Cobalt has advised Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG on its acquisition of Estonian terminal operator Transiidikeskuse AS, which will become a subsidiary of HHLA International GmbH, from Kantauro OU, which was represented by Derling.
According to Cobalt, the deal will make Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) the market leader in container handling at the Port of Muuga, which is the main port in Estonia and an important maritime location in the Baltic region." HHLA is a Germany-based port and transport logistics company. The company operates three container terminals at the Port of Hamburg in Germany and one in Odessa, Ukraine.
According to Cobalt, Transiidikeskuse AS, established in 1996, "is Estonia’s biggest terminal operator that offers complete stevedoring services.” The main activity of the stevedoring service of Transiidikeskuse AS is concentrated on the container and general goods terminals operating in the free zone of the Port of Muuga.
In a HHLA press release, Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of HHLA’s Executive Board, explains: “Estonia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe and a pioneer when it comes to digitization. We are therefore pleased to be integrating Transiidikeskuse AS – already a profitable and high-performing company – into the HHLA family. One of HHLA’s targets is to grow internationally. The successful conclusion of this contract shows that we are doing just that. The acquisition enables us to enter a promising regional market that offers growth potential as a result of its geographic position and its link to the ‘New Silk Road.’ As Hanseatic cities, Hamburg and Tallinn share a long history, to which HHLA is now adding a new chapter. At the same time, we will continue to enhance the Port of Hamburg by investing in facilities and technology. We are a Hamburg-based company, at home in Europe and operating globally.”
Anatoli Kanajev, founder and owner of Transiidikeskuse AS, added: “I am glad to hand over responsibility for Transiidikeskuse AS to HHLA. HHLA has extensive experience and expertise as a container terminal operator. This will ensure that Transiidikeskuse AS will be successful in the future and will also see sustainable development.”
Cobalt’s team included Partner Martin Simovart, Senior Associate Heleri Tammiste, and Associate Greete-Kristiine Kuru.
The Derling team consisted of Partner Rolan Jankelevitsh and Senior Associate Triin Ploomipuu.
