Increase in shares of Couche-Tard following withdrawal of acquisition proposal for 7-Eleven's parent company
In a surprising turn of events, Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the Canadian convenience store giant, has withdrawn its proposal to acquire Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., the parent company of 7-Eleven. The decision comes after repeated attempts by Couche-Tard to engage in friendly discussions with Seven & i, which resulted in a lack of constructive engagement[1][3].
According to a report published by The Canadian Press on July 17, 2025, Couche-Tard characterized Seven & i's behavior as a "calculated campaign of obfuscation and delay," preventing the deal from moving forward[2]. However, Seven & i maintains that it engaged in good faith and constructively with Couche-Tard to explore a potential deal[3].
The potential acquisition had been a topic of interest for investors, who have been hesitant, waiting for more details[7]. Had the deal gone ahead, Couche-Tard would have gained a dominant position in the global convenience store market, potentially revolutionizing the industry[8].
Meanwhile, in Canadian economic news, the inflation rate rose to 1.9% in June, continuing a steady increase[4]. Additionally, dropping interprovincial trade barriers could add 30,000 housing starts, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation[5].
In other news, shares in Couche-Tard were up $5.35 or about eight per cent at $73.67 in late-morning trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, reflecting the market's reaction to the withdrawal of the acquisition proposal[6].
Martin Landry, managing director at investment bank Stifel, expressed that the decision was not a surprise, given the challenges Couche-Tard faced since the beginning of the process due to the leak of the offer[2].
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s embrace of psychedelic therapy has sparked mixed feelings from field experts, with some praising his openness to alternative treatments while others express concerns about his approach[9].
As the dust settles on this potential acquisition, Couche-Tard and Seven & i will continue to navigate their respective business landscapes, with the convenience store industry eagerly watching for future developments. CUPW, the union representing Canada Post workers, is also gearing up for a vote on Canada Post's 'final' offers starting July 21[10].
[1] The Canadian Press. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard withdraws proposal to buy 7-Eleven parent. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/couche-tard-7-eleven-deal-1.6115528 [2] Martin, R. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard withdraws from Seven & i Holdings acquisition. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-couche-tard-withdraws-from-seven-i-holdings-acquisition/ [3] The Canadian Press. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard withdraws proposal to buy 7-Eleven parent. Financial Post. https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/couche-tard-withdraws-proposal-to-buy-7-eleven-parent [4] Statistics Canada. (2025, June 30). Consumer Price Index, June 2025. Government of Canada. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/dai/smr08/smr08_e.action [5] Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2025, June). Housing starts: Canada's housing starts trend increased in June 2025. CMHC. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/blogs/housing-starts-canadas-housing-starts-trend-increased-june-2025 [6] The Canadian Press. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard shares up after deal withdrawal. The Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/business/2025/07/17/couche-tard-shares-up-after-deal-withdrawal.html [7] Reuters. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard withdraws proposal to buy 7-Eleven parent. Yahoo Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/couche-tard-withdraws-proposal-buy-173000085.html [8] The Canadian Press. (2025, July 17). Couche-Tard withdraws proposal to buy 7-Eleven parent. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/couche-tard-7-eleven-deal-1.6115528 [9] The New York Times. (2025, July 16). Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Embrace of Psychedelic Therapy Sparks Mixed Feelings. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/us/politics/robert-f-kennedy-jr-psychedelics.html [10] Canada Post. (2025, July 16). CUPW to vote on Canada Post's final offers starting July 21. Canada Post. https://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/aboutus/newsroom/Pages/cupw-to-vote-on-canada-post-s-final-offers-starting-july-21.aspx
In light of the decision to withdraw the acquisition proposal, Couche-Tard's financial strategies may be reevaluated to maintain a competitive stance in the global business landscape. The official withdrawal of the deal between Couche-Tard and Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. could potentially affect the overall growth of the convenience store business as well.
