Zabka Group SA (WSE: ZAB) shares tumbled more than 10% on Monday after Japan’s Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. (TSE: 3382) decided not to move forward with a potential investment in the Polish convenience store operator, reversing optimism that had recently driven the stock to record highs.
The sharp selloff followed reports that Seven & i had withdrawn from discussions to acquire a double-digit stake in Zabka. Earlier this month, Nikkei reported that the Japanese retail giant had entered the final stage of negotiations to invest several hundred billion yen in the company, a deal estimated to be worth several billion dollars.
The prospect of a strategic partnership had fueled strong investor enthusiasm, sending Zabka shares to an all-time high as markets anticipated a significant expansion opportunity and a stronger international relationship between the two retailers. However, the decision not to proceed with the investment quickly erased those gains, prompting investors to reassess the company’s near-term outlook.
By midday trading on Monday, Zabka shares had fallen 10.6%, putting the stock on track for what could become its largest single-day decline since listing. The steep drop reflected disappointment over the collapse of a transaction that many investors viewed as a major growth catalyst.
Seven & i Holdings, best known as the parent company of the global 7-Eleven convenience store chain, has been actively evaluating international investment opportunities to strengthen its retail footprint. A potential stake in Zabka, one of Poland’s leading convenience store operators, was seen as a strategic move to expand its presence in the European market.
Although neither company has announced further details regarding the decision, the withdrawal underscores the uncertainty surrounding large cross-border investments. Investors will now closely watch Zabka’s future growth strategy and any potential partnerships that could help restore confidence after Monday’s sharp decline.
