Shari Arison, who currently owns 20.2% of Bank Hapoalim's shares through Arison Holdings, is considering bringing a new investor into the bank, to help expand its international business. The bank has been struggling with liquidity issues for some time, and in recent months it had taken on more than $900 million worth of debt from investors including JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Goldman Sachs However finding a buyer may be difficult as there is no longer any advantage in controlling Bank Hapoalim since its dividends have fallen dramatically due to regulatory restrictions, and influence by its controlling shareholder is limited by regulatory restrictions.
Shari Arison, who currently owns 20.2% of Bank Hapoalim's shares through Arison Holdings, is considering bringing a new investor into the bank, to help expand its international business. Sources say that if a suitable offer is received, Arison will not rule out the sale of her entire controlling interest. However finding a buyer may be difficult as there is no longer any advantage in controlling Bank Hapoalim since its dividends have fallen dramatically due to regulatory restrictions, and influence by its controlling shareholder is limited by regulatory restrictions.