估值超359亿元，星巴克中国回应收购：正在评估增长的最佳方式；市场份额缩水至14%

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks China is facing significant operational challenges and is exploring potential strategic changes, including the possibility of selling a minority stake in its business, amid interest from major investment firms [2][3][4]. Group 1: Potential Acquisition Interest - Major investment firms, including Hillhouse Capital, Carlyle Group, and CITIC Capital's Xincheng Capital, have shown interest in acquiring Starbucks China's business, with an initial valuation estimated between $5 billion to $6 billion (approximately RMB 35.9 billion to RMB 43 billion) [2][3]. - Goldman Sachs is acting as the exclusive financial advisor for this potential transaction, which is expected to continue until 2026 [3]. Group 2: Performance Challenges - Starbucks China's market share has significantly declined from 34% in 2019 to 14% in 2024, indicating a loss of competitive position in the Chinese coffee market [7][8]. - Despite expanding its store network, Starbucks' revenue in China has decreased from a peak of $3.7 billion in fiscal year 2021 to $3 billion in fiscal year 2024, with signs of stabilization in fiscal year 2025 but ongoing pressure [8]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - In response to competitive pressures from local brands like Luckin Coffee and Koolearn Coffee, Starbucks has reduced prices on over 20 beverage items by an average of RMB 5, aiming to capture the growing non-coffee beverage market in China [9]. - The company is also considering operational adjustments, such as optimizing store structures and potentially closing underperforming locations, while exploring a smaller store model and relaxing franchise policies [10].