Teddy Productions Founder Sells Control After 55 Years

Tamira Yardeni, the founder of Israeli production company Teddy Productions, has sold her controlling stake in the company after 55 years. The buyer is Yoav Tzafir, a director and editor who has been a partner at Teddy Productions for 30 years. Tzafir will become the core controlling shareholder, joined by partners Mital Cohen and Sarit Shilo.

Yardeni stated that she received multiple offers but chose to transfer the company to individuals who grew with it, understand its values, and can continue its legacy. Teddy Productions was co-founded by Yardeni and her late husband, Dudu Yardeni. Together with Tzafir and Tsivka Hadar, they produced numerous successful Israeli entertainment shows, including "The Comedy Store," "Shמש," "Kokhav Nolad," "Nolad LaRukod," "HaKokhav HaBa," and "Dancing with the Stars."

Yardeni expressed confidence in Tzafir, emphasizing his long tenure and integral role in the company. She feels fortunate that the company she and her husband established will continue to thrive under the new leadership. Tzafir conveyed his excitement for leading Teddy Productions into a new era of creation and production alongside Cohen and Shilo, thanking Yardeni for their long-standing partnership and trust. He described Teddy Productions as more than a company, but a home, a path, and values he grew up with professionally and personally, proud to continue its legacy.