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    Rakuten, Inc.: New strategic alliance with Wal-Mart

Leading Japanese law firm Nishimura & Asahi has advised Rakuten, Inc. (TOKYO: 4755) on its strategic alliance with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (“Walmart”). As a part of the alliance, Rakuten will establish a joint venture with Walmart's Japanese subsidiary Seiyu with the aim of launching a new online grocery delivery service in Japan, to be known as "Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper." And in the US, Walmart will become Rakuten Kobo's exclusive mass retail partner for the Kobo brand, offering Kobo's lineup of eBooks, audiobooks and eReaders at both Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

The Nishimura & Asahi team advising Rakuten, Inc. on the Japanese aspects of the alliance was led by partner Masaki Noda.