News / Banker queries delay completion of Hapag-Lloyd-UASC merger

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The delay in the merger between Hapag-Lloyd and UASC is due to some of the Gulf carrier’s creditor banks “seeking additional security” from UASC’s sovereign backers, according to an Alphaliner report.

UASC’s current primary shareholders are Qatar Holding and the Public Investment Fund Saudi Arabia, which after the merger will own 14.3% and 10.1% respectively of Hapag-Lloyd.

Hapag-Lloyd advised on Friday that the closing date of the merger had been pushed back from 31 March to 31 May.

It said the transaction was “not at risk”, but alluded ...