Shares of Seven & i Holdings Co. jumped over 4% in early Friday trading in Tokyo after a Nikkei report indicated the company is nearing a deal to acquire a stake in Polish convenience store giant Zabka Group [1]. The potential transaction is expected to be worth several hundred billion yen and highlights Seven & i's ongoing strategy to expand its global convenience store footprint, particularly by entering the Eastern European market [1].
Zabka Group, founded in 1998, operates more than 10,000 franchise-run stores across Poland, offering hot snacks and groceries [1]. Following the news, Zabka's shares, which are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, closed 10.9% higher on Thursday, reaching a record high [1].
Seven & i has set a goal to increase its worldwide store count, including Japan, from 87,000 to 100,000 by 2030, and views the Zabka investment as a significant step toward strengthening its retail network in Europe, according to the Nikkei report [1]. If completed, this would be Seven & i's first major overseas convenience store investment since its $21 billion acquisition of U.S. chain Speedway in 2021 [1].
Both Seven & i Holdings and Zabka Group did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment regarding the potential deal [1].
CONCLUSION
The reported talks between Seven & i Holdings and Zabka Group have driven notable share price gains for both companies, reflecting strong market optimism about the potential deal. If finalized, the acquisition would mark a major step in Seven & i's international expansion strategy and significantly boost its presence in Europe.