Investors to Acquire Control of Arkia Airline for Tens of Millions
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Arkia airline's controlling stake has been sold to a group of investors including Einav Adib-Barer, Kidan Dahari, Yaron Adib, and Yariv Lerner for $30 million. The Nakash brothers will retain a 3% stake, while employees will hold 22.2%. The deal aims to stabilize the company, though a labor dispute remains active due to concerns over potential layoffs. The investor group expressed commitment to Arkia's long-term future.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Arkia airline's control is being transferred to a new investor group for $30 million.
- The investor group includes Einav Adib-Barer, Kidan Dahari, Yaron Adib, and Yariv Lerner.
- The Nakash brothers will retain 3% ownership, while employees will hold 22.2%.
- A labor dispute remains active due to concerns over potential employee layoffs.
- The investor group aims to stabilize and strengthen Arkia's operations.
- Arkia was previously in talks with Israir and faced an attempted purchase by airport workers.
The Nakash brothers, Rafi, Joe, and Avi, announced the signing of an agreement to transfer control of the airline Arkia to a group of investors. The purchasing group includes businessmen Einav Adib-Barer, Kidan Dahari, Yaron Adib, and Yariv Lerner.
Under the deal, the acquiring group will inject $30 million into the company, with the Nakash brothers contributing an additional $8.5 million. The Ministry of Finance will also provide $7.8 million, likely due to the "Iron Sword" war, funds that were already slated for the company. In the new ownership structure, the investor group will hold 75% of Arkia, employees will own 22.2%, and the Nakash brothers will retain 3%.
The purchasing group stated their belief in Arkia and the Israeli aviation sector, emphasizing their long-term commitment to stabilize and strengthen the company for the benefit of its employees, passengers, and the Israeli economy. Avi Khormero, CEO of the Nakash Group, led the effort to rehabilitate the company.
Despite the acquisition, the Histadrut labor union declared a labor dispute, as the deal does not guarantee against employee layoffs. The union expressed concern that employees remain uncertain about potential job cuts while negotiations are ongoing. The Nakash brothers had hoped the sale announcement would pressure the Histadrut to withdraw its labor dispute declaration.
Previously, Kidan Dahari and Yaron Adib were involved in a collapsed deal to acquire control of G City in July 2026 with Tzachi Abu from Haim Katzman. The deal was canceled in early August after Abu criticized the company's management and spending, particularly after Dahari and Adib joined the transaction. Einav Adib-Barer owns medical centers, Kidan Dahari and Yaron Adib own real estate companies, and Yariv Lerner is chairman and co-owner of Negev Group.
Recently, Arkia was reportedly in talks with Israir for a controlling stake sale and faced an attempted purchase by the Airport Authority workers' committee. Earlier this week, a meeting took place at Arkia's offices with a group led by Gil Demati, CEO of the National Union, and logistics firm Sussana Moving, owned by Shmulik Sussana, who were also interested in acquiring Arkia.
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