Ashtrom and Granite Hacarmel Investments (controlled by Koor and
Clal) signed a purchase deal of 25% of NZBE shares for 58 million
dollars, on September 24. However, the realization of the deal is now in
question, as the Income Tax Authority is currently refusing to approve a
tax exemption on NZBE share transference to the new company. If this
component of the deal is not approved by February 15, the deal will be
called off. It was again proven that a deal between private
entrepreneurs depends on the goodwill of state authorities.