Sources inform "Globes" that British-Israel Investments Ltd. (TASE: BRTS), controlled by Leo Noe, is looking at six lots in the Haifa area, which it feels could be suitable for establishing a third branch of IKEA Israel, the Swedish furniture outlet, in Israel.
Among the six lots being considered by British-Israel are a lot near to Haifa's Check Post Interchange, a lot adjacent to the CineMall (formerly Lev Hamifratz), a lot by Kiryat Ata Junction, the Big Shopping Center in Kiryat Ata and a lot in Nesher. Providing the deal comes together, one of these lots will become IKEA's third store in Israel, after the existing outlet in Netanya's Poleg Industrial Zone and the planned new branch in Rishon Lezion.
Market sources estimate that the lot that will be chosen will house a 20,000-30,000 square meter store. IKEA's store in Netanya, of which British-Israel owns half, is 20,000 square meters in size. The other half of the Netanya store is owned by Bronfman Fisher Investments Ltd. unit Israelom Assets Ltd. British-Isrel has also agreed to buy the plot for the Rishon store from Bronfman Fisher Investments.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 4, 2009
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