By Ritsuko ShimizuTOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Seven &amp; i Holdings is betting it can boost value by hiving off underperforming businesses and focusing on mainstay 7-Eleven stores.
In Japan, 7-Eleven stores have become a cultural touchstone, known for a ready supply of fresh food and everything from toothpaste to socks.
The Japanese stores are also highly profitable: the operating margin is 27%, far above the 3.5% of 7-Eleven stores outside of Japan.
OVERSEAS BUSINESSFixing the bigger overseas 7-Eleven business may prove tougher.
So far, the company has announced plans to close some 444 underperforming stores overseas.

Analysis-7-Eleven's turnaround plan requires heavy lifting to stop Couche-Tard's $47 billion takeover By Reuters