Seven & i shows Japan M&A is still not easy, even with better governance

Seven & i Holdings and Acquisition Challenges: Seven & i Holdings faced a setback as Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard withdrew its $46 billion bid for the company, citing unproductive engagement and delays from Seven & i, which reflects ongoing difficulties for foreign firms attempting to acquire Japanese companies.

Investor Sentiment and Market Trends: Despite pressure for better shareholder returns and increased foreign interest in Japanese M&A, Seven & i's resistance to change has led some investors to reconsider their positions in large-cap acquisition targets, highlighting a broader trend of cautiousness among Japanese firms amidst economic shifts.