Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

Kobe Bussan, which operates the Gyomu Super chain, announced on the 29th that it will repurchase up to 16 million shares, or 7.21% of its outstanding shares, for up to 40 billion yen. The acquisition period runs from the 30th to April 30, 2027. The company said the move is aimed at expanding shareholder returns, as well as easing the short-term impact on share supply and demand from the issuance of euro-yen convertible bonds with new share warrants, maturing in 2033, which was approved the same day, and ensuring smooth fundraising.

The yakiniku chain Premium Kalbi has embarked on a nationwide expansion. Its all-you-can-eat courses, starting from 4,158 yen and featuring beef fillet and top blade, along with 10 kinds of handmade desserts and 18 varieties of house-made gelato, are generating buzz for their luxury. Behind this is the procurement strength of the Kobe Bussan group, which operates the Gyomu Super chain. Key advantages include a cost structure that keeps secondary ingredient costs low and reinvests in beef, as well as efficient dessert production through a central kitchen. In March 2026, the first franchise store will open in Tochigi Prefecture, followed by the first Kansai-area store in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture in April, accelerating the expansion from a Kanto-centered base to nationwide. Kobe Bussan's restaurant and prepared food business revenue has surged from approximately 3.9 billion yen in fiscal 2021 to about 16.4 billion yen in fiscal 2025, with prime locations secured during the pandemic also providing a tailwind.