Strengthening the Regional Port Presence
In addition to purely organic growth, HHLA constantly examines opportunities for acquisitions. Potential acquisitions and equity investments focus on port projects and shareholdings in attractive growth markets. Based on the economies of scope offered by the existing network and the opportunities it presents to tap additional potential – and stemming from its base on the North Sea coast – HHLA’s primary interest is in the catchment area between the Baltic region, the Northern Adriatic and the Black Sea. However, projects and shareholdings in other high-growth regions are also being examined. Both the Group’s international consultancy activities and its ongoing corporate development work can provide starting points for this approach. In addition to strategic compatibility, key decision-making criteria include growth prospects, the anticipated return on capital employed in the medium and long term, and the commercial opportunities and risks.