Israeli high-tech deals are way, way up

High-tech deals made in Israel saw a 225 percent increase from 2005 to 2006.

The deals totaled more than $12 billion in 2006, up from $3.7 billion in 2005, according to D&A, a business information company.

The high-tech industry "is growing at a rate of 12 percent a year, and serves as a significant engine for the economy's general growth objectives," said Gilai Dolev, research manager at D&A.

In the past decade high-tech transactions in Israel totaled approximately $55 billion, including funds raised by start-ups, public stock issues and purchasing deals. The high-tech industry, through workers' salaries, contributes $7 billion per year to the Israeli economy, 6 percent of Israel's $165 billion GNP. — jta