The Japanese convenience store operator plans to make a final decision on the sale as early as the middle of this month, the report said. It may also be considering an investment of around 20% in Don Quijote, the report said, without citing sources.

Shares in FamilyMart gained 5% and Don Quijote jumped 9.4% in Tokyo after the report.

A spokesman at FamilyMart said nothing had been decided, when asked about the report. A Don Quijote spokeswoman declined to comment.

Looking to expand but faced with a shortage of suitable suburban locations, Don Quijote, popularly known as “Donki” in Japan, last year took a 40% stake in Uny, the general merchandise store unit of FamilyMart Uny.

Don Quijote also said in August it would be interested in buying Warmart Inc’s Seiyu supermarket unit.