Competition Authority Approves Stop Market Acquisition by Herzl Market

Bank Hapoalim provided approximately 500 million shekels in financing to the Dudu Ezra Group for the purchase. Following the acquisition, the combined entity will operate 23 branches nationwide, with Herzl Market currently running 12 branches and Stop Market operating 11 branches. Both chains will continue to operate under their separate brands.

The Dudu Ezra Group plans to expand by opening ten new branches in the coming year, primarily in northern Israel, including locations such as Yehud, Kiryat Shmona, Acre, Hazor HaGlilit, Katzrin, Ma'alot, Ami'ad, Tirat Carmel, Ramat Yishai, and Hazorea. The group also intends to merge the customer loyalty programs of both chains, aiming for a combined membership of over half a million customers.

With the acquisition and planned expansion, the group projects its annual sales will reach 1.5 billion shekels, with a potential increase to 2 billion shekels by the end of 2027. The merger is expected to create operational and commercial advantages, including increased purchasing power with suppliers and streamlined logistics, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector.