaling growing consolidation pressures in global container shipping.
  • Hapag‑Lloyd’s top shareholders—Klaus‑Michael Kühne and CSAV—each hold approximately 30%, with additional influence via a coalition controlling over 70% of the company.
  • This bid comes amid MSC’s ongoing expansion under the next generation of the Aponte family, reinforcing its global leadership in maritime logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is reportedly interested in buying a stake in Hapag-Lloyd?
Gianluigi Aponte, founder and executive chairman of MSC, is reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in Hapag-Lloyd.
Which companies currently hold major stakes in Hapag-Lloyd?
German billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne and Compania Sud Americana De Vapores each hold a 30% stake in Hapag-Lloyd.
Have MSC or Hapag-Lloyd commented on the reported talks?
Both MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have not immediately responded to requests for comment on the reported talks.
Which publication reported on MSC's interest in Hapag-Lloyd?
Manager Magazin reported on MSC's interest in acquiring a stake in Hapag-Lloyd, citing sources.

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