Source: Times of India

India is being considered as 'the next big thing' in real estate with many Israeli companies lining up for major investments there, a media report here said.

The latest addition to the growing list of possible investors in the Indian real estate sector is US tycoon Shaya Boymelgreen who recently bought Azorim Investment in Israel for USD 500 million from IDB Holding Corp Ltd.

He is joining hands with Nochi Dankner, a prominent Israeli businessman who briefed him over the prospects in the Indian market, busines daily 'Globes' reported.

The two entrepreneurs are in contact and considering a number of joint investments in India, the daily said adding that Azorim Investment CEO David Lev is due to visit India in a few days in this regard.

Meanwhile, Big Shopping Centers (2004) Ltd has already set up an Indian subsidiary, Big India, with a local partner who owns 40 per cent of the joint venture, the report said.

Big India bought two half-acre plots on which it plans to build commercial centres at an investment of USD 40 million.

Another company, Elbit Medical Imaging Ltd. chairman Motti Zisser declared early this year that he planned to invest in India.

The company plans to build three commercial centres in India, which will become an important component of the company's real estate assets.

'India now resembles the real estate market in Eastern Europe ten years ago. Elbit Medical accumulated great experience in Eastern Europe, and it sees India as an excellent business opportunity,' company sources told the business daily.

Alony Hetz Property and Investments Ltd. controlling shareholder Natan Hetz also recently announced plans to invest USD 100 million with partners in Indian ventures.

Gazit-Globe Ltd., controlled by chairman Chaim Katzman, and Ocif Investments and Development Ltd. controlled by Doron Aviv and Dafna Harlev, are also interested in investing in India, it added.

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