McDonald's is looking for a new franchise operator in Israel, Ynet has learned. Local businesses have been approached, including Apex Ventures and major real estate developers, as interest in the lucrative fast food franchise grows. The company said it was looking for candidates with experience in the food industry.
"This is one of the most highly valued, sought-after franchises in Israel," one potential buyer said. "McDonald's is a world-renowned brand, a real icon that is valued between 200 and 300 million dollars."
McDonald's bought the franchise from Omri Padan in 2024 after he operated it for 30 years. The sale came after McDonald's was criticized for Padan launching a campaign in support of IDF soldiers soon after the October 7 massacre, and included 10,000 free meals for security forces.
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A post on social media went viral, showing an IDF soldier holding a McDonald's bag on a tank in Gaza, prompting outrage in the Muslim world that resulted in boycotts of the brand and substantial financial losses.
Padan was reportedly paid over one billion shekels for the franchise.