The price may surprise, a partner may join: What Wiz founders are looking for at McDonald's

The four founders of Wiz, led by Assaf Rappaport, are advancing toward securing the franchise to operate McDonald's in Israel. Zahavit Cohen and the Apax fund may join as partners. The price under discussion: about half a billion shekels.

The four founders of Wiz, led by Assaf Rappaport, are advancing toward securing the franchise to operate the McDonald's chain in Israel, as revealed by Calcalist on Thursday. Zahavit Cohen and the Apax fund (AMI) may join as partners, but the move will be examined only after the franchise agreement is signed. The negotiations with McDonald's are at an advanced stage, and according to estimates, the Wiz founders are the only candidates. The price under discussion is about half a billion shekels, significantly lower than the amount paid to the previous franchisee Omri Padan, who received between 1.5 and 2 billion shekels. Padan parted ways with the chain in 2024 against the backdrop of benefits he granted to soldiers and donations to the IDF, which sparked a boycott in Arab countries. Global McDonald's took over the chain's management and stopped the donations. The article notes that Rappaport, a burger enthusiast, may bring a new technological spirit, but the transition to food and retail presents operational challenges. According to insiders, "Assaf wants the deal, but won't regret it if the negotiations don't mature."