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In a groundbreaking development, Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard () has made a preliminary takeover bid for Japan’s Seven & i Holdings (3382.T), the parent company of the globally recognized 7-Eleven convenience store chain. This marks the largest-ever foreign buyout attempt of a Japanese company, highlighting growing Western interest in Japanese assets amid the country’s corporate governance reforms. While the value of the bid has not been disclosed, the news sent Seven & i shares soaring by nearly 23% in Tokyo, valuing the company at approximately 5.6 trillion yen ($38 billion). Couche-Tard, known for its Circle-K convenience stores, is valued at around $58 billion and confirmed that a “friendly proposal” has been sent. However, both companies emphasized that discussions are still in the early stages, with Seven & i forming a special committee to review the offer. This potential acquisition reflects a broader trend of Western investors eyeing Japanese companie
