High-Stakes Negotiations: Seven & i Weighs Record $47 Billion Takeover Bid

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is contemplating a revised $47 billion takeover bid from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard, potentially marking the largest-ever foreign buyout of a Japanese firm. The offer, 22.4% higher than before, poses regulatory challenges as the company evaluates its future strategy amidst investor scrutiny.

Japan's Seven & i Holdings has received a revised acquisition proposal from Canadian firm Alimentation Couche-Tard, potentially setting the stage for a record-breaking $47 billion buyout.

Bloomberg reports that the new offer, which values each share at $18.19, was made privately last month. This represents a substantial 22.4% increase from an earlier offer, which Seven & i had previously declined. The Japanese retail giant said it intends to keep ongoing negotiations confidential, as requested by Couche-Tard.

Despite investor skepticism reflected in share price fluctuations, analysts urge Seven & i to consider the proposal seriously amidst calls from foreign investors to focus on its core convenience store operations. Regulatory hurdles remain a significant consideration given the company's recent classification as vital to national security.

(With inputs from agencies.)