Starbucks Charts Path to Chinese Expansion Through Boyu Partnership

Starbucks is making strategic moves in China by ceding control of its operations to investment firm Boyu Capital. This significant deal values the business at a substantial US$4 billion, aiming to fuel growth in the Chinese market, the second-largest globally. The shift in ownership marks one of the boldest steps taken by a global consumer brand in recent history concerning its operations in China. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol expressed ambitions to elevate the Starbucks experience across China, eyeing an exponential surge in coffeehouses from the current 8,000 to a lofty 20,000 over time. Boyu Capital, with roots tied to former…