Executive Summary
- Uni-President Supermarkets, Taiwan’s largest convenience store operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with OIC Group, which operates the Japanese supermarket brand LOPIA.
- The investment amounts to approximately TWD 2.054 billion, targeting LOPIA’s Taiwan operations.
- Uni-President will acquire a 51% stake in LOPIA’s Taiwan retail entity, securing management control.
- It will also acquire a 49% stake in the food processing company to strengthen supply chain integration.
- Through this investment, Uni-President aims to enhance its competitiveness in the supermarket segment beyond its core convenience store business.
Purpose of M&A
Background of the Acquirer (Uni-President Supermarkets)
- The leading convenience store operator in Taiwan, with an extensive network centered on 7-ELEVEN.
- In recent years, it has actively diversified into food retail, including hypermarkets and premium supermarkets.
- However, its competitiveness in fresh food and ready-to-eat categories still has room for improvement.
Background of the Target (LOPIA / OIC Group)
- A Japanese supermarket chain that originated as a specialty meat retailer, with strengths in fresh food and prepared meals.
- Has achieved rapid growth through a strategy focused on high quality and strong value-for-money.
- Recently entered the Taiwan market and has quickly expanded to multiple store locations.
Objectives and Expected Synergies
- For Uni-President:
- Strengthen capabilities in fresh and prepared foods
- Expand its supermarket business portfolio
- Deepen its presence in the mid- to high-end supermarket segment
- For LOPIA:
- Accelerate expansion in the Taiwan market
- Leverage Uni-President’s logistics and retail network
- Synergies:
- Integration of product development (prepared foods, meat) and supply chains
- Development of a new retail model combining “convenience store × supermarket”
- Strengthening competitive positioning in Taiwan’s food retail market
Transaction Terms
- Total transaction value: approximately TWD 2.054 billion.
- Investment structure:
- 51% stake in LOPIA Taiwan’s retail company (Uni-President to take management control)
- 49% stake in the food processing company
- Deal structure:
- Investment via newly established entities in a joint venture (JV) format
- Other conditions:
- Subject to approval by Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission
Timeline
April 30, 2026: Uni-President’s board of directors approved the investment and partnership
2026 (expected): Regulatory review and approval by the Fair Trade Commission
End of 2026 (expected): Closing of the transaction
Conclusion
This transaction represents a strategic partnership between a leading Taiwanese retail group and a fast-growing Japanese supermarket operator. It goes beyond a simple equity investment, aiming to integrate the entire food retail value chain. The collaboration is expected to significantly influence the competitive landscape of Taiwan’s food retail market, particularly in fresh and prepared food segments.
