Alphaliner: Decision expected this week on future of Hamburg Süd

The industry analyst said it believes Maersk Line and CMA CGM are “frontrunners” in acquiring the German carrier.    German conglomerate Oetker Group is expected to announce a decision this week on whether to retain or divest the container carrier Hamburg Sud, according to industry analyst Alphaliner.
   Alphaliner said, “The decision will have to be made quickly, as Hamburg Süd is at risk of being left behind by the wave of consolidation among competing carriers, as well as by the formation of new East-West Alliances,” which go into effect next April.
   Hamburg Süd is not a member of either the 2M Alliance, OCEAN Alliance or THE Alliance, the three new ocean carrier agreements scheduled to commence next Spring.
   “Hamburg Süd’s current East-West trade slot arrangements with UASC, COSCO and APL are all expected to be terminated by April 2017, and the carrier may be forced to downscale its involvement,” Alphaliner said.
   Alphaliner contends Maersk and CMA CGM are “frontrunners” as possible buyers of Hamburg Süd.
   Other publications have also mentioned Hapag-Lloyd and COSCO as possible buyers.
   Alphaliner believes Oetker is seeking $5 billion for the company.