Dudu Ezra Group Acquires Stop Market Chain for $165 Million

The Israeli retail landscape is undergoing a significant shake-up with the acquisition of the Stop Market supermarket chain by the Dudu Ezra Group for NIS 600 million (approximately $165 million). The deal will unite the two companies, creating a combined retail entity operating 22 branches and generating an estimated annual revenue of NIS 1.5 billion ($415 million).

This acquisition marks a substantial exit for the Messiach family, who founded Stop Market about 25 years ago and developed it into a profitable, premium chain operating seven days a week. Stop Market boasts annual revenues of approximately NIS 880 million ($243 million), a net profit of NIS 40 million ($11 million), and a clean credit line.

Negotiations between the parties, which began earlier this year, culminated in the signing of the agreement. Bank Hapoalim will provide the buyer with financing of around NIS 500 million ($138 million) to complete the purchase. The Dudu Ezra Group, founded by farmer Dudu Ezra from Moshav Ramot Naftali, previously operated the fruit and vegetable departments in Stop Market branches under a franchise agreement.

The current acquisition represents a major step for the Dudu Ezra Group, which has transitioned from an agricultural marketing company to a full-fledged supermarket chain in recent years. Ezra plans to expand the number of branches in the coming years and aims to take the merged company public on the stock exchange by 2028, targeting a market valuation of NIS 2 billion ($550 million).