October 3, 2007

 

Russian billionaire may merge poultry operations with Jewish company

 

 

Israel-based G. Willi-Food Investments Ltd. has confirmed negotiations with Russian billionaire Arcadi Gaydamak about the possibility of the company entering into a partnership with Gaydamak's poultry operations in Russia.

 

G. Willi Foods is one of Israel's largest food importers and a single-source supplier of one of the world's most extensive range of quality kosher food products,

 

Gaydamak's poultry business is reportedly the largest supplier of eggs in Moscow and the surrounding region

 

Gaydamak purchased 42 percent of Willi-Food in June this year while his poultry operations were acquired a few months ago.

 

In order to expand the operations, he is considering merging his Russian poultry operations with Willi-Food, which will run the business.

 

The merger will give Willi-Food a foothold in the Russian market.

 

Willi-Food also intends to begin marketing kosher food products to Moscow's Jewish community.

 

Gaydamak recently toured his poultry sites together with Willi-Food founder Zvi Williger, who still owns 12 percent of Willi-Foods. 

 

In July, Gaydamak announced he is launching a new political party in Israel with the aim of toppling Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government.

 

The 54-year-old is a hugely successful businessman in Israel and has made a series of high-profile investments.

 

Israeli newspapers are speculating whether he would be the next premier.