Singapore fund takes top stake in Japanese duty-free chain Laox

Acquisition shifts control of struggling retailer from China's Suning group

20211202N Laox shoppers

Laox shoppers in Tokyo before the pandemic: The duty-free store operator is looking to adapt to the travel slump. (Photo by Wataru Ito)

TARO SAEKI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- A Singapore-based investment fund has become the top shareholder in Laox, a Japanese operator of duty-free stores, by acquiring a partial stake from China's Suning Commerce Group.

The change in control comes as evaporating tourism demand amid the coronavirus pandemic forces Laox to seek new profit drivers.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.