Alon Blue Square Israel (Alon Blue Square Israel) Short Interest

Alon Blue Square Israel Ltd was incorporated in June 1988 as a company under the laws of the State of Israel. The Company owns and operates supermarkets and retail outlets. It operates in four reporting segments: Supermarkets, Fueling and Commercial sites, Non-Food Retail & Wholesale, and Real Estate. In its Supermarkets segment, it is a food retailer in the State of Israel. In its Fueling and Commercial Sites segment, it operates a chain of filling stations and convenience stores in different formats in Israel. In its 'Non-Food' segment, it sells 'Non-Food' items both in its supermarkets and in stand alone outlets. In its Real Estate segment, it owns leases and develops yield-generating commercial properties and residency projects. Through its supermarkets, it offers a range of food and beverage products and 'Non-Food' items, such as houseware, small electrical appliances, computers and computer accessories, entertainment products and textile products, and 'Near-Food' products, such as health and beauty aids, products for babies, cosmetics and hygiene products. It also operates several houseware departments within its large stores. Through its stand alone 'Non-Food' outlets, it offers a range of houseware and home textile, toys, leisure and baby products. The Company competes with the other supermarket chain, Shufersal, low-priced smaller supermarket chains, independent grocers, open-air markets, and other retailers selling supermarket goods. Its non-food business is subject to Israeli laws relating to imports, customs, labeling of products and consumer protection laws, as well as to labor laws and license and permit laws as apply to the operation of its network of stores. The Company is subject to safety tests, quality control and certification by the Standards Institution of Israel.