Lauder also approached the owners of Ma'ariv a few months ago, expressing interest in procuring the newspaper.
The Taman family is conducting final negotiations for the sale of Capital Studios to businessman Ronald Lauder, son of Estee Lauder. The Taman family, including heirs of the late millionaire Leon Taman, holds control over Capital Studios, while the Dovrat-Shrem company holds 15% of the shares and an additional option for 22% of shares through convertible debentures.
Dovrat-Shrem has first right of refusal but estimates are that if Lauder concludes with an attractive procurement price, Dovrat-Shrem might also sell its share in the company. The value of the company, the annual revenues of which are NIS 55 million, is estimated at $25-30 million. The company is considered very profitable.
Close associates of Lauder note that the businessman (who founded a large telecommunications company operational in East Europe and elsewhere) has decided on a massive increase of his holdings in telecommunications in Israel. His name has been mentioned in connection with possible bidders for Bezeq, for the Broadcasting Authority if it is to be privatised and at the International Calls Tender.
Lauder also approached the owners of Ma'ariv a few months ago and expressed interest in procuring the newspaper. Lauder has a close association with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was even responsible for bringing adviser Arthur Finkelstein to Israel for the Likud party's pre-election campaign. Lauder financed his services.