Dive Brief:
- CMA CGM finalized its acquisition of Mercosul Line from previous owner Maersk Line, according to a press release. Mercosul is a leader in Brazil’s domestic container shipping industry.
- Once Maersk received approval to proceed with its acquisition of Hamburg Süd, CMA CGM completed its purchase, confirming that cabotage remains healthy in Brazil, and that a range of carriers remain available to Brazilian customers, Maersk said in a press release.
- Maersk Line will now operate Hamburg Süd's subsidiary line Aliança, Brazil's leading cabotage carrier.
Dive Insight:
The transition of Mercosul to CMA CGM happened without a hitch.
Though the purchase of Hamburg Süd by Maersk took a full 12 months and included the European Union's demand of the sale of Mercosul, now that the sale is complete, business within the most recent alliances can carry on undisturbed, thanks to Brazil's surprisingly uncomplicated approval.
Since the mergers and alliances of various cargo carriers began over a year ago, the process has grown increasingly supple. The transition of Mercosul directly into the CMA CGM fleet being a case in point: within days if not hours, the line simply shifted ownership.
Though few merger options remain available among the major lines, it seems that all the important players — approving governmental bodies included — are now conveniently well-practiced. Let's hope it's an indication of smooth waters ahead.
