The world’s top container carrier, MSC, expressed interest in buying a substantive share of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a leading terminal operator of Hamburg Port.

According to a news report by Shipping Watch, MSC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Port of Hamburg Beteiligungsgesellschaft, is bidding to acquire half of HHLA. The report adds that Hamburg City has agreed to the terms of the potential acquisition.

The media circulated inside information about an announcement made by HHLA on the takeover. The announcement states, ”The Bidder further informed that in connection with the Takeover Offer, MSC and the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg (’FHH’) have today entered into a binding agreement setting out the basic parameters and terms of the Takeover Offer and the parties’ mutual intentions and understandings with respect to the Company.”

“In close consultation with the Supervisory Board of HHLA, the Executive Board will review and evaluate the announced Takeover Offer in the best interests of the company while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders,” adds the announcement.