Dole Israel Set to Acquire Full Control of Zappa Concert Venues

Dole Israel is in advanced negotiations to purchase the remaining 40.5% stake in the Zappa concert venue chain from its German partner, Eventim, for NIS 20 million. This acquisition would grant Dole Israel, already a significant shareholder, exclusive control over the popular entertainment network. Businessman Golan Einat will retain his 19% share.

The deal also includes a significant operational shift, with Dole Israel taking direct responsibility for all ticket sales, a function previously managed by Eventim. The negotiations have been ongoing for over a year, with the finalization currently awaiting regulatory and banking approvals, including from the Antitrust Commissioner and lending banks. If approvals are secured, the deal is expected to close within a few months.

This move follows a period of significant discord between Dole Israel and Eventim. In early 2025, Dole Israel filed a lawsuit against Eventim in the Tel Aviv District Court, seeking to prevent dilution of its shares, appoint an auditor to investigate irregularities, and establish a separation mechanism. Dole Israel alleged Eventim operated with a lack of transparency and that its former CEO, Ami Feinstein, faced disputes with artists who refused to perform at Zappa venues.

Eventim vehemently denied these claims, labeling them false and asserting that the venues were operating at full capacity and that the accusations against Feinstein were baseless. The internal conflicts reportedly impacted the Zappa network's operations, which pioneered the concert and hospitality club model in Israel, allowing stronger competitors like Tomix and Kupat Tel Aviv to emerge. Zappa currently operates major venues in Binyamina, Haifa, Herzliya, Jerusalem, Latrun, and Tel Aviv.

Dole Israel's ownership structure has also seen changes. Businessman Yitzhak Tshuva, who gained full control in 1998, sold 70% of his shares in 2020 to Lahav LR and CEO Uri Manzor for NIS 750 million due to the COVID-19 crisis. Tshuva currently holds a 25% stake through Dole Petroleum.