GCG’s over 25-year long experience in executing Mergers & Acquisitions transactions in the Israeli and cross-border markets, as a trusted advisor of a wide range of local and global clients, allows it to maximize value for its clients across a full spectrum of advisory roles.
M&A Advisory
GCG advises its clients, in respect to both buy-side and sell-side mandates, through all stages of the transaction, including structuring, evaluation of potential targets or acquirers, valuation analyses, assessment of strategic alternatives, due diligence, negotiations, and regulatory approvals. GCG’s value-add is embedded in its unrelenting commitment to provide exceptional results for its clients, from advising on timing, financing, and pricing of the transaction, to assisting with negotiating and closing of the transaction.
Key mandates include:
Exclusive buy-side advisor to Centerbridge Partners and Gallatin Point Capital on the acquisition of control of Phoenix Holdings for NIS 1.6 bn (2019)
Exclusive sell-side advisor to Clal Industries/Access Industries, on the sale of its 50% stake in Taavura Holdings for NIS 718 mn (2019)
Exclusive sell-side advisor to Veolia Environment on the global sale of its Israeli activities to Oaktree Capital Management for USD 550 mn (2015)
Divestitures / Spin-offs
GCG provides comprehensive financial advisory services to clients seeking to undertake complex divestitures and spin-offs. With a track record of advising on some of the most significant divestitures and spin-offs in the local market, we have the expertise and experience to guide clients through every stage of the transaction. Our services include advising on optimal capital allocation, recapitalization, and identifying financial and strategic alternatives to a sale, such as carve-outs, split-offs, and tracking stocks.
Key mandates include:
Financial advisor to Paz Oil Company’s Board of Directors and Management on the spin-off of Paz Ashdod Refinery for approx. NIS 1.6 bn (2023, closing pending)
Exclusive sell-side advisor to Israel Electric Corporation on the divestitures of Ramat Hovav Power Plant for NIS 4.3 bn (2020) and Alon Tavor Power Plant for NIS 1.9 bn (2019)
Financial advisor to Clal Industries, on Hadera Paper’s multi-staged divestiture process, which included the sale of Hadera Paper’s 49.9% stake in Hogla-Kimberly to Kimberly Clark Corp. for NIS 648 mn, and the sale of Clal Industries’ stake in Hadera Paper to FIMI for NIS 360 mn (2015)
Cross-Border
Leveraging its global and local network, GCG has a considerable experience advising clients on both inbound and outbound cross-border Mergers & Acquisitions. In addition to numerous local clients, GCG has advised global clients such as Centerbridge Partners, Saban Capital Group, ZIM, Veolia Environment, Inkia Energy and more.
Key mandates include:
Exclusive Buy-side Advisor to Centerbridge Partners and Gallatin Point Capital on the acquisition of control of Phoenix Holdings for NIS 1.6 bn (2019)
Exclusive Sell-side Advisor to Veolia Environment on the sale of its Israeli activities to Oaktree Capital Management for USD 550 mn (2015)
Financial Advisor to Delek Group in the acquisition of certain assets of Chevron Benelux
for EUR 350 mn (2007)
Special Committee and Board Advisory
GCG offers uniquely tailored financial advisory services to Special/Independent Committees and Board of Directors, leveraging its global and local network and providing impartial advice. We provide boards and special committees with expert guidance on a range of topics, including takeover preparedness, management buyouts, strategic Mergers & Acquisitions, and other.
Key mandates include:
Financial Advisor to Paz’s Board of Directors in the proposed takeover bids submitted for the acquisition of control (2021-On going)
Exclusive Financial Advisor to Israel Electric Corporation’s Board of Directors in respect of IEC’s structural changes, including all aspects of the asset settlement and the Electricity Market reform negotiated with the State of Israel (2017-On going)
Financial Advisor to ZIM Integrated Shipping and its Board of Directors on key strategic–financial issues, including financing alternatives and distributions (2017-on going)
Our experienced team works closely with directors to build a rigorous decision-making and negotiating process that addresses the unique challenges of special committee situations, including the interplay between value and other deal terms, as well as governance considerations and a deep understanding of the various stakeholders involved. We have a long history of providing impartial advice to Special Committees, and our senior bankers are deeply involved in all aspects of an assignment.
Privatization
Over the years, GCG advised both the Government Companies Authority (GCA) and the Israeli Ministry of Finance as part of Israel’s major privatization processes. GCG’s experience in Privatization includes financial advisory on both “buy-side” and “sell-side” mandates, covering all aspects of the Privatization process. Our experience in
the field of Privatization and state-owned enterprises in the Israeli market is unparalleled.
Key mandates include:
Exclusive Sell-side Advisor to the State of Israel in the sale of its controlling stake in Israel Bank Discount to the Bronfman Group for NIS 1.3 bn (2006), and in the sale of its remaining stake via a Block Trade for NIS 1.8 bn (2010)
Financial advisor for the Apax Partners-Saban Capital Group consortium in the acquisition of a controlling block as part of Bezeq’s Privatization for NIS 4.2 bn (2008)
Exclusive sell-side advisor to the State of Israel in the sale of its controlling stake in Bank Leumi via Block Trade for NIS 2.5 bn (2005)
Exclusive sell-side advisor to the Government Corporation Authority in the 100% privatization of the Oil Refineries for USD 1.7 bn through a global IPO and tender (2007)