Maccabi Haifa Owner Seeks $100 Million Sale, Eyes Tech Investors

Yaakov Shahar, the owner of Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa, is once again attempting to sell the team, six months after a deal to sell half the club to American investors fell through. Shahar now aims to sell 100% of the club's shares for $100 million. He and his partners, the heirs of Israel Kaz, have hired investment bank Raine Group to find a buyer. Raine Group, which specializes in technology, media, and sports deals, has begun approaching potential investors.

The bank is reportedly trying to assemble a consortium that includes a Jewish billionaire, such as Len Blavatnik, who would acquire 51%, and a group of tech entrepreneurs who would purchase the remaining 49%. Each tech investor would contribute $5-10 million. This group of tech enthusiasts, who are fans of the club, is active in a forum called Greentech.

Entrepreneur Tom Livne is leading the initiative among the tech investors. He is known for co-founding Verbit, a transcription company that reached a $2 billion valuation. Livne currently heads Iron Dome Acquisition, a Nasdaq-listed company that raised $157 million in May. Other potential tech investors include Ofer Ben-Nun, Talach Slobodkin, Shimon Elkabetz, Ziv Paz, Tamir Bar Ilan, and Guy Nitzan.

Shahar, 84, has owned the club for 35 years and is determined to sell it to a party that guarantees its future continuity. He confirmed his intention to sell but stated that no contact has been made by the tech investor group. Previously, negotiations with American investors led by Adam Fried to purchase half the club collapsed due to valuation gaps.