Zachi Abu Says Haim Katz Knew About Partners in G City Deal Cancellation

Zachi Abu, controlling shareholder of Arie Real Estate, stated he does not intend to legally contest the collapse of the G City transaction but insists that Haim Katz was fully aware of the involvement of Yaron Adib and Kidan Dahari throughout the deal. Abu told Calcalist that institutional investors holding Arie Real Estate shares initially expressed disappointment at the deal's signing but later called to express satisfaction with its cancellation.

When asked why the deal was canceled, Abu said Katz was unwilling to relinquish control. Abu denied claims that he failed to update Katz in real time about the new partners, explaining that Katz was informed from the start. He said Zachi Sultan, chairman of Discount Issuance and Katz's chosen investment banker, introduced Adib and Dahari to the deal. Abu recounted that after Sultan asked if he wanted to bring in partners, he agreed, and when the partnership became serious, he contacted Katz, who initially did not respond but later gave his blessing.

Abu described a meeting with Katz in Israel where Katz did not mention any objections to the new partners. Abu left for a trip abroad, and only after seeing a Calcalist article did tensions arise between him and Katz, with Abu accusing Katz of creating the discord by communicating through the media rather than directly. Abu emphasized that Katz knew everything and wished the new partners success.