KKR to sell Japanese Seiyu supermarket in billion dollar deal

US-based private equity firm KKR is planning to sell the Japanese supermarket chain Seiyu in a deal potentially worth several billion dollars, according to Nikkei business daily. 

The bidding process has commenced. Major retailers such as Aeon, Pan Pacific International Holdings (owner of Don Quijote), Trial Holdings, and one or more investment funds have submitted bids, according to Nikkei, which did not cite sources.

KKR currently holds 85% of Seiyu, while Walmart owns the remaining 15%. Walmart’s stake is also expected to be sold, with the final buyer likely to be determined by around February, the Nikkei reported.

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Seiyu manages approximately 240 stores across Japan. Previously a subsidiary of U.S. retail giant Walmart Inc., the company saw KKR acquire a stake in 2021.

In other developments within Japan’s retail industry, a subsidiary of retail giant Aeon has acquired a supermarket chain in the Kanto region, including Tokyo, as part of its efforts to expand its scale.

At the same time, Seven & i Holdings Co, the Japanese operator of Seven-Eleven stores, has begun selling its supermarket business to focus on its core operations and counter a takeover bid from a Canadian competitor.

Source: Reuters & Japan Today

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