The designation by Japan’s finance ministry comes a week after the 7-Eleven owner rejected Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard’s US$39-billion acquisition offer. The updated list includes business sectors where “inward direct investment or equivalent actions may undermine national security, disturb the maintenance of public order or interfere with the protection of public safety.” (The Logic)

Talking point: Seven & i’s inclusion on the list may well be ceremonial, as buyouts of any company regarded as significant to Japan’s economy, core or otherwise, are subject to a review. Couche-Tard is reportedly considering how much more it could raise its offer for Seven & i, with no certainty that it will submit a bigger bid. Couche-Tard spokesperson Lisa Koenig didn’t immediately return a request for comment.