Plan Emerges For Japan’s Seven & i To Spin Off Noncore Stores

Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings Co. is considering selling its noncore specialty store businesses as part of efforts to divest shares in its intermediate subsidiary, York Holdings Co., Kyodo News reported.

Seven & i has shifted focus to its convenience store business, separating it from noncore operations amid a takeover bid from Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. I Photo: Dick Thomas Johnson Flickr

The potential spin-off includes businesses in lifestyle goods and children’s apparel and was proposed by prospective buyers, according to a source familiar with the matter. York Holdings, which operates 31 retailers, has drawn interest primarily for its supermarket operations, particularly those centered on Ito-Yokado.

Seven & i has shifted focus to its convenience store business, separating it from noncore operations amid a takeover bid from Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

The company recently completed the first round of bidding for York Holdings’ shares and aims to sell a majority stake by February 2026, turning it into an equity-method affiliate.

The company is reportedly seeking a buyer capable of enhancing the real estate value of stores located near train stations and other prime areas, while prioritizing supermarket operations focused on food products.