Control Battle Intensifies at Hazi Hinam Supermarket Chain

The internal conflict at the Israeli supermarket chain Hazi Hinam is escalating, with controlling shareholder Moti Cooperly reportedly reducing the authority of Orit Shalom Bag, the daughter of the chain's founder. Following Cooperly's takeover of the co-CEO role from Shalom Bag in June, he has further curtailed her responsibilities as former VP of Trade and Marketing. Cooperly has hired Nissim Freinti for a senior trade management position without Shalom Bag's knowledge and transferred marketing oversight to a team that previously reported to her. Doron Baker, who served under Shalom Bag, has already left the company. Sources indicate that while Shalom Bag still comes to the office, her influence, particularly in trade matters, has significantly diminished. Freinti is expected to assume trade management responsibilities in January, though his exact role has not been officially communicated to Shalom Bag. Industry insiders suggest these actions are intended to frustrate Shalom Bag into resigning. However, given the ongoing legal dispute, she is expected to remain and continue her work. The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Shalom Bag, representing the minority shareholder (33%), against the Cooperly family (66%) over alleged minority oppression. The lawsuit, filed after Shalom Bag was ousted as co-CEO, seeks the dissolution of the partnership's real estate company, which has guaranteed debts of NIS 1.2 billion for the retail arm. The suit also claims the real estate company has failed to repay hundreds of millions of shekels to the retail company over the years. Shalom Bag is demanding that the real estate company cease taking further credit and leveraging Hazi Hinam's assets, and that the Cooperly family purchase her shares in the real estate firm. The Cooperly family has yet to file a defense, but it is expected soon. The conflict originally arose about six years ago when founder Zaki Shalom fell ill, and his daughter Orit took over management.