Starbucks ups JV stakes

Starbucks Corp will increase its equity in the joint venture Coffee Concepts Ltd from 5% to 51%, Reuters reported. As part of the deal, Starbucks' partner, Maxim's Caterers Ltd's Mei-Xin, will get 30% interest in a joint venture to operate stores in Chengdu. Starbucks expects to close negotiations within the next 30 days.