Shlomo Group Enters Aircraft Leasing with $40.4M Global Knafaim Stake

Shlomo Group, one of Israel's automotive and logistics giants, announced today a strategic entry into the aircraft leasing sector through a significant investment in the controlling core of Global Knafaim Leasing. Under the agreement, Shlomo Group will invest approximately $40.4 million in exchange for an allotment of shares representing about 40.1% of the company's share capital and voting rights. Upon completion of the move, Shlomo Group and Knafaim Holdings will become joint controlling owners with equal holdings.

The transaction reflects a pre-money valuation for Global Knafaim of approximately $60.3 million, aligning with the company's equity as reported in its September 2025 financial statements. The massive capital injection is expected to significantly strengthen the company's financial structure and enable it to accelerate its growth strategy, which includes expanding its aircraft fleet and increasing the volume of transactions in the global aircraft leasing market.

Tami Mozes-Borovitz, the controlling shareholder of Knafaim Holdings, welcomed the partnership, noting that it reflects confidence in Global Knafaim's financial foundation and its ability to lead significant moves in the international market. Nimrod Borovitz is expected to continue serving as Chairman of the Board, while Shlomo Group will receive representation for half of the board's composition under the new shareholders' agreement.

Asi Shmeltzer, Chairman of Shlomo Group, defined the move as an opportunity to leverage the group's financial and managerial advantages in a field adjacent to its core activities. According to him, the aircraft leasing market requires high financial discipline and complex risk management capabilities—areas where Shlomo Group has extensive experience from the automotive world. The move constitutes a new growth engine for the group, with a clear international orientation relying on overseas markets.

The completion of the transaction is subject to receiving regulatory approvals, including approval from the Israel Competition Authority, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), and the company's general meeting of shareholders. The deal was accompanied by investment bankers from Rosario Capital. As of today, prior to the completion of the allotment, Knafaim Holdings holds approximately 67% of the shares, The Phoenix Holdings holds about 9%, and the remainder is held by the public.

For the aviation and logistics community, Shlomo Group's entry into the aerial arena marks a new stage in industry consolidation and strengthens the ability of Israeli companies to compete for global leasing contracts against international giants.