Maccabi Haifa Owner Seeks $100 Million Sale

Yaakov Shahar, the 84-year-old owner of Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa, is seeking to sell the club for $100 million, according to a report in Calcalist. Shahar, who has owned the team for 35 years, is reportedly renewing efforts to sell the entire club after a previous deal to sell half his shares to American investors fell through about six months ago.

Shahar and the heirs of Israel Kaz, his partners, have hired the international investment bank Rain Group, which specializes in sports deals, to find a buyer. The bank has begun approaching potential investors. One possibility being explored is forming a purchasing group that includes a Jewish billionaire who would hold 51% of the shares, alongside a group of high-tech professionals and Maccabi Haifa fans who would acquire the remaining 49%.

Under this proposed structure, individual investors in the minority group would be required to invest between $5 million and $10 million each. The high-tech group is reportedly operating under the "GreenTech" forum, which unites entrepreneurs and businesspeople who are fans of Maccabi Haifa. Tom Livne, a co-founder of the company Verbit, is leading this initiative. Other potential investors mentioned include Ofer Ben Noon, Talach Slobodkin, Shimon Elkabetz, Ziv Paz, Tamir Bar Ilan, Ami Sircus, and Guy Nitzan. Hotelier David Fattal and businessman Udi Angel may also be involved, though not all members of the forum are expected to participate.

Shahar's decision to sell was made in consultation with his sons. However, the long-time owner intends to sell only to a buyer who will ensure the club's future continuity, viewing Maccabi Haifa as a "life's work."