7-Eleven Malaysia plans to take control of Caring Pharmacy

1 min readUpdated May 30, 2025Dec 10, 201911:01 PM

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Convenience store operator 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings is to boost its stake in Caring Pharmacy Group and take control of the chain.

7-Eleven Malaysia says it plans to buy a further 25.35 percent of the Caring Pharmacy business, taking the total shareholding under control of its related parties and itself to 38.57 percent. That would require a mandatory general takeover offer under Malaysian stock exchange regulations as it takes the combined stake over the 33-per-cent threshold.

The founder of Berjaya Group, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, is a major shareholder of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings and has shares in Caring Pharmacy Group.

Caring Pharmacy was established in 1994 by five pharmacists, who were course-mates in the School of Pharmacy, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The first outlet opened in Taman Muda, Cheras and the chain has now grown to 121 stores.

In a stock-exchange filing, 7-Eleven Malaysia said it wants to take its shareholding above 50 per cent, but will maintain Caring Pharmacy’s independent listing.

Caring is a profitable player in the retail-pharmacy category and has a successful online business. Acquiring a majority stake in the pharmacy retailer would allow 7-Eleven Malaysia to expand its e-commerce operations using Caring’s expertise, as well as generally add to its product offer, networks and customer base.

The process will be completed in the first half of next year.

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What this means

This strategic acquisition positions 7-Eleven Malaysia to significantly expand its health and wellness footprint, using Caring Pharmacy’s established brand and profitable online operations. The integration of Caring’s expertise in e-commerce and its 121-store network provides a robust platform for growth, pressuring competitors to consider similar diversification. Unlike ZUS Coffee's pure expansion play or Skechers' single large store opening, this is a direct consolidation. While maintaining independent listing, the 7-Eleven and Berjaya Group ties suggest strong operational alignment will follow. The primary risk lies in effectively integrating two distinct retail cultures while retaining Caring's brand equity. Watch for the final percentage of ownership secured by the end of H1 next year.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the primary motivation for 7-Eleven Malaysia to increase its stake in Caring Pharmacy?

7-Eleven Malaysia aims to expand its e-commerce operations by using Caring Pharmacy's expertise. The acquisition would also generally enhance its product offer, networks, and customer base within the retail sector.

How much of Caring Pharmacy will 7-Eleven Malaysia control after this acquisition?

Following the planned purchase of an additional 25.35 percent, the total shareholding under 7-Eleven Malaysia and its related parties will reach 38.57 percent. They ultimately aim to hold over 50 percent.

Will Caring Pharmacy cease to be an independent entity after 7-Eleven Malaysia gains control?

No, despite 7-Eleven Malaysia's plan to take its shareholding above 50 percent, the company has stated it intends to maintain Caring Pharmacy’s independent listing on the stock exchange.

What regulations will this acquisition trigger in Malaysia?

As the combined stake will exceed the 33-percent threshold, Malaysian stock exchange regulations will require a mandatory general takeover offer to be made by 7-Eleven Malaysia.

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