Panic at Apax? Zahavit Cohen demands to "immediately stop" a deal by her successor

Apax Israel, led by Zahavit Cohen, sent warning letters to Erez Nahum and other parties involved in the acquisition of the veterinary clinic chain "Haverim" by the Laux fund founded by Nahum, alleging theft of trade secrets. Meanwhile, sources close to Nahum reject the claims, calling them a personal vendetta.

The investment fund Apax Israel, headed by Zahavit Cohen, sent warning letters to Erez Nahum, her former deputy, and other parties involved in the acquisition of a controlling stake (85%) in the veterinary clinic chain "Haverim" by the Laux fund founded by Nahum. The deal was valued at 240 million shekels, with Laux and Phoenix injecting 180 million shekels into the chain. In the letter, obtained by Globes, Apax claims the deal "is based on the theft of trade secrets," as Nahum acted shortly after leaving his position at Apax and on the board of the fund's portfolio company "Havat Da'at." Conversely, sources close to Nahum strongly rejected the allegations, calling them "a direct continuation of Cohen's personal vendetta." The conflict comes against the backdrop of a lawsuit filed by Nahum earlier this year against Cohen and Apax for harassment, and a defense statement filed by Cohen in June in which she claimed Nahum had conspired to replace her.