The AM:PM chain of convenience stores around Israel has been at the center of the machlokes over closing businesses on Shabbos. AM:PM has become symbolic of the secular struggle to operate stores on Shabbos and even for trying to compel its workers to work on Shabbos and Yomtov.

There may however be a radical policy change and the company may close down on Shabbos and Yomtov as it appears AM:PM is being sold to a frum businessman, Moti Ben-Moshe.

The AM:PM operation was owned by Alon Blue Square Alon Ltd. and is up for sale due to financial hardships. While the deal is yet to be finalized, it appears Ben-Moshe will be acquiring the AM:PM stores.

According to the Kalkalist report, Ben-Moshe’s first decision will be to close stores on Shabbos and if he then reaches the decision the stores are not profitable due to the Shabbos closure, he will sell them.

AM:PM today has 75 stores throughout Israel including 46 operating under the AM:PM name and an additional 29 under the Alonit name. The latter are found in Dor Alon gas stations and have an annual income of NIS 500 million.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)