Seven & I Holdings (3382): Will this convenience store icon finally be gobbled up by Couche-Tard?

The article discusses the potential acquisition of Seven & i Holdings by Alimentation Couche-Tard. It highlights that while Seven & i has a strong brand and global presence, its financial performance (ROE and profit growth) has been lackluster. The author suggests that the acquisition could unlock shareholder value, as Couche-Tard is a more efficient operator. The investment thesis centers on the idea that Couche-Tard's bid reveals the undervaluation of Seven & i, which has potential for improvement through restructuring and its strong convenience store operations. The article also touches on the timeline of the acquisition proposals and the cultural significance of 7-Eleven in Japan.