Maccabi Haifa Owner Seeks $100 Million Sale of Club

Maccabi Haifa owner Yaakov Shahar is once again attempting to sell the football club, this time seeking to offload 100% of its shares at a valuation of $100 million, according to a report by Calcalist.

Shahar and his partners, the heirs of Israel Kaz, have hired the investment bank Raine Group, which specializes in technology, media, and sports deals, to find a buyer. The bank has already begun approaching potential investors. One proposed structure involves a group of buyers, with a wealthy Jewish investor acquiring 51% of the club and a consortium of high-tech professionals and Maccabi Haifa fans holding the remaining 49%. Individual investments from the tech group could range from $5 million to $10 million.

Among the parties contacted are members of the "Greentech" forum for Maccabi Haifa fans. Tom Livne, a co-founder of Verbit, is reportedly leading this initiative. Other high-tech figures potentially involved include Ofer Ben Noon, Tal Slobodkin, Shimon Elkabetz, Ziv Paz, Tamir Bar Ilan, Ami Sirkis, and Guy Nitzan. Hotelier David Fattal and shipping magnate Udi Angel may also be part of the investor group, though not all forum members are necessarily included.

This current effort follows the collapse of negotiations about six months ago for the sale of half of Maccabi Haifa to an American investment group. Approximately a year ago, a group led by Adam Fried engaged in discussions to purchase the heirs of Israel Kaz's stake for $80 million, with an option for a future purchase of Shahar's share. However, those talks ended without a deal due to disagreements.

Shahar, 84, has decided to sell the entire club in coordination with his sons. Having owned Maccabi Haifa for 35 years, he views it as a life's work and is committed to ensuring the buyer will guarantee the club's future continuity. Shahar confirmed to Calcalist his intention to sell but stated he had not been contacted by the high-tech investor group mentioned in the report.