(Yicai Global) Dec. 18 -- 7-Eleven, the Japanese-American convenience store giant run by Seven & I Holdings, will partner with China's Sanquan Food to expand its stores into the country's northern Henan province.

Sanquan Food will gain exclusive rights to open and operate 7-Eleven outlets in Henan, the frozen food company said in a statement today. Under the deal, Sanquan Food can also re-franchise the brand in the province.

7-Eleven has more than 68,000 stores in 17 countries and regions around the globe, the most of any convenience store operator. Its outlets in China are mainly in eastern cities, but in a move to expand, 7-Eleven has also begun to authorize local partners in Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi'an in the west and in Hunan and Hubei provinces in central China.

Sanquan Food didn't disclose any financial details or business plan. Local media reported today that Henan's first 7-Eleven will open in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, in the first half of next year/

Shares of Sanquan Food [SHE: 002216] recouped early losses after trading resumed midday, but still closed 0.15 percent lower at CNY13.01 (USD1.90). The shares have been on an upswing since November last year.