Core Viewpoint - The withdrawal of Alimentation Couche-Tard's acquisition proposal for Seven & i Holdings marks a significant failure in a potential major merger, highlighting the strategic challenges faced by traditional retail giants in a changing market landscape [1][2][8]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Alimentation Couche-Tard announced the withdrawal of its nearly $47 billion acquisition proposal for Seven & i Holdings after a year of limited due diligence opportunities and unproductive discussions with the management [1][6]. - Seven & i confirmed the unilateral termination of negotiations and expressed disagreement with ACT's claims, but was not surprised by the decision [1][10]. - Following the announcement, Seven & i's stock price plummeted by 9.16%, while ACT's stock surged by 17% [10]. Group 2: Market Context - The global convenience store market is shifting from expansion to competition, with operational efficiency becoming the core competitive advantage [2][11]. - The Japanese convenience store market is experiencing significant changes, with a notable increase in M&A activity, as evidenced by a 232% year-on-year growth in transaction value in the first half of 2025 [8]. - Seven & i's performance has been declining, with a 0.7% drop in revenue and an 11% decrease in operating profit in Q1 of FY2025, marking five consecutive quarters of negative growth [10][12]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - In response to its challenges, Seven & i is undergoing leadership changes and restructuring, including the appointment of a new CEO and the sale of non-core assets [12]. - Seven & i aims to enhance shareholder returns through stock buybacks and potential IPOs of its North American business, despite the failed acquisition [12]. - The company must redefine its value creation logic to adapt to the structural changes in the convenience store industry and find new growth opportunities [12].