Couche-Tard Ends $47B Bid for 7-Eleven Owner

Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard has withdrawn its nearly $47 billion bid to acquire Japan's Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven, after almost a year of negotiations, citing a persistent lack of good faith and engagement, particularly from the founding Ito family. Couche-Tard accused Seven & i of delaying tactics, insufficient information sharing, and failing to address regulatory concerns despite multiple increased offers. Seven & i countered that it engaged in good faith and remains committed to its standalone strategy. The failed bid caused Seven & i's shares to drop by over 9%. Had the deal succeeded, it would have created a global convenience store giant by combining Circle K and 7-Eleven brands. The withdrawal marks the end of Couche-Tard's high-profile push to expand into Asia.