Maccabi Haifa Sale Process Underway, Potential Buyers Emerge

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Hebrew · 15 newsrooms covering

Maccabi Haifa's owner, Yaakov Shahar, has officially initiated the sale of 100% of the club's shares for an estimated $100 million through RAINE GROUP. Journalist Golan Hazani reported that potential buyers like Idan Ofer, Oudi Angel, and David Patal are being considered, though some have expressed reservations. The club is seeking a quick sale, and Shahar's son is not seen as a likely successor due to his public profile. Regulatory issues may also prevent Roman Abramovich from acquiring the team.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Maccabi Haifa's owner Yaakov Shahar is selling 100% of the club's shares for an estimated $100 million.
The sale process has been handed over to RAINE GROUP and began about a month ago.
Potential buyers include Idan Ofer, Oudi Angel, and David Patal, with varying levels of interest.
Journalist Golan Hazani provided new details on the ongoing negotiations and potential investors.
The club is seeking a buyer who can handle the intense pressure of ownership.
Roman Abramovich's potential acquisition is unlikely due to regulatory issues.

Maccabi Haifa Sale Process Underway, Potential Buyers Emerge — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Maccabi Haifa is reportedly on the verge of a new era, with current owner Yaakov Shahar officially handing over the sale process of the club to RAINE GROUP. The deal is expected to involve the sale of 100% of the club's shares for an estimated $100 million.

Journalist Golan Hazani, who initially broke the story, revealed new details, stating that the sale process began about a month ago. He mentioned that while businessman Idan Ofer has been contacted, he has not yet expressed definitive interest, unlike his successful investment in Atletico Madrid. Hazani noted that Shahar is looking for a quick sale, emphasizing a "buy now" approach rather than a long-term evaluation period.

Several potential buyers are reportedly being considered. Oudi Angel might enter the picture with high-tech investors, while David Patal has indicated he is not interested due to the intense pressure associated with owning a football club. Other businessmen, including Moshe Kahlon and Kobi Maimon, are also mentioned as possibilities, though Hazani expressed uncertainty about their current involvement.

Hazani also discussed other prominent figures in Israeli business and sports ownership, such as Mitch Goldhar, Yoav Katz, Ross Kestin, Edmund Safra, Alona Barkat, Eli Barkat, and Abramov, assessing their potential involvement and financial standing relative to the club's needs. He suggested that any new owner would also seek to leverage the club for business and networking opportunities.

Regarding the possibility of Shahar's son, Or Shahar, taking over, Hazani explained that Or is not perceived as someone who would step into the public spotlight required of a modern club owner. He suggested that the current media landscape demands a more visible leader than Or might be.

Finally, Hazani addressed the idea of an IPO, stating it's only a fallback if a sale doesn't materialize, which he believes is unlikely given the club's potential and price. He also touched upon Roman Abramovich, noting that while he has explored Israeli business deals, regulatory issues make his potential involvement with Maccabi Haifa seem improbable.