In 2019, FamilyMart and its Chinese partner, Ting Hsin International Group, went to court over disagreement on payment of brand royalties. Fast forward in 2024, both partners have reconciled and set up a new joint venture to run operations in East China, while Ting Hsin will run family stores in other parts of the country. Japanese-based FamilyMart will remain as the brand owner.
The new agreement will allow both partners to work together and actively expand FamilyMart business in China. Most of its stores are franchise stores as such it is vital to retain the ‘FamilyMart’ brand. In addition, the Japanese owner wants to manage the East Asia business where majority of the stores are located.
There are more than 3,000 FamilyMart stores in China, with around 1,400 located in Shanghai.
