Dan Transportation Acquires Tnupha Bus Company for $150 Million
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Dan Transportation has agreed to acquire the Tnupha bus company for approximately 150 million shekels, pending regulatory approval. Tnupha has been struggling with poor service and significant fines, leading to potential license revocation. The acquisition is part of Dan's expansion strategy, which recently saw it come under new ownership. The deal will add around 350 buses to Dan's fleet, with regulators likely requiring the purchase of 100 new buses.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Dan Transportation will acquire Tnupha bus company for about 150 million shekels.
- Tnupha faced severe service issues and heavy fines, prompting regulatory intervention.
- The National Public Transport Authority considered revoking Tnupha's license.
- Dan Transportation recently came under new ownership led by CEO Ofir Karni.
- The acquisition will add approximately 350 buses to Dan's fleet.
- Regulators may require Dan to purchase at least 100 new buses.
Dan Transportation announced Sunday it has reached an agreement to purchase the Tnupha bus company for approximately 150 million shekels. The companies have informed the National Public Transport Authority of the deal's closure. Despite the controlling shareholder of Tnupha signing off, internal disputes among its partners regarding fund distribution persist, though they are not expected to derail the acquisition, according to Calcalist.
Tnupha, established in 2020 and operating routes in the Jerusalem corridor and Samaria, has faced severe operational issues, including widespread complaints about poor service. This led to public pressure, spearheaded by Ariel Mayor Yair Shabon. A Ministry of Transportation report showed Tnupha received the lowest performance score among operators in the second half of 2025 and incurred fines totaling around 78 million shekels by year-end.
In response to the crisis, the Director General of the National Public Transport Authority, Idan Moalem, held discussions and considered revoking Tnupha's license. Moalem recently issued an ultimatum to Tnupha's CEO, demanding a service improvement plan by October 18, or facing unilateral action.
The acquisition aligns with Dan's expansion strategy. Dan itself recently came under the control of a group led by CEO Ofir Karni, in partnership with Clal, Leumi Partners, and Mizrahi Tefahot. Just last month, Dan acquired Masei Shasha, which holds a 17.5% stake in Tnupha, for 180 million shekels. This latest move will give Dan full control of Tnupha.
Following the acquisition, Dan's fleet will grow by approximately 350 intercity buses and their drivers. Dan plans to take over Tnupha's existing tenders. To ensure service improvements, the National Public Transport Authority is expected to require Dan to purchase at least 100 new buses. A previous potential deal for Tnupha by Metropolin in July fell through.
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