The Nikkei business daily reported that the owner of 7-Eleven is looking to purchase shares currently held by investment funds. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski confirmed that the government understands Seven & i is considering a double-digit stake in the operator, which currently manages over 13,000 stores across Poland and Romania.

Investors reacted sharply to the news, pushing Zabka shares up 15.9% by midday. Market analysts suggest the deal would be a net positive by replacing a potential supply overhang from CVC-controlled Heket Topco with a stable strategic partner. Janusz Pieta, an analyst at mBank, noted that the move mitigates fears of a market sell-off and positions Zabka to leverage Seven & i’s expertise for international growth. For the Japanese retailer, the move aligns with long-standing pressure to sharpen its focus on the core convenience store sector following the divestment of its supermarket business to Bain Capital last year.