Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., August 20, 2008 Av 19, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:25 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Leonard Blavatnik starts due diligence on Maariv group By Shahar Ran Tags: Maariv, newspapers  Russian-born billionaire Leonard Blavatnik has begun due diligence on Maariv following a no-shop agreement signed between the parties in July, ensuring Blavatnik a free field for negotiations. As far as is known, this is the first time during discussions over Maariv that such a no-shop agreement has been signed, although due diligence has been conducted by Sheldon Adelson. Blavatnik, founder and controlling shareholder of U.S.-based Access Industries, wants to buy the newspaper from the Nimrodi family and businessman Vladimir Gusinsky, who owns a 27% stake. Advertisement Blavatnik acquired a 20% stake in media firm RGE from local businessman Aviv Giladi, his first foray into the Israeli media industry. Access' media arm is invested in a variety of companies, including Warner Music Group, and media firms in Britain and Russia. But Maariv would be the first print newspaper in its portfolio. Blavatnik's emissaries, who sought to expand his business in Israel, learned that the paper was on the block from Attorney Zvi Hefetz, a former representative and partner of Vladimir Gusinsky at Maariv. The two met in London, where Hefetz served as Israel's ambassador and where Blavatnik lived at the time. The two maintained contact after Hefetz completed his posting. Neither party was immediately available for comment. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Poor sports Here are the top 10 excuses for Israel's poor Olympics showing. Kafka the Zionist Remnants of Kafka's estate found in T.A. raise questions of his belief in Zionism.

Read & React Olmert: No restraint if Lebanon becomes Hezbollah state Responses: 28 Mike Huckabee: A divided Jerusalem is 'unimaginable' Responses: 150 Top Russian general: Israel armed, trained Georgia forces Responses: 54 Yoel Marcus: Israel can no longer rely on U.S. to stand by it come what may Responses: 44 More Headlines 00:14 Ex-Mossad chief: Ahmadinejad is Israel's greatest gift 21:16 Olmert: No restraint if Lebanon becomes Hezbollah state 01:28 U.S. official calls Iranian satellite launch a 'dramatic failure' 23:35 Obama appoints Jewish outreach coordinator 18:12 Top Russian general: Israel armed, trained Georgia forces 14:02 Olympic rabbi runs a spiritual marathon at Beijing Games 23:55 Barak orders Gaza crossings closed after Qassam hits Negev 18:36 Court halts IDF tribunal against soldier who shot bound Palestinian 20:19 Hamas, Fatah delegations head to Cairo for reconciliation talks 14:38 'The dog ate my medal': Top 10 excuses for Israel's poor showing in Beijing 23:10 Interior Minister Sheetrit announces candidacy for Kadima leadership 16:59 Huckabee backs Jewish land purchases in Arab areas of Jerusalem 20:23 Police quiz parents who forgot 3-year-old son during family trip in north 16:20 Olmert to face additional round of police questioning on Friday 20:25 IDF commander kept in post 3 months after accused of raping mentally challenged volunteer 18:27 Foreign Ministry denies Livni helped get Israeli ID for Palestinian official's daughter Previous Editions Select Day 19 aug 18 aug 17 aug 15 aug 14 aug 13 aug 12 aug 11 aug 10 aug 08 aug 07 aug 06 aug

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