Mitsubishi, KDDI to co-own Lawson

KDDI currently holds a 2.1% share of Lawson.

KDDI CORPORATION (KDDI) signed a capital business partnership agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Lawson, Inc. to increase its share in the convenience store brand to 50%.

Under the deal, KDDI will conduct a public tender offer for the shares of Lawson, after which Lawson will be delisted from the stock exchange. 

As a result, Mitsubishi and KDDI will hold a 50% stake in Lawson's each. Currently, Mitsubishi holds 50.1% of Lawson, whilst KDDI owns 2.1%, and the remaining 47.8% is held by others. 

"We consider that this transaction will allow us to deal with environmental changes more flexibly and accelerate the strengthening of our partnership as outlined above by making the most of MC and KDDI's business foundations, human resources, expertise, and networks, leading to enhancement of Lawson's corporate value," KDDI said.

In addition, the deal aims to promote new consumer values through the integration of its “Real, Digital, and Green” elements.

ALSO READ: PARKnSHOP names new managing director

For Lawson’s anchor business, all three entities have planned to reinvent the brand as a “hub of refreshment in every community” from three angles. Under “Real”, the companies will set up wide real-store networks over 14,600 Lawson stores and 2,200 Style/au shop stores in Japan, improving its store functionalities.

Under “Digital,” all data will be incorporated under one umbrella, making one of the largest customer data platforms in Japan. Under “Green,” the three companies will further Lawson’s Environmental Vision “Lawson Blue Challenge 2050!” to drive their green and sustainable initiatives.

With the new partnership, Lawson hopes to serve a more improved experience and seamless services for over its 10 million customers per day and the 31 million digital customers of KDDI.