Japanese group Seven & i Holdings, the owner of the 7-Eleven chain, is in advanced negotiations to acquire a stake in the Polish group Zabka, the retailer that owns the Froo brand in the Romanian market. The announcement regarding these discussions drove Zabka’s shares to an all-time high, bringing the group’s market valuation to EUR 7.3 billion, following a 36% rise in stock price in 2026.
According to international media and the Japanese publication Nikkei, cited by investing.com, Seven & i is considering acquiring the stake held by investment funds. The value of the investment is estimated at several hundred billion yen, equivalent to several billion euros (based on an exchange rate of 0.88 EUR per USD). Currently, Zabka’s largest shareholder is Heket Topco S.a.r.l. (the vehicle through which the CVC Capital Partners fund holds a 37.6% stake), followed by PG Investment Company 1113B S.a.r.l., with a 10.01% holding.
Founded in 1998, the Polish retailer aggressively expanded its network to 1,700 stores by 2005. In 2007, the business was acquired by Penta Investment (a group that controls the Dr. Max chain and Mediplus distributor in Romania), and in 2011 it was sold to Mid Europa Partners. Subsequently, in 2017, CVC Capital Partners acquired control for an estimated amount of up to EUR 1.5 billion, when the network numbered 4,500 units. About seven years after that transaction, Zabka was listed on the stock exchange.
Zabka currently operates over 13,000 convenience stores in Poland and Romania. The Romanian market represents the Polish group’s first international expansion, where the Froo brand was launched in May last year. Currently, the Romanian network counts over 230 stores across six cities: Bucharest, Constanța, Pitești, Brașov, Craiova, and Ploiești. By comparison, the 7-Eleven network comprises approximately 85,000 units across about 20 countries, and in Europe it is present in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Zabka and the Froo brand in Romania?
Froo is the brand under which Polish retailer Zabka operates its convenience stores on the Romanian market, marking Zabka’s first international expansion.
Who is currently the largest shareholder of Zabka?
The largest shareholder of Zabka is Heket Topco S.a.r.l., through which investment fund CVC Capital Partners holds a 37.6% stake in the company.
How large is the 7-Eleven network globally compared to Zabka?
7-Eleven operates approximately 85,000 units across around 20 countries globally, while Zabka operates over 13,000 convenience stores in Poland and Romania.