Starbucks Reportedly Evaluating Adjustments to Japan Business, Including Share Sale

Starbucks is reportedly evaluating various strategic options for its Japanese business, including the possibility of selling a portion of its equity, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.

The coffee giant has initiated preliminary discussions with investment banks to assess potential ways to handle its Japanese operations. Japan represents one of Starbucks' largest markets, featuring around 2,100 stores, the majority of which are directly managed by the company.

If an equity sale proceeds, Starbucks' Japanese business could be valued between 400 billion and 500 billion yen (approximately NT$78.89 billion to NT$98.61 billion). This potential deal is expected to attract interest from companies in other industries as well as private equity funds.

An initial public offering (IPO) is also being considered as a viable option. However, these considerations are still in the preliminary stages, and no final decisions have been made. Starbucks declined to comment on the report.