MINISTOP CO., LTD.

MINISTOP is an AEON Group convenience-store chain known for combining a convenience store with freshly prepared in-store desserts and fried foods. Its scale and store network are clearly smaller than those of the three leaders—Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart—and in recent years it has withdrawn from its Korean and Philippine overseas businesses and posted consecutive losses. It is in a transformation phase in which it must demonstrate its strategic value to the AEON Group. Applicants must face this reality directly in both their motivation for applying and their risk assessment.