Economy

AI pioneer Character.AI has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US and agreed to sell assets to Disney for $20 million, marking a dramatic fall for a firm once valued in the billions.

Dating app Bumble is in advanced talks to be acquired by Ithaca Holdings in a deal valuing the firm at $1 billion. Shares surged 50% following the report amid slowing industry growth and declining paying users.

Gloves presents a new analysis column focusing on Israeli mid-cap stocks, starting with Lahav LR. Transitioning from German real estate to an energy and retail conglomerate, Lahav showcases strong financials and a clear value creation model.

Rotem Sela's new liposomal supplement brand, Better, achieved an immediate sell-out following its launch with an 8 million shekel investment, cementing her business success alongside high-profile endorsements.

Tor Group opens Israel's largest LEGO store in Petah Tikva, spanning 200 square meters. The launch offers a unique chance for citizens to honor the final wish of fallen soldier Staff Sergeant Neta Baram.

Mickey Federman's Dan Hotels expands globally as The Den Bengaluru joins Hilton's luxury LXR collection, marking the brand's debut in India alongside steady revenue growth.

Israel's catering industry faces severe economic strain over three years after October 7, 2023, battling surging operational costs, canceled corporate events, and strict bank credit restrictions.

OpenWeb's temporary trustee has asked the Tel Aviv court to stop Liquidity Capital from seizing funds, warning it threatens the tech firm's survival as investors weigh a rescue.

UVision's upcoming US IPO, led by JPMorgan and controlled by Aaron Frenkel, faces delays and valuation hurdles amid a broader slump in defense stock valuations.

Tech firm Bird slashed its workforce from 1,000 to 120 employees, driven by AI automation and restructuring under CEO Robert Vis, while reporting robust financial results.

Department store chain Hamashbir 365 struggles with declining revenues and a 50% stock drop, betting its future on an international partnership with Kenneth Cole.

Tsadok Bino marks his birthday, reflecting on a journey from an Iraqi immigrant in a transit camp to a billionaire banking tycoon controlling the First International Bank of Israel.

Israeli tycoon Rami Ungar controls a multi-billion dollar empire spanning automotive imports, global shipping through Ray Shipping, and real estate investments like Vitania.

Tel Aviv's veteran Ze Sushi restaurant group has filed for a stay of proceedings with 19 million shekels in debt, while its two locations and delivery services continue operating as usual.

The Avital brothers have signed an MOU to sell a 50% stake in their Tachanat Lechem and BREADCAFE chains to the Kamari Group at a 23 million NIS valuation.

Ayalon Insurance is exploring the acquisition of credit card company Cal following the collapse of its sale to Union-Harel, while simultaneously pursuing a deal for Altshuler Shaham.

Leader Capital Markets raised Teva's target price to $50 with a "Buy" rating following FDA approval for Weltruza, stronger financials, and an investment-grade credit rating recovery across major agencies.

Microsoft is implementing a global restructuring affecting its Copilot Studio group in Israel. While most employees will transition to new roles, some positions face layoffs.

Migdal Insurance is launching new savings policies with Goldman Sachs called 'Migdal Keshet LePerat'. The move aims to capture renewed Israeli demand for global asset diversification amid shifting market trends.

Doral Energy is investing up to NIS 1 billion to expand the Hadari Shan solar project in Emek HaMaayanot, adding agro-voltaic capacity across 1,700 dunams.

FLONCI released a comprehensive 2026 pricing guide for influencer marketing in Israel, introducing the Fully Loaded Influencer Cost (FLIC) framework and emphasizing value over follower counts.

Israeli business leaders discussed navigating global markets and countering negative sentiment at a recent Calcalist panel. Despite geopolitical challenges, CEOs emphasized that product quality, resilience, and strict adherence to delivery schedules keep international clients secure.

Serial entrepreneur Iris Shoor discussed her unconventional tech career, her decision to sell her startup to LinkedIn in 2021, and her transition to children's literature at a Globes conference in Tel Aviv.

Israeli human capital firm Pilat is planning a reverse takeover on the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange in 2027, aiming to raise 6 million Canadian dollars at a 42 million valuation.

Isracard Chair Tamar Yassur discussed corporate turbulence, ownership shifts under Delek Group, the fierce battle for El Al's loyalty club, and the ongoing push for female leadership at a recent Globes conference.

Aliyah Capital has filed a 9.5 million shekel lawsuit against former Maccabi Netanya owner Eyal Segal over alleged breaches of debt-coverage agreements following a May 2025 club acquisition.

A Nazareth court issued asset freezes against Israeli arms brokers Syn-RG-Ai following a lawsuit by Emtan over unpaid weapon shipments to the Congo. Syn-RG-Ai denies the claims, citing defective products and a broader commercial dispute.

NBA star Deni Avdija expands his TURBO protein brand in Israel with a new high-protein strawberry ice cream flavor, launching exclusively via Wolt before retail rollout.

Torpaz CEO Keren Cohen Khazon spoke at the Globes conference about building a global flavor and fragrance giant with 28 international acquisitions, emphasizing that people remain the ultimate asset.

Israel Shipyards secured an 80 million euro contract to supply naval vessels and services to an undisclosed foreign government client via the Ministry of Defense.

Investment fund CVC is acquiring a 40% stake in Petah Tikva-based defense tech company Fibrotex for $350 million, valuing its revenues at up to $150 million.

Shuk Herzl has acquired the Stopmarket chain for 680 million shekels, backed by 500 million shekels in financing from Bank Hapoalim, creating a 23-branch retail group.

Prime Energy signed an MOU to acquire 70 MW of operating solar assets in Hungary for 17.8 million euros in equity, targeting high project returns and future energy storage integration.

Tidhar Group announced a major corporate reorganization and widespread cuts aimed at saving 30 million shekels, despite posting record revenues of 892 million shekels in Q2.

The Haifa Economic Corporation launched an RFI seeking investors and entrepreneurs for multi-million shekel projects in real estate, energy, infrastructure, and defense tech.

Carasso Motors faces a critical shareholder vote regarding external director Varda Triers, as institutional investors weigh accountability over controversial executive pay overrides.

Paris Saint-Germain and L'Oréal Group announce a strategic partnership through 2028, uniting French excellence, elite sports performance, and Vichy skincare innovation.

Manor Evergreen acquires peanut distributor Shivuk Botnim for 120 million shekels in a deal valuing the firm at a 5x EBITDA multiple, marking the fund's first food sector investment.

Investment house Horizon is set to merge with the public shell Blue Wave at a 40 million shekel valuation. Founder Itai Lipkovitz will retain a 20% stake as the firm eyes AI integration and further growth.

The Corporations Authority issued over 22,000 warning letters to unregistered partnerships in Israel, threatening tax audits and sanctions over severe tax collection losses.