2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-09-11 07:10Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is in the final stages of selling its stake in the Chinese business, with potential buyers including Boyu Capital, Carlyle Group, EQT, and Sequoia China, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of October [2][10]. Group 1: Stake Sale Details - The key issue in the stake sale is the percentage of ownership that Starbucks will retain, with reports suggesting that Starbucks may keep around 30% of the equity while distributing the remaining shares among several buyers [4]. - Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol, emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining a significant stake in the Chinese market, stating that any transaction must align with Starbucks' interests [2][4]. Group 2: Operational Flexibility - Starbucks China has gained more operational flexibility, as evidenced by its recent partnership with Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) to enhance community engagement in over 1,800 stores [7]. - The company has also adjusted prices for key products, leading to significant sales growth, with Q2 revenue in China increasing by 8% to $790 million (approximately 5.625 billion RMB) [7]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The competitive environment in China's coffee market is intensifying, with Luckin Coffee reporting a 47.1% year-on-year revenue increase to 12.36 billion RMB in Q2, significantly outpacing Starbucks [9]. - As of the end of Q2, Luckin Coffee had 26,206 stores, highlighting a growing gap in store count compared to Starbucks, which opened 70 new stores in the same period, bringing its total to 7,828 [9]. Group 4: Strategic Importance of Local Partnerships - Finding a partner that understands the Chinese market is crucial for Starbucks' expansion strategy, as local insights can enhance operational efficiency and decision-making [10].