MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report No. :

304459

Report Date :

27.01.2015

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

HONIGMAN & SONS LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

58 Salame Road TEL AVIV 6607401

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

1947

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturers (via foreign subcontractors abroad), importers, marketers and retailers of women, men, and children fashion

 

 

No. of Employee :

Not Available

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

B

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

Small

 

Status :

Moderate

 

 

Payment Behaviour :

Unknown

 

 

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 – September 30, 2014

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(30.06.2014)

Current Rating

(30.09.2014)

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. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among the leading exports. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. Between 2004 and 2011, growth averaged nearly 5% per year, led by exports. 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. 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. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies, but slowing demand domestically and internationally, and a strong shekel, have reduced forecasts for the next decade to the 3% level. Natural gas fields discovered off Israel's coast since 2009 have brightened Israel's energy security outlook. The Tamar and Leviathan fields were some of the world's largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade. The massive Leviathan field is not due to come online until 2018, but production from Tamar provided a one percentage point boost to Israel's GDP in 2013 and is expected to contribute 0.5% growth in 2014. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. Israel's income inequality and poverty rates are among the highest of OECD countries and there is a broad perception among the public that a small number of "tycoons" have a cartel-like grip over the major parts of the economy. 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. In May 2013 the Israeli government, in a politically difficult process, passed an austerity budget to reign in the deficit and restore confidence in the government's fiscal position. Over the long term, Israel faces structural issues, including low labor participation rates for its fastest growing social segments - the ultra-orthodox and Arab-Israeli communities. Also, Israel's progressive, globally competitive, knowledge-based technology sector employs only 9% of the workforce, with the rest employed in manufacturing and services - sectors which face downward wage pressures from global competition.

 

Source : CIA

 

Company name and address      

 

HONIGMAN & SONS LTD.

 

Telephone 972 3 680 55 00; 680 55 55

 Fax          972 3 518 05 75

58 Salame Road

TEL AVIV 6607401 ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a non-registered business in 1947.

Converted into a private limited company and registered as such as per file
No. 51-084496-2 on the 19.02.1980.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital NIS 2,050,000.00, divided into -

                2 management shares (issued),

                2,049,991 ordinary "A" shares (349,992 shares issued),

                7 ordinary shares (6 shares issued), all of NIS 1.00 each,

of which shares amounting to NIS 350,000.00 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

1.      Jacob Honigman, 50%,

2.      Micha Honigman, 50%.

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

1.      Micha Honigman, born 1953,

2.      Jacob Honigman, born 1945, founder of subject, brother of Micha.

 

 


GENERAL MANAGER

 

Micha Ronen.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Manufacturers (via foreign subcontractors abroad), importers, marketers and retailers of women, men, and children fashion.

Operating 166 shops (had 163 shops in the beginning of 2014) throughout Israel, all operated by subject, no concessionaires. The retail store chains and brand names under the following categories:

“Honigman” - for women, 47 shops (including 22 jointly with “Honigman Menswear”, for gentlemen); “TNT” - for young ladies, 47 shops; “Honigman Kids” - for kids, 64 shops (including the “Virus” brand of extreme fashion of kids, and “Honigman Baby”, for babies); Honigman Outlets - 8 branches.

 

All sales are to the local market.

Via subsidiary, operating few retail stores in Europe, mainly in Romania. In addition, via concessionaires, operating 3 stores in Russia.

Manufacturing is carried out via subcontractors in India, China and Vietnam.

Most of subject’s suppliers are foreign.

Advertising agency: DAVID.

 

Operating from main premises (offices and logistics center), on an area of 10,000 sq. meters (5,000 owned by subject and 5,000 rented), in 58, Salame Road, Tel Aviv, and from another logistics center, on an rented area of 3,000 sq. meters, in 6 Plotisky Street, Old Industrial Zone, Rishon Le-Zion.

Operating from some 160 retail stores nationwide.

 

Having in all some 1,200 employees, as of the end of 2011, similar to 2010 and 2009. Current number of employees not forthcoming.

 

 

MEANS

 

According to a single report from October 2014, subject was valued at NIS 105 million as part of negotiations for its sale to a local leading fashion chain GOLD AND CO. No later data found on the matter.

 

Inventory was valued at NIS 70,000,000 in mid 2011.

 

In January 2014 it was reported that subject is investing NIS 5 million in a re conception of the TNT brand – see more in CHARACTER.

 

Owned property in 58 Salame Street, Tel Aviv valued at several US$ millions.

 

Annual advertising budget of 'Honigman' brand as reported in 2012 is NIS 10 million (in real prices; in pricelist prices, budget was US$ 5.3 million, which equals close to NIS 20 million). Subject's advertizing budget has been decreasing comparing to previous years.

Later/ other financial data not forthcoming.

 

There are 24 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company's assets (financial assets and fixed assets), in favor of Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.,

Mercantile Discount Bank Ltd., Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Bank Hapoalim Ltd., The First International Bank of Israel Bank Ltd., Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Bank Otsar Hahayal Ltd. and Union Bank of Israel Ltd. Last 7 charges placed October - December 2014 on financial, fixed and other assets to 7 different banks.

 

 

REVENUES

 

2007 sales claimed to be NIS 317 million.

2008 sales claimed to be NIS 350 million.

2009 sales figures not forthcoming.

2010 sales claimed to be NIS 300 million.

Later sales figures not disclosed, though in a media article in February 2013 it was estimated that 2012 sales were NIS 330 million (2011 sales unavailable).

According to a report from August 2013, annual sales are NIS 350 million.

According to reports from 2014, 2013 sales were circa NIS 340 million.

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

HONIGMAN ROMANIA S.R.L, 100%, operating shops in Romania.

HONIGMAN AND SONS ASSETS (1986) LTD., sister company, a holding company.

 

 

BANKERS

 

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

Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Allenby Business Branch (No. 802), Tel Aviv.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

There is a motion for class action lawsuit filed against subject in early 2011, by employees (claiming subject does not pay for overtime), still have to be approved as such by Court. We found no further data on matter.

In October 2012 the Court rejected another motion for class action lawsuit filed other by consumers (concerning advertising the TNT brand).

Apart from that, nothing unfavorable learned.

 

Subject's officials refused to update data besides general business activity and branches numbers.

 

Subject is a long established company enjoying a good reputation in its field. It is among the local leading and popular fashion chain stores with remarkable rate of growth over the last years, like several other local fashion chains.

 

It was reported that subject took streamlining measures due to the slow-down in the local fashion arena in 2009/2010, and according to reports planed to close down 5 shops during 2011 (after closing 2 shops in 2010). In November 2011 it was reported that subject is closing 3 TNT losing branches. In addition, a new General Manager was appointed and downsizing made in logistics and operations.

 

In February 2013 it was reported that subject decided to exit the men's fashion field (which they entered in 2009), which they consider as unsuccessful, as they were unable to face the competition by rival chains. Men's fashion contributed only NIS 12 million in sales in 2012. General Manager, Mr. Ronen said that in the women's fashion they witnessed a two-digit growth in sales in 2012.

 

In May 2007, it was reported that subject is opening a TNT retail chain in Romania, with its first shop, to be followed by 5 more shops till end of 2007, with total investment of NIS 6 million. The plan was to open 40 stores within next 3-4 years in Romania, however, due to the global economic in January 2011 subject decided to close all 9 shops, which inflicted losses of NIS millions, reportedly.

In February 2009 it was reported that subject is opening a "Honigman" store in Moscow, Russia, further to 2 stores of TNT in Sibiria.

 

Reports in the media in the last several years on subject:

During 2007 subject invested NIS 7 million in the upgrading of 7 branches and NIS 13 million in opening 18 new shops.

In December 2007, it was reported on NIS 10 million investment in opening 8 new TNT shops (concept stores, of 200-400 sq. meters each).

October 2009: Opening “Honigman Men” shops in G-Mall in Kfar Saba and in Big Fashion Center in Nazareth, part of the strategy of concept shops which combine women and men department. Investment in the move - NIS 2.5 million. In December opened further 2 “Honigman Men” shops in Afula and in Lev Hadera Mall, investment NIS 800,000.

January 2010: Openning a new shop for “Honigman Men” brand in Hakeryon Mall, a shop on an area of 100 sq. meters, with investment NIS 500,000.

March 2011: TNT launching a joint campaign (investment of NIS 500,000) with the international brand 'Puma', for marketing designed snickers.

March 2012: new advertising campaign with reported investment of NIS 3 million.

April 2012: an advertizing campaign by TNT, investment of NIS 2 million.

 

In December 2010 it was reported that subject received the exclusive license to market in Israel fashion accessories of the American pop star Justin Bieber.

 

In July 2012 it was reported that subject is opening its first store attending the Arab sector in the city of Sakhnin, with an investment of NIS 400,000.

 

 

According to a report from August 2013, following the entrance of foreign children's fashion chains to Israel, subject intends to lower its childeren's clothing prices by up to 40%, that by cutting in the purchse field (including switching suppliers and moving to new manufacturing countries such as Vietnam). According to the report, subject's children's apparel sales are NIS 120 million (circa 35% of total revenues), where the children's apparel local market is valued at NIS 1.5 billion.

 

In January 2014 it was reported that subject intends to invest NIS 5 million in changing the concept of its TNT line targing youth, which besides clothes will sell footwear of ALLSTAR, VANS, KAPPA (as well as a private brand), accessories (CASIO, iDANCE), and more. According to the report, TNT sales were NIS 110 million in 2013.

 

Reportedly, total revenues of the local fashion market in 2013 reached NIS 12 billion per annum. In 2012 sales reached NIS 11 billion. 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 2014 increased by 8.3% (in NIS terms, rose by 9.5% in $ terms), summing up to NIS 7,421.6 million. This comes after in 2013 import rose by mere 0.9% from 2012, but rose by 13% in 2012.

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.

 

The local fashion market has been significantly influenced by the entrance of new international fashion players to the already highly competitive local market.

To many players in the branch, the fierce competition, coupled with the slow-down in local economy resulted in stagnation in sales and drop in revenues. There have been also few collapses of veteran and big retailers in some niches, including in the ladies fashion and children's apparel.

Moreover, in particular for the recent period, local businesses in general, and the fashion market in particular, sufferred a blow from the fighting situation in Israel during July-August in the south of Israel, causing freeze in sales.

 

From the CBS preliminary National Accounts for 2014 on private consumption expenditure, it turns that the current local households expenditure grew by 3.9% from 2013, after rising by 3.3% in 2013 and by 3.2% in 2012.

Consumption expenditure by households on Clothing and Footwear in 2014 rose by 10.1% from 2013 (after 2.2% rise in 2013 and by 8.5% in 2012).

 

 

SUMMARY

 

In principle, subject is veteran, well-known in their field, therefore suitable for trade engagements. However, in view of subject's officials to update any data (unlike in the past), we lack certain information that may assist in determining the company's status (we do not have good idea as to the financial position). Also, considering the fierce competition in the fashion branch, for the time being dealings are recommended on a fully secure basis.

 

 

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.61.50

UK Pound

1

Rs.92.16

Euro

1

Rs.69.62

 

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Analysis Done by :

RAS

 

 

Report Prepared by :

ANK

 


 

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.