Yildiz Looking to Sell Godiva in Japan

Oct 1, 20181 min read

A sale of Godiva Japan is being considered which could value the business at US$1.5 billion.

Parent Yildiz Holding is considering an offer which would allow it to use the proceeds to reduce debt and invest in other markets with larger growth prospects.

Gidova Japan has annual sales of about $350 million a year.

Yildiz Holdings was founded by Turkish brothers as a biscuit shop in 1944, acquiring Godiva in 2007 for $850 million. It now operates hundreds of Godiva cafes around the world as well as marketing Godiva-branded chocolate products, and its assets include UK brand McVitie’s biscuits.

Unnamed sources said a formal sale process would commence within weeks.

Prospective bidders include rival confectionery companies or private equity funds, along with Japanese trading groups.

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Mei Ling Tan

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Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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