The Port of Hamburg (PoH) is set to squeeze out the minority shareholders of HHLA, becoming the sole owner of the logistics company. PoH, co-owned by the City of Hamburg and MSC, already holds more than 95% of HHLA’s shares.
“The squeeze-out only applies to the free float shares of HHLA,” a company spokesperson told RailFreight.com. The full takeover by PoH is expected to become official following the next general meeting, scheduled for 11 June 2026. Holders of the so-called free float shares will be compensated in cash.
Implications
At first glance, the difference between owning 95% and 100% of a company may appear marginal. However, once PoH gains full control of HHLA, the company is likely to be delisted from the stock market. This would give PoH greater strategic freedom, particularly in pursuing long-term plans without the constraints associated with a listed entity.
At the same time, delisting would remove certain obligations, including the publication of quarterly financial reports and other disclosure requirements. As a result, HHLA could become a more flexible but less transparent logistics group, with broader implications for stakeholders and market visibility.