The deal is a piece of Sabon’s restructuring, which aims to enhance its global performance while reinforcing owner Yves Rocher's  French industrial expertise.WHO: Sabon was founded in 1997 in Tel Aviv by Sigal Kotler-Levy and Avi Piatok, who opened a shop on Shenkin Street selling handmade soap by weight. Over the past two decades, Sabon has expanded into an international brand operating 180 stores in 14 countries with a global workforce of 1,000 employees. In 2016, Yves Rocher acquired a 70% stake in Sabon, and the remaining 30% two years later.Netanya, Israel–based Golf & Co Group Ltd is a subsidiary of Clal Industries Ltd, incorporated in 1961. The retail company operates across fashion, home styling, and apparel in Israel.WHY: Groupe Rocher is continuing its strategy of refocusing on beauty and well-being with the restructuring of its Sabon brand.DETAILS:The Israeli Golf retail group is acquiring exclusive franchise rights to Sabon’s online and retail operations, which include 22 stores across the country, for a total of NIS 6.5 million ($1.9 million).The five-year agreement also includes the purchase of assets and properties used by the Sabon retail chain in Israel.Sabon’s 92 store employees will be absorbed into the Golf retail group.Sabon’s Kiryat Gat manufacturing factory, its Israel headquarters, as well as its logistics and distribution center, were not included in the deal and will be closed in 2026, with 180 employees expected to be laid off.