Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. has acknowledged receiving a preliminary acquisition proposal from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ACT). The proposal, which is non-binding and confidential, seeks to acquire all outstanding shares of the Japanese retail giant. In response, the board of directors at Seven & i has established a special committee composed of independent outside directors to review the offer. This committee, chaired by Stephen Hayes Dacus, will conduct a thorough evaluation of the proposal alongside the company’s current strategic plans and potential alternatives.
At this stage, neither the board nor the special committee has made any decisions regarding the proposal, including whether to engage in discussions with ACT or explore other options. The company has stated that it will make further announcements if and when a decision is reached or any significant developments arise. The move signals that Seven & i is carefully considering its options in the face of a potential acquisition, while also ensuring it prioritizes shareholder interests.