Plan emerges for Japan retailer Seven & i to spin off noncore stores

A plan for Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings Co. to separately sell some of its noncore specialty store businesses is being floated as part of an effort to offload shares in its intermediate subsidiary York Holdings Co., a source close to the matter said Saturday.The idea to spin off the noncore businesses, such as those in lifestyle goods and children's apparel, was proposed by potential buyers, the source said.The moves come as many potential buyers that participated in the first round of bidding for shares of York Holdings, which operates 31 retailers, appear primarily interested …READ FULL ARTICLE