Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.‘s proposed acquisition of Seven & i Holdings Co., if successful, wouldn’t just be the largest takeover of a Japanese company. It would also be extremely rare. The Canadian convenience store chain operator’s preliminary proposal to buy the 7-Eleven owner could be worth more than ¥5.63 trillion ($38.4 billion), based on the Japanese company’s market value.
Previous attempts to acquire such a well-known Japanese business at this scale have often been dismissed due to protectionist tendencies inherent in the Japanese market. However, changing guidelines and increased pressure from investors could provide an opening for Couche-Tard’s ambitions.
- Buyouts of Japanese businesses have typically been complicated affairs.
- Looser regulatory guidelines and investor pressure may offer new opportunities for Couche-Tard.