7-Eleven to Spin Off U.S. Stores Amid Takeover Battle and Leadership Shakeup
Mar/07/2025
The Japan-based owner of 7-Eleven announced plans to split off its North American operations into a separately listed U.S. company, granting its convenience stores greater autonomy. The move is part of a broader effort to fend off a $47 billion takeover bid by Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard, owner of Circle K. As part of its restructuring, the company will also buy back up to $13 billion in shares by 2030 and sell non-core assets to private-equity giant Bain for $5.4 billion. In a major leadership shift, Stephen Hayes Dacus, a former Walmart executive with deep ties to 7-Eleven, will become the first American CEO of the global chain. Dacus emphasized his vision for bringing Japan’s renowned 7-Eleven food quality to U.S. stores, reinforcing the growing operational divide between the two regions. Japan’s government has classified Seven & i Holdings—7-Eleven’s parent company—as a national security asset, complicating any potential foreign takeover. While Couche-Tard remains interested in a friendly agreement, 7-Eleven’s leadership remains skeptical, citing regulatory hurdles and antitrust concerns. The restructuring is expected to position the U.S. chain for long-term growth while easing shareholder anxieties over the ongoing takeover battle. The following visualization highlights the most recent trademarks filed by 7-Eleven in the U.S. since January 2025, showcasing the company’s evolving brand strategy.
