The signs of convenience stores 7-Eleven and Circle K are pictured in Los Angeles, California, November 20, 2024. The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven is considering going private by buying back its own shares in a bid to avoid a takeover by Canadian rival Couche-Tard, reports said on November 20. Seven & i Holdings is eyeing the move as a countermeasure to Circle K owner Alimentation Couche-Tard's seven trillion yen ($45 billion) takeover proposal, the Nikkei business daily said. (Photo by Etienne LAURENT / AFP)