SBUX is considering selling control of its Japan operations, its largest company-operated market outside the U.S., with 1,883 stores representing nearly 9% of its global footprint. A formal sale process could begin in Q4, with both global and Japanese buyout firms expected to show interest. Starbucks took full control of the business in 2014 at a roughly $1.5B valuation, when it had about 1,050 stores. The unit could now be worth around $3B. The move would further reshape Starbucks' intern

SBUX is considering selling control of its Japan operations, its largest company-operated market outside the U.S., with 1,883 stores representing nearly 9% of its global footprint. A formal sale process could begin in Q4, with both global and Japanese buyout firms expected to show interest. Starbucks took full control of the business in 2014 at a roughly $1.5B valuation, when it had about 1,050 stores. The unit could now be worth around $3B. The move would further reshape Starbucks' international portfolio after it ceded control of its China business last year.