Spending NT$10 Billion on KFC and Pizza Hut? Uni-President's Lo Chih-hsien: 'No Comment' on M&A Rumors
On May 20, after a shareholders' meeting, Lo Chih-hsien, Chairman of President Chain Store Corp., responded to market rumors. Regarding the investment in Japanese supermarket LOPIA, he stated it's 'inconvenient to comment' as it's under review. For rumors of a NT$10 billion bid for the operating rights of KFC and Pizza Hut, he offered 'no comment.' However, he emphasized that any merger or acquisition with a positive impact on shareholders and society would be 'seriously considered.' He also mentioned that there is no ceiling for 7-ELEVEN's expansion in Taiwan, with 10,000 stores being a future possibility.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 13:46
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 14:01 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 14:17 (15 min after Collected)
(CNA, Tainan, May 20, by reporter Ho Hsiu-ling) Responding to recent market attention on an investment in Japanese supermarket LOPIA and rumors of a NT$10 billion bid for the operating rights of KFC and Pizza Hut, Lo Chih-hsien, Chairman of President Chain Store Corp., stated that it is currently 'inconvenient to comment' on LOPIA and offered 'no comment' on the M&A rumors. However, he pointed out that any M&A deal that has a positive impact on shareholders and society will be 'seriously considered.' President Chain Store Corp. held its shareholders' meeting today, after which Lo spoke to the media. He said that there are currently over 7,111 7-ELEVEN stores in Taiwan, and no ceiling has been set for expansion. As the proportion of product sales decreases and service-oriented functions increase, the business model of convenience stores continues to change. Citing the example of over 10,000 hand-shaken drink shops in Taiwan, he believes it is 'not impossible' for 7-ELEVEN to expand to 10,000 stores in the future. Regarding the recent investment by President Chain Store Corp. in Taiwan LOPIA's retail supermarket and food processing businesses, which has sparked market discussion, Lo said that since it has entered the review stage, it is not convenient to make any comments at this time. As for external rumors that Uni-President Group intends to spend NT$10 billion to acquire the operating rights of KFC and Pizza Hut, Lo said 'no comment,' adding that the Uni-President Group is often mentioned in any M&A rumors, making it inconvenient for him to comment. Discussing the economy and changes in the consumer market, Lo stated that although the stock market has been buoyant recently, the business environment for all industries is becoming increasingly severe, and 'elimination is accelerating,' with no industry finding it easier. Lo also mentioned that the retail market in China is highly competitive, but President Chain Store Corp.'s operations in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and other areas are relatively stable, and they will continue to move forward in the established direction. (Editor: Chang Liang-chih) 1150520