Japanese retail group Seven & i Holdings has stopped discussions on a potential investment in Zabka Group, the convenience store operator, according to a company statement.
Seven & i Holdings had been in talks regarding a possible investment in Zabka Group. The proposal involved taking a stake of several tens of a percent in a transaction that could have reached several hundred billion yen.
Seven & i Holdings said it was unable to reach agreement with the seller on terms it considered to be in the best interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders.
Seven & i stated that 'Europe remains an attractive growth opportunity for the company.'
Had the investment gone ahead, it would have given Seven & i Holdings a foothold in Eastern Europe as part of its international convenience store expansion. The company aims to expand its total store network from 87,000 outlets to 100,000 outlets by 2030. Seven & i said it 'remains focused on the continued and disciplined execution of its global strategic plan.'
Seven & i Holdings' European operations are currently concentrated in the Nordic region, with approximately 360 stores across countries including Denmark and Norway. Its global footprint remains concentrated in Japan and North America.
Seven & i also named Mauricio Leyva as CEO of 7-Eleven (SEI), its North American convenience store arm, with the appointment taking effect from 1 August 2026. The company reiterated that it remains focused on the disciplined execution of its global strategic plan, 'Transformation of 7-Eleven'.