Couche-Tard Abandons $46 Billion Bid to Buy 7-Eleven Owner - Bloomberg.com

## Overview of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., commonly known as Couche-Tard, is a Canadian multinational and one of the world’s largest operators of convenience stores[1][4][5]. The company operates nearly 17,000 stores across 29 countries and territories, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia[1][6]. Its retail network is primarily branded as Couche-Tard in Canada, Circle K in the United States and internationally, and features additional banners such as On the Run, Mac’s, and Ingo in various markets[1][4]. Couche-Tard’s stores offer a diverse product mix—including snacks, beverages, groceries, beer and wine, lottery tickets, and fuel—catering to the needs of convenience-focused consumers[3]. ## History and Growth Founded by Alain Bouchard in Quebec in 1980, Couche-Tard began as a small chain of convenience stores in the Canadian province. The company’s name, which translates from French as “sleep-late,” reflects its commitment to serving customers around the clock[1]. Couche-Tard’s growth accelerated through strategic acquisitions, including the absorption of the Provi-Soir/Winks chain (notable for its red, winking owl mascot) in the late 1990s, and the 2003 acquisition of Circle K, which marked its entry into the U.S. market[1]. The company’s expansion has been both organic and through mergers, with recent milestones including the acquisition of all 270 GetGo stores from Giant Eagle in 2025 and a high-profile (though ultimately unsuccessful) bid for Japan’s Seven & I Holdings, operator of the 7-Eleven chain[1]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status Couche-Tard is recognized as the largest convenience store operator in Canada and ranks among the top globally, with a

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese diversified retail holding company headquartered in Tokyo, renowned for its pivotal role in shaping modern convenience retailing. Established on September 1, 2005, the company was formed to restructure the Ito-Yokado group, bringing together its major subsidiaries—including Seven-Eleven Japan, Denny’s Japan, and York-Benimaru—under a unified holding structure. This move addressed corporate imbalances and positioned the group for future growth and resilience against hostile takeovers. The company’s name reflects its origins: “Seven” from Seven-Eleven and “i” from Ito-Yokado. Seven & i Holdings operates as a pure holding company, overseeing the planning, management, and operation of its group companies, with a strong focus on the convenience store business. Its most notable achievement is the global expansion of the Seven-Eleven brand, which now boasts over 87,000 stores worldwide. In November 2005, Seven & i acquired 7-Eleven, Inc. in the United States, solidifying its international presence. The group also manages a wide array of businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, e-commerce, and financial services through subsidiaries like Seven Bank. Today, Seven & i Holdings is one of the world’s largest retail conglomerates, with annual revenues exceeding $79 billion and a vast network of stores across Asia, North America, and beyond. The company is guided by a Corporate Creed emphasizing sincerity, trust, and commitment to customers, employees, and communities. Its innovative approach to retail technology, supply chain management, and customer experience continues to set industry standards, making it a key player in global business and technology news.

Bloomberg L.P. is a prominent American privately held company specializing in financial software, data services, and media, headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1981 by Michael Bloomberg along with Thomas Secunda, Duncan MacMillan, Charles Zegar, and backed by a 12% investment from Merrill Lynch, it has grown into a global powerhouse in financial information and technology[1]. At the core of Bloomberg's offerings is the Bloomberg Terminal, a sophisticated financial software platform providing analytics, trading tools, and real-time data to financial professionals worldwide. This flagship product generates the majority of the company's revenue and is widely regarded as essential in global financial markets. Beyond software, Bloomberg also operates Bloomberg News, a major news agency delivering comprehensive business and economic news; Bloomberg Television, a global TV network; Bloomberg Radio; and publishes influential magazines like *Bloomberg Businessweek* and *Bloomberg Markets*[1]. Bloomberg L.P. has expanded strategically through acquisitions and innovations. In 2012, it acquired PolarLake, enhancing its enterprise data management capabilities. The 2015 purchase of Barclays’ index business for approximately $787 million expanded Bloomberg’s financial index offerings, rebranded as Bloomberg Index Services Limited[1]. In 2019, Bloomberg Media acquired CityLab from *The Atlantic*, marking its first editorial property acquisition in over a decade, broadening its coverage into urban issues like transportation and environment[1]. With nearly 20,000 employees and 176 locations worldwide as of 2019, Bloomberg remains a key player at the intersection of business, finance, and technology. Its blend of cutting-edge data technology and quality journalism continues to influence how financial markets operate and how business news is delivered globally, making it indispensable for professionals and enthusiasts alike[1].