MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

05.10.2012

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

CARMEL HOLDINGS (I.L) LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

2 Haetzel Street , New Industrial Zone, Rishon Le-Zion 7570604

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Financials (as on) :

30.06.2012

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

01.01.1991.

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturers, importers, marketers and retailers of furniture, lighting elements, home textile and household goods

 

 

No. of Employees :

698 (Beitili Group)

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Status :

Satisfactory

Payment Behaviour :

No complaints

Litigation :

Clear

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail: infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – June 30th, 2012

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.03.2012)

Current Rating

(30.06.2012)

Israel

A2

A2

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 

 

ISRAEL - ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

 

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a resilient banking sector. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies. In 2010, Israel formally acceded to the OECD. Natural gasfields discovered off Israel's coast during the past two years have brightened Israel's energy security outlook. The Leviathan field was one of the world's largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. The government formed committees to address some of the grievances but has maintained that it will not engage in deficit spending to satisfy populist demands

Source : CIA


Company name and address       

 

CARMEL HOLDINGS (I.L) LTD.

(Also known as: BETILI)

Telephone  972 3 953 64 00

Fax           972 3 961 17 89

2 Haetzel Street

New Industrial Zone

RISHON LE-ZION 7570604 ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a private limited company, incorporated as per
No. 51-153506-4 on the 01.01.1991.

Company took over the business activities of HAIM EITANI CARMEL CARPET, established in 1960.

In February 1994, subject purchased the assets of CARMEL CARPETS.

 

Converted into a public limited company and registered as such as per file No. 52-004319-1 on the 19.05.1997. In June 1997 published a prospectus offering shares to the public in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

 

Originally registered under the name BETILI LTD., which changed to the present name on the 01.07.2004.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital NIS 100,000,000.00, divided into -

                   100,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 1.00 each,

of which 13,103,043 shares amounting to NIS 13,103,043.00 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

1.    Aviv Eitani, 22.3%,

2.    Ofer Eitani, 21.9%,

3.    Haim Eitani, 18.8%,

4.    NORSTAR HOLDINGS INC., 14.8%, controlled (29.25%) by Haim Katzman,

5.    V.S.D INVESTMENT LTD., 11.8%, owned by the Eitani family,

6.    ZIGLER INVESTMENTS LTD., 1.2%, a fully owned subsidiary,

7.    Shares are also traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (traded in the preservation list).

 

In June 2005, Haim Katzman acquired 10% in subject, for a sum of NIS 6 million.

 

                                                                                                                             


DIRECTORS

 

1.     Haim Eitani, Chairman,

2.     Ofer Eitani, General Manager,

3.     Aviv Eitani,

4.     Shlomo Perets,

5.     Avi Elkind,

6.     Ms. Yael Shidlovski,

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Subject, directly and through its subsidiaries, operates as manufacturers, importers, marketers and retailers of furniture, lighting elements, home textile and household goods. Also manufacturers, marketers and exporters carpets, rugs and parquets.

Sales of floor coverings carried out via 17 “Carmel Carpets & parquets” chain store (4 operated directly and rest via concessionaires), as well as via "Betili" chain (in 15 branches), a store named "Floor" in Tel Aviv Port, and via 12 more inside HOME CENTER chain, and several inside SHUFERSAL marketing chain.

 

Import and sales of furniture and allied goods (including floor coverings) are via 50% owned E. F. DESIGN LP retail chains: "Betili" (18 branches), "I.D. Design" (3 branches) and "Rich & Taylor" (4 branches), “My Home Page” (8 stores and via the Internet, focusing on young audience). In addition, subject also runs a store under the name “Hazorea Furniture Center”. Marketing is also via other channels, including to hotels, contractors, workers' unions, etc.

 

Among local suppliers: SHAUL SCHECHTER UPHOLSTERY FABRICS, NIRLAT.

 

Operating from main offices in rented premises, on an area of 1,200 sq. meters in 2, Haetzel Street, New Industrial Zone, Rishon Le-Zion, and from:

1.    A plant, on an area of 8,500 sq. meters, in Shaked Industrial Zone, owned by the shareholders,

2.    Plants, warehouses and logistic center in Industrial Zone, Barkan, on total area of 47,450 sq. meters, rented,

3.    Main “Carmel Carpets” store, on an owned area of 300 sq. meters, in Bnei Brak, owned by the shareholders,

4.    Retail stores countrywide, all rented.

 

Having 698 employees serving the whole BEITILI Group as of March 2012, of which 261 employees in the in the floor covering branches, the rest in the furniture sector.

 

 

MEANS

 

In the financial statements for the 2nd & 3rd quarters of 2008 subject had a “going concern” warning in its accountants financial statements, due to the events described below.

In May 2006 subject acquired 50.1% of the veteran and large carpet plant ATLAS in Turkey and formed GAYA INTERNATIONAL. Subject signed the deal with the Turkish family Cetinkaya, owners of ATLAS that will market the new plant products. During 2007 the venture encountered heavy financial difficulties, due to market conditions and an internal fraud (reached accumulated deficit of over NIS 20 million, and irregularities committed by the Turkish senior managers in volume of NIS 8.5 million). GAYA shut down its offices and manufacturing lines by November 2007, and dismissed all workers.

In April 2009 the Court in Turkey declared as GAYA insolvent and currently GAYA is under receivership.

 

In December 2005, subject completed a NIS 50 million capital raise in a public offering of convertible bonds.

Following subject’s financial distress subject announced it had no available means to pay its bonds holders. In December 2008 subject reached a settlement agreement with its bonds (series A) holders, mostly institutional holders, to redeem the debts paying a discount of just more than a half of the actual value (some NIS 56 million), converting some of the bonds into shares and postponement of payments. According to the arrangement, controlling shareholders fuel NIS 8 million (Eitani family and GAZIT) and subject was given NIS 5 million bank loan. In order to meet its obligations, subject is committed to put owned real estate properties as collateral. In addition, among other commitments, in case subject will see money from the investment in Turkey, it will go for settling the debts. The settlement agreement was approved by Court on 12.03.2009 and came into force. In practice, the settlement allowed subject to continue normal operation. Subject’s equity as of 31.12.08 was NIS 1.1 million, after on 31.12.06 it was NIS 40 million. After the settlement, equity climbed back to current levels and financial condition improved (also as business environment improved).

In April 2009 subject made a partial bonds redemption of NIS 14 million and further redemption on 31.12.2009. Subject also made self purchase of bonds.

 

Consolidated B/S shows:

                                                                                    NIS (thousands)

                                                                         31.12.2011                  30.06.2012

ASSETS

Current assets

     Cash and cash equivalents                                      7,527                       6,249

     Customers                                                            52,764                     47,858

     Other debtors                                                        10,832                     11,427

     Other current assets                                                  581                          814

     Stock                                                                   66,296                     69,110

                                                                              138,000                   135,458

 

Non-current assets

     Fixed assets (net)                                                 37,152                     35,513

     Other non-current assets                                       13,595                     14,943

                                                                                50,747                     50,456

                                                                              188,747                   185,914

                                                                            =======                 =======

 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities                                                      103,010                     98,128

Non-current liabilities                                                  34,191                     33,778

Equity                                                                       51,546                     54,008

                                                                              188,747                   185,914

                                                                            =======                 =======

 

 

Current market value US$ 7.2 million.

 

There are 13 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company's assets, in favor of Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Bank Hapoalim Ltd., Mercantile Discount Bank Ltd and companies (last charge placed December 2010).

 

REVENUES

Consolidated Statement of Income:

 

                                                                                             NIS (thousands)

                                                                                      Year ended on the 31.12

                                                                               2009                 2010                   2011

Revenues                                                                  205,133            223,701            243,602

 

Gross profit                                                                 87,034              94,388            106,862

 

Operating income*                                                       31,729              12,203              11,228

 

Income before income taxes                                         29,341               7,912                8,294

 

Profit from continuing operation                                     28,426               5,541                7,942

Profit from ceased operation                                           7,370                      -                       -

Net profit                                                                    35,796               5,541                7,942

                                                                             =======         =======          =======

 

* 2009 operating profit includes “other income” of NIS 25,594,000, deriving from a capital gain following the agreement signed with its bonds holders.

 

Consolidated sales for the first 6 months of 2012 were NIS 116,938,000 (2.6% decrease compared to the parallel period in 2011), making a gross profit of

NIS 48,113,000, an operating income of NIS 2,969,000, and a net profit of

NIS 2,462,000.

 

OTHER COMPANIES

CAESAREA CARPETS (97) LTD., manufacturers, importers, marketers and exporters of woven and wall-to-wall carpets, concentrates Group's institutional sales activities in the floor covering field to retail chains, owns SHAKED CARPETS LTD., 50%, floor covering importers and marketers, mainly parquets.

CARMEL FLOOR DESIGN LTD., Group's retail activities in the floor covering field to retail chains,

IKOO DESIGNS LTD., 100%, furniture manufacturing,

ZIEGLER INVESTMENTS LTD., 100%, investments and real estate,

E.F. DESIGN LP (EFD), 50%, operates the "Betili" (19 branches), "I.D. Design" (3 branches) and "Rich & Taylor" (4 branches), “My Home Page” (8 stores and via the Internet, focusing on young audience), as well as “Hazorea Furniture Center” store. Also importers and marketers of furniture, household products, lighting elements, home textile goods, etc.

E.F. HOME DESIGNS LTD., 50%, management company for the above chains,

 

Eitani family also owns, among other companies:

HAIM EITANI HOLDINGS LTD.

CLASSIGAN LTD., 33%, garden furniture manufacturers and marketers.

NATZRANIT HOLDINGS LTD., fully owned by Aviv Eitani, owns EAGLE FORKLIFTS AND LOGISTICS LTD., 100%, importers and marketers of forklifts. Also have holdings in real estate ventures.

 

NORSTAR HOLDINGS INC., a foreign publicly traded company, current market value US$ 537.4 million, part of GAZIT GLOBE Group, operating in the real estate investment fields, in acquisition, development and management of yielding properties in Israel, North America, Northern Europe. Holds 56.3% in GAZIT GLOBE LTD., publicly traded on TASE, current market value US$ 1,886.7 million.

 

 

BANKERS

 

Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Rishon Le-Zion Business Branch (No. 671),
Rishon Le-Zion, account No. 35000/16.

 

A check with the Central Banks' database did not reveal anything detrimental on subject’s a/m account.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Mainly due to the Turkish subsidiary GAYA affair subject suffered a significant blow to its business, mainly financial (as mentioned above in MEANS). Since the bonds holders settlement agreement in March 2009 condition improved significantly.

 

Due to not meeting the Stock Exchange tradability rules, in February 2009 subject’s shares moved to be traded on the low-tradability list and in February 2010 moved to the preservation list. In January 2011 shares were re-transferred to the main list (yet in the low-tradability list), and in January 2012 shares were re-transferred to the preservation list.

 

Apart from the above, nothing unfavorable learnt.

 

Subject is a leading company in their fields. Both “Betili” and “Carmel Carpets” chains are leading and well-recognized brands in their fields. Subject estimates its market in the floor covering branch share at 20%."Carmel Carpets" logo is the most recognized carpets brand in the local market.

 

As part of a restructure in the subject’s Group, on the 01.01.2011 CARMEL FLOOR DESIGN assumed all of the sales of floor covering to the domestic market, from subject and CAESAREA CARPETS (97) LTD. (which is in charge of the Group's floor covering sales for the institutional market).

 

NORSTAR HOLDINGS INC. (formerly GAZIT INC.), is a public foreign company, whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, part of the leading GAZIT GLOBE Group, operates in the real estate investment fields.

GAZIT GLOBE is a well-known leading real estate investment company traded in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange as part of the Tel Aviv 25 Index (symbol: GLOB). The Group acquires, develops and administers profitable assets in North America, Europe and Israel, focusing primarily on shopping centers anchored by supermarkets in developing urban areas.

 

In 2001 CARMEL CARPETS acquired SHOMRON CARPETS, for a sum of US$ 800,000 after SHOMRON CARPETS stumbled over financial difficulties.

 

In 2003 Eitani family, founders of "Betili" Chain, joined forces with the Fishman Group, founders of "IDesign" Chain, establishing a new partnership, making it the largest furniture and household goods chain in Israel.

 

In October 2006, CARMEL CARPETS, opened 12 points of sale ("store within store") in FISHMAN Group's HOME CENTER branches, local largest DIY chain spread countrywide, replacing a previous franchise.

 

Subject's acquired in 2006 a plot of 30,000 sq. meters in Ariel Western Industrial Zone, to where it plans to shift all the Group's logistics operations, including subject's. In January 2011 subject signed agreement to sell 50% of the land to a 3rd party, and agreed to cooperate in erecting the logistic center.

 

In February 2008, it was reported that 50% subsidiary EFD is establishing a new sub chain that specializes in leather furniture called "Leatherland". EFD plans to open 4 stores within the next 2 years, with initial investment of NIS 10 million.

 

In July 2008, subject signed an agreement with SHUFERSAL, local largest supermarket chain, to act as a retailer for subject’s goods, mainly rugs.

 

In December 2008, it was reported that subject and subsidiary CARMEL, received the exclusivity for German parquet manufacturer EGGER for marketing it in Israel. Subject is also investing in penetration the local wallpaper niche.

 

In February 2009, BEITILI Group opened 3 new retail stores as part of a new furniture chain targeted at the young audience and “low budget”, called “My Home Page”. Initial investment was NIS 1 million.

 

In May 2009 it was reported that CARMEL CARPETS entered the artificial grass niche with a new retail store in Ilanot Junction, with an investment of
NIS 500,000. The artificial grass market is estimated at NIS 10 million per year.

 

In February 2012 it was reported that CARMEL CARPETS closed export orders in value of NIS 40 million in the Domotex Exhibition in Germany.

 

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) data, private consumption expenditure by local households in furniture in 2011 fell by 3.6% from 2010, after in 2010 it rose by 7.3% from 2009.

 

According to Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) data, import of Furniture and Domestic Electrical Equipment grew in 2011 by 16.1% from 2010, summing up to NIS 8,975 million. This is after 9.4% rise in 2010 from 2009 (when it withdrew by 2.7% from 2008 due to the slow-down in the local market).

However, it should be noted that based on CBS data in 2011 2nd half the local market has entered slow-down mainly due to macro economic reasons (connected with the global economic impact) and indications are that the market will continue facing slow-down in coming period.

 

Import of furniture (excluding plastic furniture) in 2010 totaled US$ 227 million, 17.4% increase from 2009, of which 25% was from China, 19% from Italy.

Export of furniture (excl. plastic furniture) summed up to US$ 18 million, 21.1% rise from 2009.

 

Local furniture and allied accessories is valued at NIS 9 billion per annum (2012).

According to a survey in 2011, customers prefer mostly carpenters and small shops (65%), and large retail chains (35%, over 8% of which by DIY chain IKEA).

 

The local furniture branch is considered to be in relatively high risk branch.

According to a survey published in January 2012 by credit analysis firm for 2011, it turns that Wood & Furniture Manufacturing and Wholesale branch worst in the credit days outstanding in the various industrial branches (some 124 days credit days). The average credit days outstanding in practice (meaning credit days agreed plus unplanned delay) for Israeli suppliers in the first half of 2011 reached 96 days, making it well higher than average credit days outstanding in the developed world (around 50 days).

 

The local floor covers market (carpets, rugs, wall-to-wall carpets, parquets floor) is estimated well over at US$ 100 million per annum.

 

Note: Since the beginning of 2012 Israel Post started using a new area code method of 7 digits (the old method of 5 digits will still be valid till end of 2012).

 


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.51.97

UK Pound

1

Rs.83.67

Euro

1

Rs.67.19

 

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Report Prepared by :

PDT

 

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

--

NB

                                       New Business

 

--

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                 Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                    Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.