Convenience store operator Lawson Inc. and department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. are both considering bidding for the operator of upscale supermarket chain Seijo Ishii Co., sources said Tuesday.
Lawson and Isetan Mitsukoshi each responded positively to an approach by Marunouchi Capital Co., an investment fund affiliated with major trading house Mitsubishi Corp., when it inquired about their willingness to bid for Seijo Ishii in the event of its sale, the sources said.
There will be a formal bidding process, the sources said, adding that Marunouchi Capital may decide on a purchaser by the end of this year.