TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's Seven & i ( SVNDF ) is working on several initiatives that include potential M&A deals and partnerships aimed at leading to substantial growth, Chief Financial Officer Yoshimichi Maruyama said on Friday.

The Japanese retailer behind 7-Eleven convenience stores aims to demonstrate to investors its ability to grow after Canada's Couche-Tard withdrew a $46 billion offer in July.

Seven & i ( SVNDF ) has said it will pursue a listing of its North American convenience store subsidiary by the second half of 2026, and will buy back about 2 trillion yen ($13 billion) worth of shares through fiscal year 2030 .

"We are not planning a particularly large sale (of shares)," Maruyama said at a briefing for investors. The company will do the buyback even if the offering doesn't take place, he said.

Seven & i's ( SVNDF ) shares are down by around a fifth for the year to date.

TARGETING EUROPEAN EXPANSION

The retailer also said it is looking to expand its business in Europe into a "fourth major pillar of growth", in addition to Japan, North America and Asia-Pacific.

It currently has 365 stores in Scandinavia.

"Outside Scandinavia, Europe is a blank area for 7-Eleven," said Ken Wakabayashi, CEO of 7-Eleven International.

The retailer is also looking at foraying into markets in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America with high growth potential.

($1 = 150.7800 yen)