The recent merger of two prominent shipping companies may serve as an indication that the trend of deglobalization has its boundaries.
Star Bulk Carriers announced on Monday its acquisition of Eagle Bulk Shipping, creating a combined entity valued at over $2 billion. Following the announcement, Star Bulk experienced a slight dip in out-of-hours trading while Eagle Bulk saw a significant increase of over 10% in the premarket.
It is worth noting that the shipping sector has always been a noteworthy indicator of economic health. As the demand for product distribution tends to rise along with increasing production, it serves as an early indicator of improving growth prospects.
Moreover, this merger can also be viewed as a vote of confidence in the future of the shipping industry, which has faced a challenging period in recent years. The global trade disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a virtual standstill in trade activities. Additionally, the industry has been weighed down by China’s slow economic recovery. However, there is now a concerted effort by the country to replenish crucial resources such as iron ore and coal, leading to a quadrupling of daily freight rates since the beginning of this year.
This strategic partnership will establish the fourth-largest commodities carrier, a sizeable entity that would undoubtedly attract a broader range of investors. Mutual funds, for instance, tend to be more interested in companies valued at over $1 billion. Notably, the deal received support from Oaktree Capital Management, which held stakes in both firms, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
In summary, the merger of Star Bulk Carriers and Eagle Bulk Shipping not only signifies potential limits to deglobalization but also instills hope for the future of the shipping industry. By overcoming the challenges faced in recent years, this alliance positions itself as an attractive investment opportunity, appealing to a wider spectrum of investors.
