Japan’s Seven & i Holdings Considers Selling Supermarket Stake

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s Seven & i Holdings is exploring the possibility of selling a stake in its supermarket unit as part of preparations for a business listing. This move follows the company’s rejection of a takeover bid from Alimentation Couche-Tard.

Key Details

• Timeline & Size: The timeline for the potential sale and the size of the stake remain unclear. Sources indicate that the company is considering selling to an investor or fund.
• Business Unit: The supermarket unit includes the Ito-Yokado chain, a well-known grocery provider in Japan.
• Previous Offers: Last month, Seven & i rejected a buyout offer from the Canadian firm, citing insufficient price. The company has hinted at an IPO for the supermarket unit as early as the 2027 financial year.
• Strategic Goals: The sale is expected to help expedite the overhaul of the supermarket division and allow Seven & i to concentrate on its core convenience store business.

A spokesperson from Seven & i noted that no official statements had been made, and decisions regarding the sale are not finalized yet.