Economy

WeSure Global Tech's subsidiary, WeSure Finance, has accumulated a 100 million shekel credit and guarantee portfolio, expanding into non-bank business financing amid high market concentration.

A leaked Volkswagen document reveals massive economic gaps between German and Chinese manufacturing, showing German hourly wages at €74 compared to €12 in Tianjin. The carmaker plans deep cuts and plant closures to survive.

Israeli cybersecurity firm Varonis is being acquired by American company Proofpoint for $6.3 billion in cash. Varonis shareholders will receive $49.75 per share, representing a 52% premium over pre-rumor trading prices.

Keshet Teamim cuts professional ties with star pastry chef Dudu Otmezgin amid bitter legal disputes, while he retains his 30% stake in the brand.

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis remains optimistic despite a 20% stock drop over the past year, pointing to strategic growth engines, fleet expansion, and its lucrative Cyprus maintenance center.

British low-cost airline easyJet is set to be acquired by investment firm Apollo for 5.7 billion pounds in a deal taking the carrier private.

IsrAir CEO Uri Sirkis says the airline's growth potential outpaces El Al. Despite fuel cost pressures, IsrAir targets 3 million passengers next year through fleet expansion, long-haul routes, and its Larnaca maintenance center.

Two Beersheba residents died and a third was seriously injured in a rare nitrogen trifluoride explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat plant, prompting a full technical investigation.

Israel Ports Company plans to submit a strategic proposal for inland ports to secure Israel's role in the India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor amid Red Sea shipping threats.

Hadassah Medical Center inaugurated its first international facility in Limassol, Cyprus, and announced plans for a new hospital in Nicosia, marking a historic healthcare milestone for Israel.

Opko Health is selling its BioReference labs division to LabCorp for $722 million in cash plus $150 million in earn-outs, shifting its focus entirely to drug development.

Azrieli Group's subsidiary Green Mountain secures a €1.4 billion financing package for a major 80-megawatt data center project in Norway, projected to generate €117 million in annual NOI.

Ariel Sharon Park faces a leadership crisis as the Government Companies Authority rejected its acting CEO, sparking a dispute over governance frameworks and executive powers.

At the Israel IT Conference 2026 in Tel Aviv, Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz discussed AI's limited impact on ticket prices, noting a 20% workforce reduction via automation amidst ongoing operational and international route challenges.

Wiz founders Assaf Rappaport and his partners are in advanced talks to acquire the McDonald's fast-food franchise in Israel, expanding their investments beyond tech into the restaurant sector.

Burger King Israel aims to expand from 19 to 100 branches under CEO Dana Tochner. Backed by Delek Israel, the chain targets gas stations and new neighborhoods to challenge McDonald's.

Nofar Energy CEO Ofer Yanai highlights positive cash flow as the ultimate metric for corporate success, detailing the company's global expansion, AI-driven energy strategies, and ambitious fivefold revenue growth targets.

Billionaire Haim Saban celebrates his 82nd birthday, reflecting on an extraordinary journey from Egyptian refugee and heavy debt to building a global media empire through Power Rangers, major media sales, and international investments.

Singer Liam Golan, son of artist Eyal Golan, is launching a new taxi company called 4U with an initial investment of NIS 500,000, expanding into the business sector.

Moti Kuperly, CEO of Hazi Hinam, has petitioned the Tel Aviv District Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the widow and daughter of late founder Zaki Shalom, escalating a bitter corporate and real estate dispute.

McDonald's marks 33 years in Israel while its global parent seeks a new local franchisee. Meanwhile, the fast-food giant faces declining U.S. sales and stock drops amid an $8.5 billion global turnaround plan.

IKEA Israel is launching the YXSTABY gaming collection in collaboration with XBOX, featuring an augmented reality store game where top scorers join elite Israeli gamers in a special tournament.

Harel Insurance is establishing a new securities trading operation and has applied for Tel Aviv Stock Exchange membership, challenging traditional bank dominance amid a surge in retail investing.

Former NICE CEO Barak Eilam is joining the board of British fintech firm Wise Group and is slated to become chairman in April, succeeding David Wells.

An investigation by the 'Shomrim' organization reveals a black market for rented Wolt courier accounts in Israel, raising severe safety and identity verification concerns as road authorities demand action.

TSMC reported a record third-quarter net profit of 763.1 billion new Taiwan dollars, surging 68.7% year-on-year amid insatiable global demand for AI chips and robust operating margins.

A 2026 study by Prof. Eyal Kimhi highlights how a lack of intergenerational planning in family businesses harms long-term investments, operational growth, and strategic future decisions.

LEOX fund and The Phoenix acquired an 85% stake in the Haverim veterinary chain for 240 million NIS. Founder Erez Zaitouni remains CEO, and Erez Nahum serves as chairman.

Arsenal FC announced plans to lay off about 60 employees despite reporting record revenues of 691 million pounds and ending a long trophy drought, sparking widespread criticism.

Diplomat Holdings plans a 250 million shekel bond raise to double owned brand sales by 2030, expand logistics, and launch Camel and Winston cigarette distribution.

Gal Naor, daughter of Yitzchak Tshuva, is acquiring a 70% stake in Hamat Gader for 150 million shekels. The plan includes expanding accommodations to 170 units and upgrading thermal baths.

Modeling agents Roberto Ben Shushan and Rotem Gur end a decade-long partnership as Gur acquires Ben Shushan's stake in the R&R modeling agency for two million shekels.

Travel tech firm Navan secured a $225 million revolving credit facility led by Barclays and amended its Goldman Sachs line. The company forecasts 2026 revenues up to $933 million.

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora sold shares worth approximately $201 million via a pre-planned forward contract. Meanwhile, cybersecurity stocks declined following reports of OpenAI's planned acquisition of Trail of Bits.

Barzani Group, a major Israeli real estate and infrastructure firm, is exploring a TASE IPO aiming to raise over 800 million shekels at a 2.5-3 billion shekel valuation.

Globes reveals Hotel Lutetia earned roughly 28 million shekels from 'The White Lotus' production, while investment houses push for financial sector reforms.

Israeli health group Movement, led by Eli Dahan, has acquired Swiss digital health firm Dacadoo, expanding its global footprint to the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe.

Israel's Antitrust Commissioner Michal Cohen slammed major banks at the Investment Houses Association conference, citing a 20 billion shekel gap in household deposit yields. The move has sparked a regulatory clash with the Bank of Israel.

Tel Aviv District Court ordered Aksilion Smart Transport to convene a special shareholders meeting to oust its board, dealing a blow to CEO Harel Hershtik amid corporate governance concerns.

Bank of America shares dropped over 7% after reporting a 17% profit fall due to a $1.2 billion regulatory fine. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley and BlackRock beat expectations.