Walmart, KKR and Rakuten have signed an agreement that will change the ownership structure of Seiyu in Japan. New ownership structure In a deal worth JPY172.5bn (approx. US$1.6bn), KKR will acquire 65% majority stake in Seiyu, Rakuten will acquire a 20% stake, through a newly created subsidiary, and Walmart will retain 15%. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected ...

Monthly data updates from the three largest convenience chains in the world, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson, focusing on sales, customer footfall and average customer spend in Japan.  FamilyMart post positive monthly all store sales, but only due to new stores For October, FamilyMart posted positive monthly all store sales for the first time this fiscal year. However, this was due to the r...

Japan's four largest retailers, Seven & i Holdings, Aeon, FamilyMart and Lawson, have posted their H1 results for the six months from March 1 to August 31, 2020. Summary and our view The big four’s H1 results continue to show the negative impact of COVID-19 has had on convenience retailing in Japan. Average spending per customer at convenience stores has increased, but this has not been eno...