Full Breakdown
Shuk Hertzel Acquires Stop Market in NIS 680 Million Deal
By Drooid · · How we work
Deal Overview
Shuk Hertzel, the supermarket chain owned by the Dudu Ezra Holdings Group, completed the acquisition of the Stop Market chain for an estimated NIS 680 million. The transaction received Competition Authority approval on October 11, 2026 and was financed by Bank Hapoalim, which provided roughly NIS 500 million. A dedicated subsidiary of the Dudu Ezra Group was created to hold the acquired assets. Both brands will continue operating separately, combining a total of 23 stores nationwide—12 under Shuk Hertzel and 11 under Stop Market.
Background and Expansion Plans
Stop Market was founded about 26 years ago by Yossi Mashiah and employs roughly 900 workers. Its stores average 2,500 sq m, operate seven days a week, and focus on premium products. Shuk Hertzel, established in 1989 by Dudu Ezra, a former farmer from Moshav Ramot Naftali, specializes in fresh fruit and vegetable consignment and runs about 100 franchised departments across Israel. Following the acquisition, Shuk Hertzel plans to open 10 new branches over the coming year in locations such as Yehud, Kiryat Shmona, and Acre, primarily in the northern and central regions.
Key Figures
- Moshiel Elkayam – CEO and owner of Shuk Hertzel.
- Dudu Ezra – Founder of Dudu Ezra Holdings Group.
- Sarit Segev – Industry, Commerce and Hotels sector manager at Bank Hapoalim.
- Shmulik Arbel – Deputy CEO, Corporate Banking Division, Bank Hapoalim.
- Yossi Mashiah – Founder of Stop Market.
Official Statements & Responses
Elkayam described the merger as a strategic step toward building a strong, nationwide food-retail group, noting the long-standing partnership that already sees Shuk Hertzel operating fruit and vegetable sections in Stop Market stores. He also highlighted the potential to merge the two customer clubs, which together could exceed half a million members. Bank Hapoalim’s corporate banking team welcomed the deal, emphasizing its significance for Israel’s food-retail sector and reaffirming the bank’s commitment to financing major growth engines in the economy.
Data & Projections
The Dudu Ezra Group estimates that combined annual sales will reach approximately NIS 1.5 billion post-acquisition, with the expanded branch network potentially lifting sales to about NIS 2 billion by the end of 2027. The Shuk Hertzel customer club currently counts over 200,000 members; the joint club is projected to surpass 500,000 members.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The merger with Stop Market represents a significant strategic step in building a strong food retail group with a broad nationwide presence. The move is based on a successful, years-long business partnership through which we operate some of the fruit and vegetable departments in Stop Market branches.” — Moshiel Elkayam
- “This move marks a significant milestone in Israel’s food and retail sector. Leading the financing for this deal reflects the expertise and experience of the Industry, Commerce and Hotels sector managed by Sarit Segev. Bank Hapoalim will continue to support leading Israeli companies and finance key growth engines in the economy.” — Corporate Banking Division, at Bank Hapoalim, welcomed the transaction and