"The aim should be to create something bigger by merging severalcompanies," CEO Michael Behrendt told Reuters.
"It is my goal that we can catch up withthe top three. I may not be able to achieve this during my time, but perhapsmake a step in that direction," he added.
Behrendt also said Hapag-Lloyd would be ready to resurrectits IPO when markets improve.
The deal with CSAV would place the combined entity fourth worldwide behind MaerskLine, MSC and CMA CGM, which are trying to win permission in the US for their giant P3tie-up.
Talks
