Episode 8 - Long Distance Exit: Searchlight Capital and the Bezeq Takeover

Episode 8 - Long Distance Exit: Searchlight Capital and the Bezeq Takeover

From 1+1=11: Israeli M&A by Shay Shvartz and Shmuel Zussman

June 4, 2026 · 1h 12m · Season 1 · Episode 8

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the Bezeq takeover by Searchlight Capital, highlighting the financial turnaround and exit strategy.

In this episode of the podcast "1+1=11", Shay Shvartz and Shmuel Zussman welcome Darren Glatt, Senior Partner at Searchlight Capital, and Tomer Raved, Executive Chairman of the Bezeq Group, as special guests. In 2019, Searchlight Capital, together with the Israeli Fuhrer family, acquired a controlling stake in Bezeq — the largest telecommunications company in Israel — in one of the most high-profile transactions in Israel at the time. Under Searchlight and the Fuhrer family's control, Bezeq underwent a comprehensive financial and operational turnaround that included strengthening its corporate governance, accelerating fiber deployment, deleveraging its balance sheet, and reinstating dividend distributions. At the end of 2025, Searchlight and the Fuhrer family exited their position in Bezeq by divesting all shares held through B-Com, realizing a significant return — with Bezeq's value having appreciated by approximately 250% over the holding period, while B-Com's value increased by more than 300%. Darren and Tomer provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most high-profile transactions in Israel in recent years — a deal marked by numerous twists and turns, a large cast…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shay Shvartz, Shmuel Zussman

Guests: Darren Glatt, Tomer Raved

Topics covered

  • M&A
  • telecommunications
  • investment
  • corporate governance
  • financial turnaround
  • exit strategy

Keywords

  • Bezeq
  • Searchlight Capital
  • M&A
  • telecommunications
  • investment
  • exit strategy
  • financial turnaround
  • Israel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Searchlight Capital, Bezeq Group, B-Com

Places: Israel

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