Couche-Tard Seeks to Acquire 7-Eleven Owner in $31 Billion Deal

Proposed Acquisition Could Reshape Convenience Store Landscape

Major Players in the Industry

* Alimentation Couche-Tard, the operator of Circle K convenience stores, has made a bid to acquire Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japanese owner of 7-Eleven stores. * If successful, the deal would create a global convenience store behemoth with over 60,000 stores in 28 countries.

Financial Implications

* Seven & i Holdings reported total merchandise and service revenues of US$41 billion in 2022, representing a 17% decrease from the previous year. * Couche-Tard's proposed acquisition would value Seven & i Holdings at approximately $31 billion.

Impact on the Industry

* The acquisition would consolidate the convenience store industry and potentially lead to increased competition and lower prices for consumers. * It could also provide Couche-Tard with a stronger foothold in the Japanese market, where 7-Eleven is the dominant convenience store chain.

Next Steps

* Seven & i Holdings is currently reviewing Couche-Tard's proposal and has not yet made a decision. * Both companies have a strong track record in the convenience store industry and it is likely that the acquisition would undergo significant regulatory scrutiny. * The final outcome of the proposed acquisition remains to be seen, but it has the potential to significantly reshape the global convenience store landscape.