Groupe Rocher sells Sabon’s Israeli retail operations to Golf

Groupe Rocher is continuing its strategy of refocusing on beauty and well-being with the restructuring of its Sabon brand, which it acquired in 2016.

On August 18 in Israel, Groupe Rocher signed an agreement transferring the franchise rights for Sabon’s online and retail operations—including its network of 22 stores—to the local Golf group for a period of five years. The deal, valued at 6.5 million shekels (€1.68 million), will, according to Groupe Rocher, “guarantee customers continued access to Sabon products.”

All 92 store employees will transition to the Golf group’s teams. Simultaneously, Groupe Rocher plans to close Sabon’s production site in Kiryat Gat and its logistics center by 2026, a move that could impact up to 180 employees. Production will be consolidated at the Group’s industrial facilities in Brittany, France, reinforcing their strategic role.

Founded in 1997 in Tel Aviv by Sigal Kotler-Levy and Avi Piatok, Sabon has grown into an international brand with 180 boutiques across 14 countries. Since its acquisition by Groupe Rocher—initially 70% in 2016 and fully in 2018—it has become part of a portfolio now being streamlined. The group sold Flormar in 2024 and has initiated the resale process for the Petit Bateau and Stanhome brands, focusing on its core beauty and well-being segment.

In 2024, Groupe Rocher reported sales of €2.2 billion, a 2.4% increase, including €1.1 billion generated by its flagship brand, Yves Rocher. Sabon’s restructuring aims to enhance its global performance, particularly in Asian markets, while reinforcing the value of French industrial expertise.