China Merchants Energy Shipping (SHA:601872) plans to acquire control of Antong Holdings (SHA:600179), according to a Shanghai bourse filing late Wednesday.
The Chinese shipping company, through subsidiary Sinotrans Container Lines, currently holds a 14.9% stake in Antong as its largest shareholder.
Together with parties acting in concert under China Merchants Group, the group holds a total of 24.8% stake in Antong, which also engages in container shipping and transport logistics.
CMES did not disclose how it plans to boost its ownership in Antong, and whether the deal involves a cash transaction.
The company said the acquisition will expand its core shipping business and bolster its capacity.
Antong's shares jumped nearly 8% in recent trade.