Japan's Seven & i Holdings Co., the parent company of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, has ended discussions about a potential investment in Zabka Group SA, Poland's largest convenience store operator. The decision comes as Seven & i continues to seek expansion opportunities outside its home market, according to a report.
Seven & i had been in talks with Zabka regarding a possible investment, but those negotiations have now ceased. No specific reasons for the breakdown were provided. Zabka operates thousands of small-format stores across Poland and is a dominant player in the country's convenience retail sector.
Seven & i, which runs nearly 80,000 convenience stores worldwide under brands including 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes, has been exploring growth in international markets to offset challenges in Japan, such as a shrinking population and intense competition. The company has previously shown interest in Eastern Europe and other regions.
The end of talks with Zabka does not signal a shift in Seven & i's overall strategy, as the company remains open to other investment opportunities abroad. Industry analysts view Poland as a promising market due to its growing economy and rising demand for convenience shopping. However, Seven & i has yet to confirm any alternative deals in the region.
Both Seven & i and Zabka have declined to comment further on the halted discussions.