Seven & I Holdings is considering a multi-hundred billion yen investment in Żabka Group, Poland's leading convenience store operator. The Japanese group confirmed the negotiations, specifying that a final decision has not yet been made.
According to rumors, the deal could involve a double-digit stake. The interest of 7-Eleven's owner has pushed both stocks higher: Seven & I gained as much as 5% on Friday, while Żabka rose 16%, reaching a valuation of 32,7 billion zlotys, approximately $8,7 billion.
For Seven & I, the potential agreement would accelerate its international strategy. The group aims to be present in 30 countries and regions by 2030, up from 19 currently, and considers Europe one of the new pillars of development alongside Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Żabka offers an already widespread and rapidly growing platform. The chain operates nearly 13 stores in Poland and began expanding into Romania in 2024. The format combines proximity, food-to-go, and digital services, with a model that features several touchpoints with that of 7-Eleven.
The arrival of an international industrial partner could allow the Polish retailer to accelerate its development outside its domestic market. At the same time, it would provide Seven & I with a more solid operating base in a continent where the 24-hour convenience store concept is still less widespread than in Asia and the United States.
The transaction would also mark a departure from Seven & I's traditional model, which is primarily based on licensing agreements with local operators. After acquiring direct control of the Australian operations, the group appears to be moving toward greater involvement in management, food offerings, and format development.
The challenge will be to transfer the strengths of the Japanese model without losing touch with the consumer habits, logistics, and competitive dynamics of individual European markets. For Seven & I, Żabka could become the vehicle for transforming Europe from a marginal area to a new growth axis.
