MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

14.02.2014

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

GOLF AND CO. GROUP LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

P.O. Box 24138 (6124101), 57 Pinhas Rosen Street, Hadar Yossef, TEL AVIV 6951279

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

11.04.1961

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Chain of retail store

 

 

No. of Employees :

1,865

 

 

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 – December 01, 2013

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(30.09.2013)

Current Rating

(01.12.2013)

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. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among 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. Israel's economy also has weathered the Arab Spring because strong trade ties outside the Middle East have insulated the economy from spillover effects. 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, and production from the Tama field is expected to meet all of Israel''s natural gas demand beginning mid-2013. 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

                                                                                         

GOLF AND CO. GROUP LTD.

(Trading as: "GOLF & CO")

Telephone       972 3 645 15 15

Fax                972 3 647 61 04; 645 74 06

P.O. Box 24138 (6124101)

57 Pinhas Rosen Street

Hadar Yossef

TEL AVIV       6951279            ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a private limited company, incorporated as per file
No. 51-028956-4 on the 11.04.1961 under the name of ARIGEI HADAR LTD.

 

Company began actual business operations in its current form in 1987, chainging its name to GOLF FASHION CHAIN STORES LTD. on the 22.01.1987. On the 24.02.1995 name was changed to GOLF KITAN FASHION STORES LTD., which changed to the present name on the 31.01.2002.

Note: Subject’s present registered name in free translation to English is GOLF GROUP A.C. LTD.

 

On 24.01.1999, POLGAT CHAIN STORES LTD. was merged into subject.

 

On 27.02.2006 published a prospectus offering shares to the public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), raising a sum of NIS 76 million.

Following the public issuance, on 19.03.2006 converted into a public limited company (registration number remains the same).

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital NIS 470,000.00, divided into -

                47,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 each,

of which 40,299,990 shares amounting to NIS 402,999.90 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

1.    CLAL INDUSTRIES LTD., 62%, (bonds are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange), fully owned by AL DIVERSIFIED PARENT S.A R.L (part of ACCESS INDUSTRIES Group), controlled by Leonard (Len) Blavatnik,

2.    Institutional investors (pension and trustee funds): HAREL INSURANCE (7.2%), PHOENIX INSURANCE (5.1%) and EXCELLENCE (2%),

3.    Shares are also traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).

 

In July 2012, I.D.B. HOLDING CORP. LTD. (part of I.D.B. Group, controlled by Nochi Dankner), which held 60.5% of CLAL INDUSTRIES (hereafter CI), completed the sale of 49.9% of CI to Leonard (Len) Blavatnik, for NIS 1.27 billion (see more in CHARACTER). In March 2013 I.D.B. sold its remaining holdings (some 11%) in Cl. In November 2013, following a successful tender offer AL DIVERSIFIED PARENT reached full ownership of CLAL INDUSTRIES.

 

 

DIRECTORsS

 

1.     Aharon Meidan, Chairman,

2.     Daniel Shinar,

3.     Ms. Sigalia Heifetz,

4.     Basil Gamsu,

5.     Ms. Ruth Ralbag,

6.     Ms. Iris Beck Codner,

7.     Johanan Locker,

8.     Avi Fischer.

 

 

GENERAL MANAGER

 

Mrs. Ilana Kaufman.

On the 01.02.2014 Mrs. Ilana Kaufman informed that she is stepping down from her General Manager post; she will be replaced by Eli Mizroch in the coming months.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Importers, marketers and retailers of:

1.  Fashion: men’s, women’s and children wearing apparel, footwear – 50.5% of sales in 2012 (56% in 2011).

2.  “Home Fashion”: home textile products, home toiletries and spa, household products – 49.5% of sales (44% in 2011).

 

Subject is managing and operating 291 retail stores chain as follows (as of 30.09.2013):

Apparel Fashion: 193 for men and women fashion wear, under 6 chain brands: "Golf", "Polgat", "Intima", "Sprint", "Blue Bird" and "Max Moretti" (latter also for footwear).

Home Fashion: 63 retail stores, chain brand "Golf & Co." as well as retail Kids Fashion chain brand "Golf Kids and Baby", with 35 stores + additional 50 points of sale in Golf & Co stores.

 

Subject has an active client club with over 283,000 members.

 

Local sole concessionaires for the following international brands (among others):

RIP CURL, GLOBE (GALLAZ), both of Australia,

NO FEAR, SECTOR NINE, BEACH BUNNY, SANUK, WORLD INDUSTRIES, OSHKOSH, all of the U.S.A,

DANIEL HECHTER, of France.

CAMEL, of Germany.

LA PERLA, of Italy.

 

Having 656 suppliers, 78% of which are foreign (63% of purchase from China).

Among local suppliers: KITAN INDUSTRIES, OFFIS TEXTILE, JACQUES COBE, TRIUMPH, ENDER TEX, SVAV OR, YANIT LINGERIE, etc.

 

Operating from:

* 57 Pinhas Rosen Street, Tel Aviv, rented (from affiliated company) headquarters (part of the “Kitan Compound”), on an area of 1,500 sq. meters, main store, on and area of 3,000 sq. meters, and warehouse on an area of 1,400 sq. meters.

* Yakum Industrial Park, rented: logistic center on an area of 5,800 sq. meters.

* Rented warehouse on an area of 720 sq. meters in Emek Hafer.

* Rented retail stores nationwide.

 

Having 1,865 employees (had 1,800 employees as of 31.12.2012).

 

 

MEANS

 

Current market value US$ 136.8 million.

 

In December 2006 subject completed a private placement, issuing shares and options to institutional bodies, raising NIS 38 million.

 

There is 1 charges for an unlimited amount registered on the company's assets (products), in favor of YANIT LINGERIE (charge placed June 2013).

 

B/S shows:

                                                                                      NIS (thousands)

                                                                             31.12.2012            30.09.2013

ASSETS

Current assets

     Cash and cash equivalents                                         43,581                    18,028

     Negotiable securities                                                  76,650                    96,695

     Current tax receivables                                               10,865                    29,732

     Customers                                                                91,985                    83,941

     Other receivables                                                         3,640                      5,335

     Stock                                                                      133,648                   141,836

                                                                                   360,369                   375,567

 

Non-current assets

     Fixed assets, net                                                       47,351                    45,263

     Goodwill                                                                      6,000                      6,000

     Other non-current assets                                            16,848                    16,727

                                                                                     70,199                    67,990

                                                                                   430,568                   443,557

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

 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities                                                           117,378                   133,492

Non-current liabilities - provisions                                       1,683                      2,401

Equity                                                                          311,507                   307,664

                                                                                   430,568                   443,557

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

 

REVENUES

 

                                                                                      Statement of Income

                                                                                           NIS (thousands)

                                                                                         Year ended 31.12

                                                                                  2010                2011            2012

Revenues                                                                  657,153            694,260          693,425

 

Gross profit                                                               397,005            416,631          409,222

 

Operating income                                                        99,490              81,126           62,023

 

Profit before taxes on income                                     105,144              84,372           64,834

 

Net income                                                                 77,923              65,422           48,028

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

 

Consolidated first 9 months of 2013 sales NIS 503,593,000 (slightly lower than the parallel period of 2012), making a gross profit of NIS 303,299,000, an operating income of NIS 44,711,000, and a net income of NIS 34,803,000.

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

CLAL INDUSTRIES LTD., a holdings and investment company, with many holdings in various fields in the local industry and trade: textile, cement, hi-tech and electronics, bio-technology, communications, real estate and other industries. Other CLAL’s holding in the textile field:

KITAN TEXTILE INDUSTRIES LTD., 100%, importers, manufacturers (in the Far East), marketers and exporters of home textile products, e.g. bed linen, towels, bath robes, etc. Also importers and marketers of household products, operating retail chain of 27 branches, under the name 'Kitan', for its manufactured and imported goods.

 

ACCESS INDUSTRIES, an international industrial group, with long-term strategic holdings in Europe, North & South America, in industries such as oil, coal, aluminum, petrochemicals and plastics, telecommunications, media (WARNER MUSIC), and real estate. Among other local holdings: 33% of RGE Group operating in the media field, holding Sport's Channel, Children's Channel and Channel 8.

 

 

BANKERS

 

The First International Bank of Israel Ltd., Tel Aviv Main Branch (No. 046), Tel Aviv.

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd., Tel Aviv Business Center Branch (No. 461), Tel Aviv.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Nothing unfavorable learned.

 

Subject is among the leading fashion chain stores in Israel.

 

Len Blavatnik is a Russian-American tycoon, who via ACCESS INDUSTRIES has many holdings in various industries (as well as via other companies). According to Forbes' The World's Billionaire's List of 2011, Blavatnik was listed in 80th place with an estimated fortune of US$10.1 billion.

 

CLAL INDUSTRIES is a veteran concern, with holdings in other local industries, leading in their fields, including cement (NESHER), bio-technology and healthcare (CLAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES), transportation & logistics (TAAVURA, MAMAN), beverages, shipbuilding, textile & fashion, energy and hi-tech.

 

Subject and CLAL INDUSTRIES were until 2012 part of the local large IDB Group. IDB has been facing liquidity problems due to high leverage carried from past years, and in view of the current slow-down in economy it became heavily indebted, obliged in going through corporate structural changes. In July 2012, IDB completed the sale of 49.9% of its holdings in CLAL INDUSTRIES LTD to Len Blavatnik's ACCESS INDUSTRIES for NIS 1.27 billion. IDB sold its remaining shares in March 2013. In November 2013, following a successful tender offer for the shares held by the public, AL DIVERSIFIED PARENT reached full ownership of CLAL INDUSTRIES, paying NIS 1.25 billion for the 50.1% of shares (CLAL's bonds are still traded on TASE).

Len Blavatnik is a Russian-American tycoon, who via ACCESS INDUSTRIES has many holdings in various industries (as well as via other companies). According to Forbes' The World's Billionaire's List of 2011, Blavatnik was listed in 80th place with an estimated fortune of US$10.1 billion.

 

Some 90% of subject's revenues are from products designed by subject's designers.

 

During 2007, subject opened several new shops of its new sub retail chain "Max Moretti" for quality shoes and bags, as well as further fashion stores, all located in shopping malls. In addition, it opened around 10 new home textile and kids apparel shops. In March 2008 it was reported that subject opened 10 new "Max Moretti" shops, with investment of US$ 500,000.

 

In December 2008, it was reported that subject is expanding its array of products and will offer also furniture items in its “Golf & Co.” chain.

 

In mid 2008 subject’s sister company KITAN TEXTILE launched its own retail chain, which will apparently also compete subject’s chain, selling the products they manufacture and import. As a result it was reported that subject and KITAN decrease the cooperation between them. KITAN’s textile operations are considered relatively insignificant to CLAL Group (unlike subject).

 

In January 2009, it was reported that subject is negotiating to acquire control in an Italian fashion house, as part of its strategy to find new engines for expansion, as such acquisition expected to boost sales in Europe.

 

In December 2010 subject completed the acquisition of “Blue Bird” Chain of sports fashion from MARVIDEX SURFING PRODUCTS (2004) LTD. for NIS 11.4 million (excl. stock). “Blue Bird” operates as importers and marketers of surfing  and young’s sports clothing, footwear and accessories since 2005, with 25 retail stores countrywide, and represents locally international brands in the field. It was part of the CONCEPT FASHION Group, who encountered financial difficulties.

 

In November 2011 it was reported that subject made its first overseas step, with the opening of its first Max Moretti store in Prague.

 

In December 2013 it was reported that subject is performing streamlining in the "Blue Bird" chain, closing down stores (intending to close 6 branches), as well as decrease the shop size, as part of bringing "Blue Bird" to profitability.

 

As part of cost saving, subject shifted the store opening from malls to locations on main streets, as well as opening shops in the periphery (where rent fees are significantly lower)

 

According to reports from the end of 2012, total revenues of the local fashion market are NIS 11 billion per annum. 40% of sales are in the large fashion chains, 34% in other smaller chains, and the rest in private shops.

According to the fashion market survey, which monitors sales by the local fashion chains, 2012 marked almost a freeze in revenues, with mere 0.7% increase from 2011. The data reveals that in 2012 41 fashion chains (out of 72 chains with total of over 1,600 shops) noted decrease in sales of aparel and footwear.

 

Based on surveys, around 50% and more is women's fashion. Moreover, 40% of fashion stores in Israel belong to fashion chains, the rest being private shops.

 

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), import of Clothing and Footwear in 2013 rose by mere 0.9% from 2012 (in NIS terms, rose by 7.9% in $ terms), summing up to NIS 6,854 million. This is after 2012 marked 13.3% rise (5.1% in $ currency terms). That data shows on the continuing growing trend over the last of years – by 19% and by 13.4% in 2011 and 2010, respectively, in comparison to the previous year. Most import comes from China. Main other countries of origin for textile goods are France, Italy, Hong Kong and Turkey, Spain and the U.S.A.

 

According to CBS, import of fabrics and yarns in 2012 fell by 6.5% from 2011, and the negative continued in 2013, with 1.8% decrease from 2012, summing up to US$ 651 million (though fall in local NIS terms was deeper – by 8.1%). This trend comes after couple of years which saw a rise in import – by 17% in 2010 and 2.1% in 2011 comparing to the previous year, parallel to the general recovery in the local economy.

Chinese production comprises the largest portion of imported textile goods followed by France, Italy, Hong Kong and Turkey. The increase in imports emanates from the exposure to foreign markets policy by the State.

 

The local fashion market has been significantly influenced by the entrance of new international fashion players to the already highly competitive local market (GAP, H&M in 2009/2010, Forever 21 in 2011).

Sources in the local fashion branch noted that over the last periods the branch re-entered slow-down and stagnation, resulting in drop in revenues. There have been also few collapses of veteran and big players in some niches, including in the ladies fashion and children's apparel. The  is explained by several factors, including the present slow-down in local economy, and the fierce competition where the entrance of the strong international chains are dragging prices down but do not bring to expansion of the fashion market.

Moreover, senior figures in the local fashion and apparel branch, as well as from the shopping malls sector, commented in November 2013 that few more chains are on the verge of collapse.

 

From the CBS National Accounts for 2012, it turns that expenditure by local households on private consumption grew by 2.7% from 2011, after rising by 3.8% in 2010. Expenditure on clothing, footwear and personal effects rose by 7.2% (after 2.4% rise in 2011). Expenditure on private consumption continued to grow in 2013: it rose by 5.6% in 3rdQ 2013, after a 6.2% increase in the 2ndQ 2013.

Per-capita expenditure increased by 0.9% (1.9% rise in 2011).

Per capita expenditure for private consumption on non-durable goods rose in 2012 by 1.4% per-capita (1.3% rise in 2011). This rise reflects increases by 1.3% in expenditure on food, beverage and tobacco and 4.5% expenditure on clothing, footwear and personal effects.

 

According to CBS, import of consumer goods in 2013 marked a 2.2% increase continuing the rise of 1.9% in 2012 and 9.8% in 2011. Most of the rise was in durable goods (4.1%), which comprising some 40% of the import volume, while import in durable goods rose by mere 0.9% from 2012. Main rise derived from import of Household Utensils in 2013 which rose by 2.5% from 2012, summing up to NIS 2,546 million (in NIS terms, 9.5% in $ terms), after 1.7% in 2012.

 

The local household products market is considered highly competitive after reaching market saturation. It includes household textile, tableware and kitchenware and utensils, bath accessories and ornaments &decorative items, ceramic and glass ware, etc. According to estimations, the local household products market volume reaches NIS 2.5 – 3 billons annually (of which circa NIS 1 billion for “home textile”), and includes retail, wholesale, institutional markets (Retail chains capture 30% of the market share, specialization stores 20%, while the institutional and workers unions sector has 50% share).

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Good for trade engagements.

 

Note: Since February 2013 Israel Post has started using a new area code method of 7 digits (the old method of 5 digits is no longer valid).

 

 


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.62.27

UK Pound

1

Rs.103.46

Euro

1

Rs.84.87

 

 

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.