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; the operation has since 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.
- The company has solicited pitches from financial advisers, with a formal process potentially beginning in the fourth quarter; global buyout firms including Carlyle Group, EQT, KKR, and Bain Capital are expected to show interest.
- Starbucks ceded control of its China operations to Boyu Capital last year in a deal valuing that business at $4 billion, setting precedent for the potential Japan divestment as part of broader portfolio restructuring.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Starbucks Eyes $3 Billion Japan Exit in Portfolio Reset
Starbucks is considering the sale of a majority stake in its Japan business that could value the 1,883-store operation at $3 billion. The review follows a similar China transaction and reflects CEO Brian Niccol’s focus on sharpening the company’s U.S. portfolio while monetizing mature international assets. Japan has doubled in scale since full ownership in 2014 and remains a bright spot in international sales.
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 Corporation is planning to sell off Starbucks Japan, report says
Do Starbuck Japan and Starbucks U.S.A. not need each other anymore? Like 7-Eleven and McDonald’s, Starbucks has become an originally American brand that many travelers will tell you does things a little differently, and better, in Japan. Known for quality and creativity, Starbucks Japan is constantly cycling new, seasonal items in and out of its […]
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