Life Corporation announced a tender offer for Albis, saying it would consider expanding into the Chukyo region as well as retaining Albis's store brands.
Life Corporation President Iwasaki Takaharu (岩崎高治) referred to the TOB for Albis at a results briefing for the fiscal year ending August 2026. He said the possibility of expanding into the Chukyo region was growing and indicated that Albis's store brands would be included in the considerations for the expansion.
The TOB is currently being conducted at ¥3,780 per share, and Albis is expected to be delisted from the TSE Prime Market if it is completed. Following completion, Mitsubishi Corporation, Albis's largest shareholder, is expected to hold 16.62%, with the Life side expected to hold the remainder.
As benefits of bringing Albis under its umbrella, Iwasaki cited the opportunity to learn about seafood procurement, tofu manufacturing and processing, and the operation of suburban stores. Areas including Nagoya were mentioned as potential locations for new stores in the Chukyo region, and expansion of Bio c' Bon was also identified for consideration.
The two companies have had personnel exchanges, and their close relationship was emphasised as another factor behind the TOB. He said that using each store's distinct marketing and product-selection expertise could enable the companies to respond more effectively to local needs.