Starbucks considers selling majority stake in its Japan business, sources say
The unit spans 1,883 stores and could be valued at about $3 billion as Starbucks seeks advisers and considers a formal sale process.
- On September 16, sources said Starbucks Corp is weighing the sale of a majority stake in its Japan business, potentially valuing the coffee chain's largest overseas company-operated market at about $3 billion.
- Starbucks took full control of its Japan business in 2014 by buying out long-time partner Sazaby League for about $914 million; since then, the operation has expanded from around 1,050 stores to 1,883 outlets as of September 2025.
- Chief Executive Brian Niccol is reshaping the global portfolio to restore profitability, with analysts at TD Securities noting that monetizing the Japan unit would allow management to sharpen its focus on reviving the core North America business.
- Global buyout firms, including Carlyle Group, EQT, KKR, and Bain Capital, are expected to show interest as the company solicits pitches from financial advisers, with a formal process potentially beginning in the fourth quarter.
- Starbucks ceded control of its China operations to Boyu Capital last year in a deal valuing that business at $4 billion, with total value exceeding $13 billion, establishing precedent for international portfolio restructuring.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Starbucks considers selling majority stake in its Japan business | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HONG KONG >> Starbucks Corp is weighing the sale of a majority stake in its Japan business in a potential deal that could value the coffee chain’s biggest overseas company-operated market at about $3 billion, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
Starbucks (SBUX) Stock: Japan Business Could Sell for $3 Billion in Majority Stake Deal
TLDR Starbucks is weighing a majority stake sale in its Japan business, valued at around $3 billion. Japan is Starbucks’ biggest overseas company-operated market with 1,883 stores, nearly 9% of its global footprint. A formal sale process could kick off in Q4 2026, drawing interest from global...
The network of the world's largest coffee chain in Japan numbered 1,883 stores in September 2025, representing about 9% of its global presence.
Starbucks, one of the world's most widespread coffee chains, is preparing to sell its Japanese operations as part of a restructuring effort to expand its global network. It is the largest operation outside of the US...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
