With sources suggesting that a 37.13% stake in K Line is backed by Maersk Line, speculation has been mounting about Maersk taking over the Japanese shipping line, according to TradeWinds.
But an unnamed K Line executive was adamant that there was no truth in this rumour. He said: “This rumour is groundless. There was a Japanese article on this last month but the magazine did not verify the information with K Line. There is no reason why Maersk wants to take over our company.”
An unnamed Maersk spokesperson was non-committal. He said: “Our aim is to grow organically. As always, if there is an interesting opportunity, we will look at it. We welcome consolidation. Our industry is very fragmented and consolidation can help transform our business to the benefit of the customers.”
