Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-09-05 11:56Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is facing multiple bids for its China business, with Tencent among the potential buyers, as the company seeks to navigate slow economic growth and intense competition from local brands [1][3]. Group 1: Bidding and Valuation - Multiple bidders have submitted offers as high as $5 billion, making this potential transaction one of the most valuable divestitures in the consumer goods sector in recent years [2]. - The valuation of Starbucks China is estimated at around 10 times its expected EBITDA of $400 to $500 million for 2025, with at least one bidder offering a multiple as high as 15 times, corresponding to a valuation of $7.5 billion [5]. - Competitors like Luckin Coffee are valued at about nine times their projected EBITDA for the next 12 months, indicating a competitive landscape for Starbucks in China [5]. Group 2: Market Challenges - Starbucks is experiencing challenges in its China operations, with its market share dropping to 14% in 2023 from 34% in 2019 [6]. - To counteract competition, Starbucks has taken steps to lower prices on certain non-coffee beverages and accelerate the launch of new products tailored for the Chinese market [6]. - Despite these challenges, Starbucks reported a 2% increase in same-store sales in China for the quarter ending June 29, compared to zero growth in the previous quarter [6]. Group 3: Company Strategy and Future Steps - Starbucks has expressed a cautious approach regarding the sale of its China business, stating it does not consider a full divestiture and intends to retain a significant stake [5][6]. - The company has not clarified the specific scale of the shares to be sold or the next steps in the sale process, indicating ongoing uncertainty [6].