Chang Jiang Shang Bao·2025-11-04 23:32Core Insights - Starbucks has officially announced the sale of its controlling stake in the Chinese market to the alternative asset management firm Boyu Capital, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy in China [2][4][5] - Boyu Capital will hold 60% of the joint venture, while Starbucks retains 40%, allowing the company to recover $4 billion from this transaction [2][4][5] - The decision to divest comes amid declining market share and increasing competition in the Chinese coffee market, where Starbucks' share has dropped from a peak of 42% in 2017 to 14% in 2024 [3][11] Company Background - Starbucks entered the Chinese market in 1999 through a joint venture model, gradually shifting to a wholly-owned model by 2017 [6] - The company has faced challenges in recent years, with a reported revenue of $2.958 billion in fiscal year 2024, a decline of 1.4% year-on-year, and a continuous drop in same-store sales [11][12] Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape in China has intensified, with local players like Luckin Coffee capturing significant market share through aggressive pricing strategies [11][12] - As of 2024, Luckin Coffee holds a market share of 35%, while Starbucks has around 14%, with Luckin operating over 24,000 stores compared to Starbucks' 8,000 [11][12] Strategic Adjustments - In response to market pressures, Starbucks has implemented localized strategies, including rare price reductions and a focus on expanding into lower-tier markets [12][13] - The company has entered 166 new county-level markets in fiscal year 2025, nearly doubling its previous efforts, and has adjusted its store model to smaller formats to better cater to these markets [12] Future Outlook - The partnership with Boyu Capital is seen as a move towards further localization and a potential pathway for Starbucks to regain lost market share and stabilize growth in China [13]