Lawson, Matsumotokiyoshi Consider Venture

Japan's convenience store chain Lawson Inc. and drugstore chain Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings are considering a joint venture, sources told Kyodo News.

Under a joint venture, which could come into being by the end of the year, the two companies will operate new outlets combining convenience store and drugstore formats, the sources said.

Lawson, Japan's second-largest convenience store chain, and Matsumotokiyoshi, the top drugstore chain, hope by joining forces, they can boost consumer demand in the current economic downturn, the report said.

The government in June allowed the sales of medicines at conveniences stores when supervised by qualified staff