Shook Herzl Acquires Stop Market for $180 Million
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Shook Herzl, owned by Dudu Ezra Holdings, has acquired the Stop Market supermarket chain for approximately 680 million shekels, with Bank Hapoalim providing significant financing. The combined entity will operate 23 branches nationwide under separate brands. Shook Herzl plans to open 10 new branches in the next year, primarily in northern Israel, projecting combined annual sales of 1.5 billion shekels, potentially reaching 2 billion by the end of 2027.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shook Herzl acquired Stop Market for approximately 680 million shekels.
- The acquisition was finalized after receiving approval from the Competition Authority.
- Bank Hapoalim provided approximately 500 million shekels in financing for the deal.
- The combined supermarket chains will operate 23 branches nationwide under separate brands.
- Shook Herzl plans to open 10 new branches in the next year, mainly in northern Israel.
- Combined annual sales are projected to reach 1.5 billion shekels, potentially 2 billion by end of 2027.
The Israeli food retail sector is seeing a major acquisition as Shook Herzl, owned by Dudu Ezra Holdings, purchases the Stop Market supermarket chain for approximately 680 million shekels. The deal, finalized after receiving approval from the Competition Authority on October 11, 2026, was financed in part by Bank Hapoalim, which provided about 500 million shekels to a specially formed company for the acquisition.
Both supermarket chains will continue to operate under their existing brands. Together, they will now comprise 23 branches nationwide. Shook Herzl currently operates 12 branches, while the acquired Stop Market, founded about 26 years ago by Yossi Meshiah, has 11 branches and employs approximately 900 people. Stop Market is known for its seven-day-a-week operations and large, approximately 2,500 square meter stores, with a focus on premium products.
Shook Herzl plans to expand significantly in the coming year, aiming to open 10 new branches, primarily in northern Israel, with additional expansion in the central region. Locations for these new stores include Yehud, Kiryat Shmona, Hazor HaGlilit, Katzrin, Ma'alot, Ami'ad, Tirat Carmel, Ramat Yishai, Hazorea, and Acre.
Following the acquisition and planned expansion, Dudu Ezra Holdings estimates its combined annual sales will reach about 1.5 billion shekels, potentially growing to 2 billion shekels by the end of 2027. The group, founded in 1989 by Dudu Ezra, is active in food retail, fruits and vegetables, logistics, and distribution.
Mushiel Alkaiem, CEO and owner of Shook Herzl, stated that the merger is a significant strategic step in building a strong, nationwide food retail group, building on a long-standing business partnership where Shook Herzl operates fruit and vegetable departments in Stop Market branches. He also noted that Shook Herzl's customer club, with over 200,000 members, is expected to grow to half a million or more through the merger.
Shmulik Arbel, Deputy CEO of Bank Hapoalim's Business Division, praised the deal as a milestone for the food and retail industry in Israel, highlighting the bank's expertise in financing such growth engines. Lawyers from A. Zohar & Co. advised Shook Herzl, while Eli Eliyah and Hana Attias from Gornitzky & Co. advised Bank Hapoalim.
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