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Report Date : |
10.03.2013 |
IDENTIFICATION DETAILS
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Name : |
SALANT GROUP LTD. |
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Formerly Known As : |
FABRIKANT & SALANT GROUP LTD. |
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Registered Office : |
21 Tuval Street Diamond Exchange, Yahalom Bldg. Ramat Gan 5252236 |
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Country : |
Israel |
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Date of Incorporation : |
08.05.1986 |
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Legal Form : |
Private Limited Company |
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LINE OF BUSINESS : |
IMPORTERS, TRADERS OF ROUGH DIAMONDS,
POLISHERS, EXPORTERS, MARKETERS AND INTERNATIONAL DEALERS IN DIAMONDS. |
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No. of Employees : |
105 |
RATING & COMMENTS
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MIRA’s Rating : |
Ba |
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RATING |
STATUS |
PROPOSED CREDIT LINE |
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41-55 |
Ba |
Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal
commitments. |
Satisfactory |
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Status : |
Satisfactory |
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Payment Behaviour : |
No Complaints |
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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
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Country Name |
Previous Rating (31.03.2011) |
Current Rating (30.06.2012) |
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Israel |
A2 |
A2 |
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Risk Category |
ECGC
Classification |
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Insignificant |
A1 |
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Low |
A2 |
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Moderate |
B1 |
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High |
B2 |
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Very High |
C1 |
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Restricted |
C2 |
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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
SALANT GROUP
Correct Name: SALANT GROUP LTD.
Telephone 972 3 575 01 29
Fax 972 3 613 89 42
21 Tuval Street
Diamond Exchange,
Yahalom Bldg.
RAMAT GAN 5252236 ISRAEL
A private limited
company, incorporated as per file No. 51-112105-5 on the 08.05.1986, as a joint
venture between 2 veteran diamond dealers:
1. Salant family business for
diamond polishing and trade, originally founded by the late Moshe Salant in
1952.
2. ALPHA, diamond purchasing
wholesaler founded by the late Zvi Rimer (who worked jointly with U.S. diamond
company FABRIKANT).
Originally
registered under the name FABSAL DIAM
Following the
departure of the FABRIKANT Group name was changed to the present one on the
08.11.2006.
Authorized share
capital NIS 2,000.00, divided into:
1,950 ordinary shares (1,620
shares issued),
50 deferred shares (issued), all
of NIS 1.00 each,
of which shares
amounting to NIS 1,670.00 were issued.
Subject is fully
owned by the Salant Brothers (Igal and Avner), who in October 2006 acquired all
of the FABRIKANT Group shares in subject (after the FABRIKANT Group of the USA
encountered financial difficulties).
According to the
Registrar of Companies, the Salant Bros. holdings divide to:
1. Avner Salant,
2. Igal Salant,
3. SALANT DIAM
Shares are also
registered under the name of subject itself.
1. Igal Salant, co-Chairman,
2. Avner Salant, co-Chairman.
GENERAL MANAGER
Tamir Osif.
Importers, traders of rough diamonds, polishers, exporters, marketers and
international dealers in diamonds.
Most of sales are for export.
Among suppliers: STEINMETZ Group.
Operating from
rented offices premises, in 21 Tuval Street (formerly 54 Bezalel Street),
Diamond Exchange, Yahalom Building (5th floor), Ramat Gan. Also
operating from polishing plants in USA, China, India, Thailand and South
Africa.
Having 105 employees, of which 30 are in Israel.
Financial data not forthcoming, however known to be financially solid.
Subject has been a Sightholder from DCT since 1990.
There are 6 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company’s
assets (financial assets), in favor of Israel Discount Bank Ltd. and Bank Leumi
Le'Israel Ltd.
Sales data while FABRIKANT was a partner:
2004 sales reported to be US$ 236,000,000, all for export.
2005 sales claimed to be US$ 180,000,000, almost 100% for export.
Sales data in the current form (SALANT GROUP, without FABRIKANT):
2006 sales were US$ 180,000,000, almost 100% for export almost 100% for
export, of which net exported polished diamonds were U$ 95,000,000.
2007 sales were US$ 150,000,000, almost 100% for export.
2008 sales were US$ 100,000,000, almost 100% for export.
Later sales
figures not forthcoming.
OVERSEAS DIRECT
INC., 100%, USA subsidiary.
During 2012 Salant
family sold its holdings (51%) in MASINGITA LTD., diamond dealers.
Subject's
shareholders, Salant brothers, have other holdings.
Israel Discount
Bank Ltd., Diamond Exchange Branch (No. 080), Ramat Gan.
Nothing unfavorable learned.
Subject's General Manager refused to disclose financial data.
Subject is well known, among the leading Israeli diamond companies. Salant
Brothers enjoy very good reputation.
In October 1998,
it was reported that subject won an “exceptional exporter” award for 1997.
According to the
report published by the Israel Supervisor on Diamonds in the Ministry of
Industry and Trade, subject was ranked 9th in the 2006 list of Israel's largest
polished diamonds exporters. 2005 ranking as 4th largest, was while
still partnered with FABRIKANT. It should be noted that subject refrains from
being reported in the Israel Supervisor on Diamonds top exporters list (which
is its prerogative).
In June 2006 it
was reported that subject's former shareholder, FABRIKANT Group, which was
considered as one of the world's largest diamonds and jewelries companies, is
on the verge of a collapse, mainly due to the crisis in the diamonds branch in
the world at that time.
Subject's owner
and joint General Manager, Mr. Avner Salant, was quoted to say that subject is
financially solid, with an independent cash flow in Israel, enjoying good
reputation with no debts in the local market, meeting all its obligations
properly and paying almost on everything in cash.
An affair of an
underground bank shocked the local diamond branch, after in late January 2012
Police raided the Diamond Exchange (after a long undercover operation),
arrested several individuals for investigation, caught diamonds and various
assets worth NIS millions, and blocked several bank accounts. It is suspected
that a group of people, including diamond dealers, run an illegal bank in the
Diamond Exchange compound for loans, money transfer abroad based on fictitious
transactions and exchange in volume of NIS 1 billion for several years.
The affair has
already led to several of reported bankruptcies of local diamond firms, a
decrease of up to 70% in transactions in 2012, frozen bank accounts, a
paralysis (especially in purchase of raw diamonds) even with fear of the a
collapse of the sector, while dealers –local and foreign- face uncertainty.
In March 2012 the
Police decided to lower the profile of the investigation for a while a result
of the big pressure from the diamond branch (to stop the continuing damage
inflicted) and the Government (who is losing US$ hundred millions from decrease
in tax collection). In November 2012 the Police and Tax Authorities recommended
on indictments against the 25 suspects in the affair, among them diamond
dealers, for the said suspicions and obstruction of the investigation.
Export of polished
diamonds from Israel fell by 23% in 2012 from 2011, after the sector recovered
in 2010 and mainly in 2011 from one of the worst depressions in the global
diamond sector due to the economic crisis in global markets that erupted in
2008. The sector experienced almost an entire freeze and collapse in sales of
about 70% in the peak of the crisis. While the global diamond industry
experienced major declines during 2012, Israel saw a steady improvement in its
diamond trade in the third and fourth quarters of the year, according to the
Diamond Administration at the Ministry of Industry & Trade.
The Administration
reported on a strong first 2 months of 2013 with 45% rise in diamond activity,
although 2013 1stQ shows mixed indicators (see below), but it is due
to technical reasons (high goods return
rate due to a large exhibition).
Israel’s net
polished diamond exports stood at US$5.6 billion in 2012, compared a decline of
23% from 2011. Net rough diamond exports totaled US$2.8 billion in
Net imports of
polished diamonds dropped 25% from 2011, totaling US$4.27 billion, while net
rough imports stood at US$3.8 billion, 13 % less than in 2011.
Net polished
diamond exports in 2013 1stQ witnessed 8.3% decrease comparing to
2012 1stQ (reaching US$ 1.601 billion), while export of rough diamonds saw a
2.7% rise (summed at US$ 826 million). Net imports of polished diamonds in the
1stQ 2013 reached US$ 891 million, 10.2% decrease compared with the
parallel period in 2012, whereas import of polished diamonds fell 13% to US$
962 million.
The United States
continued to be Israel’s major market for polished diamonds, accounting for 36%
of the market in 2012 (41% in 1stQ 2013). Hong Kong was the next
largest market with 28% of exports (35% in 1stQ 2013), with Belgium
accounting for 8%, Switzerland 5%, U.K. 5% and the rest of the world 18%.
According to the
President of the Israeli Diamonds Association, in 2010 the trade in the local
diamond sector rolled annual turnover of US$ 25 billion while total debt to the
banks stands on US$ 1.5 billion, down from US$ 2.4 billion in the eve of the
crisis. The Ministry for Industry & Trade also assisted the local diamond
exporters by providing bank guarantees in total scope of NIS 1 billion.
Local diamond
sector employs some 20,000 persons.
In February 2009,
Israel was ranked as the world’s largest exporter of cut diamonds, followed by
India, Belgium and South Africa.
Notwithstanding the
refusal to disclose financial data, considered good for trade engagements.
DIAMOND INDUSTRY –
INDIA
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From time immemorial, India is well known in the world
as the birthplace for diamonds. It is difficult to trace the origin of
diamonds but history says that in the remote past, diamonds were mined only in
India. Diamond production in India can be traced back to almost 8th
Century B.C. India, in fact, remained undisputed leader till 18th
Century when Brazilian fields were discovered in 1725 followed by emergence of
S. Africa, Russia and Australia.
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The achievement of the Indian diamond industry was
possible only due to combination of the manufacturing skills of the Indian
workforce and the untiring and unflagging efforts of the Indian diamantaires,
supported by progressive Government policies.
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The area of study of family owned diamond businesses
derives its importance from the huge conglomerate of family run organizations
which operate in the diamond industry since many generations.
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Some of the basic traits of family run business
enterprises include spirit of entrepreneurship, mutual trust lowers transaction
costs, small, nimble and quick to react, information as a source of advantage
and philanthropy.
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Family owned diamond businesses need to improve on
many fronts including higher standard of corporate governance, long-term
performance – focused strategies, modern management and technology.
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The diamond jewellery industry in India today may be
more than Rs 60000 mil and is rated amongst the fastest growing in the
world. Indi ranks third in the world in domestic diamond consumption.
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Utmost caution is to be exercised while dealing with
some medium and large diamond traders which are usually engaged in fictitious
import – export, inter-company transactions, financially assisted by banks. In
the process, several public sector banks lost several hundred million rupees.
They mostly diverted borrowed money for diamond business into real estate and
capital markets.
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Excerpts from Times of India dated 30th
October 2010 is as under –
DIAMOND SAGA – DIRTY DOZEN STUCK WITH 2K CR DEBT
This could be the biggest credibility crisis
the Indian diamond industry has ever faced. Fifteen banks run the risk of
losing Rs 2000 crore lent to a dozen diamond firms in Surat. Until about two months
ago, they had not repaid these dues. Bankers believe many diamantaires
borrowed money during the economic downturn two years ago and diverted funds to
businesses like real estate and capital markets. Many of themselves made money
from these businesses but their diamond companies have gone sick and declared
insolvency.
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Most of the money borrowed from the banks in the name
of their diamond business has been diverted in real estate and the share
market. The banks are not in a position to seize their properties because in
many cases, these were purchased in the name of their relatives and friends.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES
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Currency |
Unit
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Indian Rupees |
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US Dollar |
1 |
Rs.54.46 |
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1 |
Rs.83.13 |
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Euro |
1 |
Rs.70.98 |
INFORMATION DETAILS
|
Report
Prepared by : |
PRL |
RATING EXPLANATIONS
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RATING |
STATUS |
PROPOSED CREDIT LINE |
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>86 |
Aaa |
Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability
for timely payment of interest and principal sums |
Unlimited |
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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 |
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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 |
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41-55 |
Ba |
Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal
commitments. |
Satisfactory |
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26-40 |
B |
Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively
below average. |
Small |
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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 |
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<10 |
C |
Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised |
Credit not
recommended |
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NB |
New Business |
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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%)
This report is issued at your request without any
risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL)
or its officials.