Latest news with #Couche-Tard
Japan Forward
15 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Scuttled Seven-Eleven Deal Offers Lesson in Takeover Defense
このページを 日本語 で読む Convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard was pushing to acquire Japan-based Seven & i Holdings, owner of the ubiquitous Seven-Eleven convenience stores. However, the Canadian company withdrew its takeover offer on July 16. Couche-Tard cited a "lack of constructive discussions" as the reason for withdrawing its bid. It also criticized management at Seven & i Holdings for an inadequate response to its earlier offer. But, it also denied there is any possibility of it launching a hostile takeover bid. Seven & i Holdings will now be free to pursue its own independent course. However, the company's shares have yet to surpass the price level they held on the day before Couche-Tard withdrew its takeover bid. This could indicate that the market is skeptical of Seven & i's ability to achieve growth on its own. The company now needs to demonstrate a compelling strategy for adding value. Executives from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard at a press conference on March 13 in Tokyo. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio) Couche-Tard's takeover bid became public knowledge in August 2024. Subsequently, the Canadian company boosted its offer to ¥7 trillion JPY ($46 billion USD at the time). Due to the weak yen, foreign companies appeared eager to acquire Japanese companies. Couche-Tard's takeover attempt became a symbolic example of this trend. Although the takeover bid for Seven & i Holdings has been withdrawn, Japanese company executives should recognize that the basic situation has not changed. Companies that have growth potential but are unable to increase their corporate value are at risk of being acquired and should be managed with a sense of crisis. In order to avoid being bought up, such businesses need to pursue structural reforms and improve their market valuation. Gradually, the longstanding tendency for companies to engage in crossholding shares with other companies to strengthen relationships with business partners is being eliminated. Japanese companies should instead realize that the best takeover defense is to improve profitability and raise their share prices. A Seven & i Holdings sign in Tokyo. As activist shareholders become more prominent, Japanese companies are increasingly looking to return profits to shareholders. That includes strategically buying back their own shares to boost stock prices. But there is no guarantee that stock prices inflated through such shareholder buybacks can be maintained. Moreover, excessive shareholder buyouts can result in outflows of growth capital. To effectively raise equity prices, it is essential to enhance real earning power through R&D, capital investment, mergers and acquisitions, and other such means. Sustainable growth also necessitates rewarding employees with wage increases. As important, companies must appropriately pass on increased costs through the prices offered to trading partners in the supply chain. Companies must look for growth strategies that will lead to increased corporate value over the medium- to long-term. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is 7-Eleven's US IPO on the ropes following failed Couche-Tard buyout?
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Japanese investors and analysts are skeptical about whether Seven & i Holdings will still take 7-Eleven public in North America next year in the aftermath of the c-store retailer's failed megamerger with Alimentation Couche-Tard, according to a report from Bloomberg. Nearly a year after its initial bid, Circle K's parent company withdrew its almost $50 billion buyout offer for Seven & i, operator of over 80,000 7-Eleven c-stores globally, late last week due to what it called a lack of engagement from Seven & i's leadership. Couche-Tard emphasized that Seven & i lacked 'good faith and judgement' during the process, although Seven & i called these accusations a mischaracterization. Regardless of why the potential deal flopped, Couche-Tard is out, and there's now little reason for Seven & i to take 7-Eleven public because it no longer needs to fend off an unsolicited offer, investors and analysts told Bloomberg last week. 'The company should keep holding its entire stake as the situation has changed,' Ikuo Mitsui, a fund manager at financial services firm Aizawa Securities Group, said in the report. '7-Eleven is the company's crown jewel, and it makes more sense for it to keep its 100% stake, which should contribute to higher corporate value.' Taku Sugawara, an analyst at financial services firm Iwai Cosmo Securities, told Bloomberg that Seven & i may have only considered taking 7-Eleven public to boost its own stock price as a means to fend off Couche-Tard's bid. Since the deal is now off the table, 'it's possible for the company to end up scrapping the IPO plan,' Sugawara said in the report. But Seven & i appears set on its plans despite what experts think. Earlier this week in a letter to Couche-Tard, Seven & i's special committee, spearheaded by Chair Paul Yonamine, said it believes management's plan is 'concrete and actionable,' and that the company is now 'turning our full attention to creating value through our standalone plan' since talks with Couche-Tard have ceased. 'We know better than anyone that we need to perform and deliver,' the committee said in its letter. 'Our hard work continues, and we look forward to updating our stakeholders later this summer.' Seven & i revealed plans to take 7-Eleven public in North America back in March. The move, planned for the second half of 2026, is expected to leverage the chain's ubiquity in the U.S. — where it has over 9,000 c-stores — and help it grow faster by giving it more flexibility and responsiveness to its customers while utilizing synergies with Seven & i. Experts told C-Store Dive earlier this year that an IPO would generate significant capital for 7-Eleven in North America, allowing the convenience retailer to invest in its business. That could mean expanding its footprint, remodeling stores or continuing to build its foodservice capabilities. Recommended Reading Fueling Up: Was Seven & i ever interested in Couche-Tard's buyout offer? Sign in to access your portfolio
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Circle K Crowns Rock, Paper, Prizes the Official Game of Summer 2025
Your favourite childhood game, just got an upgrade with three chances to win $25K cash, Sunwing travel and over two million instant prizes LAVAL, QC, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ – Get ready to play and win big! Circle K is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Rock, Paper, Prizes, back for its seventh year! From now, until September 15, 2025, Canadians nationwide, can relive their favourite childhood game, but with a rewarding twist: the chance to win over two million in instant and grand prizes. How to Play & Redeem: Playing is simple and convenient. Canadians can play cross-country via The game is based on the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors: pick your move, win two out of three, and secure the opportunity for a prize. All instant winnings can be conveniently redeemed at any Circle K location across Canada. Grand prize winners will be contacted by an agent. Customers can find their closest participating store by visiting Millions Up for Grabs! Forget playing for bragging rights; now you can play for incredible rewards, and that same rush of excitement you remember from childhood. This year's Rock, Paper, Prizes event features: Grand Prizes: Three opportunities to win $25,000 cash, amazing travel experiences with Sunwing, $10,000 in free fuel, and more! Instant Wins: Over two million instant prizes, including free fan favourites like Red Bull, Froster's, Polar Pops, Takis Chips, candy, fuel discounts and more. 'We're excited to announce the return of Rock, Paper, Prizes, brought back by popular demand as one of our most beloved promotions. It's a fun, nostalgic way for us to connect with our customers year after year and offer incredible value,' said Alissa Woo, Marketing Director, Canada, Circle K. 'At Circle K, we always put our community first, and we hope this game brings a smile to everyone's face, whether they win a prize or simply enjoy their favourite everyday treats like Froster's, Polar Pops, and candy.' About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 29 countries and territories, with close to 17,000 stores, of which approximately 13,000 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, as well as in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Approximately 149,000 people are employed throughout its network. For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or to consult its audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis, please visit: Rock, Paper, Prizes Promotion Rules and Regulations * The number of instant prize winners will vary with the number of participants per day. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The contest 'Rock Paper Prizes' is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding NU and YT), who are over the age of 16 (with parent/guardian consent where the participant is under the legal age of majority in his/her province/territory of residence) from July 22, 2025 at 12:00:01 a.m. ET to September 15, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. To enter or for full contest rules, visit Limit: 3 game plays or 1 instant win per day (whichever occurs first) per mobile phone number and per person. Receive 1 grand prize entry per game play. Bonus entries available. Instant Prizes available: 2,000,000 x beverage and food products, ARV $0.75 – $19.99 each, subject to availability. Additional prizes, including bonus prizes and grand prizes, will be available. Odds of winning an instant and/or grand prize depend on the timing of the play. Odds of winning additional prizes depend on the number of eligible entries received. Odds of winning also depend on the number of prizes allocated to your region, as set out in the contest rules. The number of prizes available will decrease as they are revealed and claimed. Mathematical skill-testing question required. Conditions and restrictions apply. Prizes may not be exactly as shown in the contest materials. All trademarks and brand names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Offers herein are subject to availability at participating locations, and while supplies last. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Circle K Crowns Rock, Paper, Prizes the Official Game of Summer 2025
LAVAL, QC, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Get ready to play and win big! Circle K is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Rock, Paper, Prizes, back for its seventh year! From now, until September 15, 2025, Canadians nationwide, can relive their favourite childhood game, but with a rewarding twist: the chance to win over two million in instant and grand prizes. How to Play & Redeem: Playing is simple and convenient. Canadians can play cross-country via The game is based on the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors: pick your move, win two out of three, and secure the opportunity for a prize. All instant winnings can be conveniently redeemed at any Circle K location across Canada. Grand prize winners will be contacted by an agent. Customers can find their closest participating store by visiting Millions Up for Grabs! Forget playing for bragging rights; now you can play for incredible rewards, and that same rush of excitement you remember from childhood. This year's Rock, Paper, Prizes event features: Grand Prizes: Three opportunities to win $25,000 cash, amazing travel experiences with Sunwing, $10,000 in free fuel, and more! Instant Wins: Over two million instant prizes, including free fan favourites like Red Bull, Froster's, Polar Pops, Takis Chips, candy, fuel discounts and more. "We're excited to announce the return of Rock, Paper, Prizes, brought back by popular demand as one of our most beloved promotions. It's a fun, nostalgic way for us to connect with our customers year after year and offer incredible value," said Alissa Woo, Marketing Director, Canada, Circle K. "At Circle K, we always put our community first, and we hope this game brings a smile to everyone's face, whether they win a prize or simply enjoy their favourite everyday treats like Froster's, Polar Pops, and candy." About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 29 countries and territories, with close to 17,000 stores, of which approximately 13,000 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, as well as in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Approximately 149,000 people are employed throughout its network. For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or to consult its audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis, please visit: Rock, Paper, Prizes Promotion Rules and Regulations * The number of instant prize winners will vary with the number of participants per day. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The contest "Rock Paper Prizes" is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding NU and YT), who are over the age of 16 (with parent/guardian consent where the participant is under the legal age of majority in his/her province/territory of residence) from July 22, 2025 at 12:00:01 a.m. ET to September 15, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. To enter or for full contest rules, visit Limit: 3 game plays or 1 instant win per day (whichever occurs first) per mobile phone number and per person. Receive 1 grand prize entry per game play. Bonus entries available. Instant Prizes available: 2,000,000 x beverage and food products, ARV $0.75 - $19.99 each, subject to availability. Additional prizes, including bonus prizes and grand prizes, will be available. Odds of winning an instant and/or grand prize depend on the timing of the play. Odds of winning additional prizes depend on the number of eligible entries received. Odds of winning also depend on the number of prizes allocated to your region, as set out in the contest rules. The number of prizes available will decrease as they are revealed and claimed. Mathematical skill-testing question required. Conditions and restrictions apply. Prizes may not be exactly as shown in the contest materials. All trademarks and brand names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
'Highly Misleading': Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock (TSE:ATD) Notches up as Seven & i Pushes Back
It would be easy to think that the recent failed deal between Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSE:ATD) and Japanese convenience store giant Seven & i would be the end of the story. That is not the case, however, as Seven & i is fighting back against remarks Couche-Tard made in the aftermath of the failed deal. Seven & i fighting back is good news for Couche-Tard, though, as investors gave it a fractional boost in Wednesday morning's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. When the deal ultimately fell through, Couche-Tard declared that Seven & i had pretty much scuttled the whole thing by refusing to play along for the year that Couche-Tard tried, ultimately in vain, to get something going. But Seven & i is fighting back, calling Couche-Tard's remarks 'highly misleading,' and noting that Seven & i acted in good faith that whole time. In fact, for all of Couche-Tard's allegations that Seven & i was a dead fish, Seven & i's response was that, essentially, Couche-Tard was the exact opposite: a loose cannon in a china shop that absolutely did not care about consequences. Seven & i's concerns about antitrust issues and the broader market were largely dismissed, and Couche-Tard had no real plan to address those concerns at all. Missed Opportunity or Dodged Bullet? Meanwhile, outside observers are surveying the wreckage of the deal, and wondering if this was a missed opportunity. Indeed, some outsiders think exactly that. But a substantial amount of outsiders are also thinking that this was less a missed opportunity and more a missed disaster in the making. Mohamed Amer, PhD, who also serves as a 'CEO & strategic board advisor' as well as a 'strategy doctor,' noted that Couche-Tard here '…avoided a likely disaster in terms of value destruction, and 7-Eleven gets to continue controlling its strategic direction and cultural coherence.' Headcount Corporation founder and CEO Mark Ryski noted that '…it's not unusual for one or both parties to get cold feet. I suspect that's what happened here.' While there certainly would have been advantages in some senses—Couche-Tard's footprint would have gone way up while Seven & i could have focused on its Japanese business—it may well have been for the best to shutter the deal altogether. Is Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock a Good Stock to Buy? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on TSE:ATD stock based on 12 Buys assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 7.29% loss in its share price over the past year, the average TSE:ATD price target of C$82.67 per share implies 7.38% upside potential.
