Tech Entrepreneur Tom Livne Negotiating Maccabi Haifa Purchase
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Businessman Tom Livne confirmed his investment group is in official negotiations to buy the Maccabi Haifa football club from owner Yaakov Shahar. Livne, who has signed an NDA and received financial data, believes Shahar's asking price of $100 million is too high, suggesting a previous offer of $70-80 million was more realistic. The current security situation in Israel is also impacting the club's valuation. The outcome of these negotiations, potentially the largest ownership transfer in Israeli football history, is expected in the coming weeks.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tom Livne confirmed his investment group is negotiating to buy the Maccabi Haifa football club.
- Owner Yaakov Shahar is seeking to sell 100% of the club for an estimated $100 million.
- Livne believes Shahar's asking price of $100 million is too high.
- A previous offer for the club ranged between $70 million and $80 million.
- The current security situation in Israel is impacting the club's valuation.
- Livne described the potential acquisition as a childhood dream.
Businessman and entrepreneur Tom Livne has confirmed he is leading an investment group in official negotiations to acquire the Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa. Livne, CEO and founder of VERBIT, revealed in an exclusive interview that the discussions have moved beyond initial inquiries and are in a serious, albeit early, stage. He has signed a non-disclosure agreement and received the club's financial data, stating that the acquisition of full ownership is "definitely something that could happen." For Livne, this is a childhood dream, as he has been a devoted fan and season ticket holder for 35 years.
Livne acknowledged that the club's long-time owner, Yaakov Shahar, who has held the team for over three decades, is seeking to sell 100% of the club. Livne praised Shahar, 84, calling him a legend whose life's work is Maccabi Haifa, and suggested he deserves a statue for his contributions, noting Shahar has invested far more than $100 million. Livne's investment group is reportedly valued at approximately one billion shekels.
The primary sticking point in the negotiations is the price. Shahar is aiming for a valuation of around $100 million, a figure Livne considers too high. Livne believes a previous offer between $70 million and $80 million, led by Adam Fried, represented a more realistic valuation. He explained that a football club's value is determined by various revenue streams, including season ticket sales, broadcasting rights, player market value, merchandise, European competition bonuses, and the ability to profit from player sales, citing the example of Anan Khalaili.
Livne also addressed the impact of the current security situation in Israel on the club's valuation, confirming it is a factor. However, he noted that the extent of the financial impact would depend on the duration of the situation, expressing hope for a swift stabilization that would not harm local sports. The coming weeks are expected to provide further clarity on what could be the largest ownership transfer in Israeli football history.
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