Minister says overseas takeover of Seven i a security matter
Canada39;s Alimentation CoucheTard made 47 bln takeover offer
First comment by top official on security issues raised

TOKYO, Jan 8 Reuters A potential foreign acquisition of Japanese retail giant Seven i would be heavily related to national security, Japan39;s economy minister Ryosei Akazawa said on Wednesday.

His public comment is the first by a senior Japanese official over security issues raised by a 47 billion buyout offer by Canada39;s Alimentation CoucheTard.

Seven i was classified as core to Japan39;s national security in September, raising questions as to whether it was a defensive move. The finance ministry said at the time that the classification would not create hurdles to a potential buyout.

The owner of 7Eleven convenience stores has rejected CoucheTard39;s offer and its founding family is in talks to take the company private to fend off the takeover attempt.

Speaking about a potential acquisition of Seven i, I think the matter is heavily related to national security, Akazawa said at the Japan National Press Club.

Akazawa said convenience stores and their distribution networks could be utilised in the event of disaster to help bring hot food to people in affected regions, for example.

If Seven i39;s convenience store business is in foreign hands and run solely for profits, we39;ll have to think about various things, such as whether we can we get full support when our people…