CMA CGM has ended its interest in taking over German rival Hapag-Lloyd, according to CEO Rodolphe Saade.

The French container line had approached Hapag-Lloyd shareholders like logistics tycoon Klaus-Michael Kuhne earlier this year about a deal, but was knocked back.

It had not commented on the potential transaction until now.

Saade told Reuters the company continued to look at acquisition opportunities despite the failure to land the German line.