Chinese Investment Fund Pays Kibbutz Hanita $6 Million for Lens Company Shares
Chinese investment fund Ballet Vision paid approximately $6 million to Kibbutz Hanita for the remaining shares in Hanita Lenses, making the fund the sole owner. The settlement resolves a legal dispute over control of the company, which produces intraocular lenses. The kibbutz sought funds for rehabilitation after two difficult years near the northern border due to the "Swords of Iron" war.
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- Ballet Vision paid Kibbutz Hanita nearly $6 million for remaining shares in Hanita Lenses.
- The Chinese fund is now the sole owner of the intraocular lens factory.
- The settlement ends a legal dispute over control of the company.
- The kibbutz needed funds for rehabilitation after difficult years near the northern border.
- The lawsuit revealed China's policy against investments in Israel since the war.
Chinese investment fund Ballet Vision has paid approximately $6 million to Kibbutz Hanita as part of a settlement agreement, acquiring the remaining shares held by the kibbutz in Hanita Lenses. This transaction makes the Chinese investment firm the sole owner of the factory established by the kibbutz.
The legal dispute centered on control of the lens company, located near Israel's northern border. The kibbutz had filed a lawsuit earlier this year against the Chinese fund, which then held 80% of the company. The kibbutz sought to sell its remaining 20% stake for $11 million. The lawsuit also revealed China's policy of prohibiting investments in Israel since the recent war.
Ballet Vision initially purchased about 74% of Hanita Lenses in 2021 for $35 million, with $25 million going to the kibbutz and $10 million injected into the company. Subsequent share allocations to the fund diluted the kibbutz's holdings. According to the lawsuit, the fund paid $7 million for the first dilution and committed to paying an additional $8 million for a second dilution, which had not yet been transferred.
In December 2025, the kibbutz notified the fund of its decision to exercise an option compelling the fund to purchase its remaining shares. The kibbutz stated it needed the funds for rehabilitation efforts following the "Swords of Iron" war, as Kibbutz Hanita, situated very close to the border, has endured two extremely difficult years. Lawyers from EBN represented Kibbutz Hanita, while lawyers from Shiblet represented Ballet Vision.