Starbucks has responded to rumours of a potential stake sale in its China operations after reports resurfaced that the American coffee giant is ?? ?? ???looking for buyers for its business in the country. “We see significant long-term potential in the market and are evaluating the best ways to capture the future growth opportunities,” the company said in an official statement. The comment comes after a report in Chinese media outlet Caixin that Hillhouse Capital recently participated in a reverse management roadshow organised by Starbucks China, during which investors visited local operations. Other participants reportedly included Carlyle and Centrin Capital. A source told local business media outlet China Entrepreneur that some 20 institutions have held talks with Starbucks China, with Hillhouse’s involvement still at a very early stage. The coffee chain’s China unit was reportedly valued at between $5 billion and $6 billion. Initial talks about a possible stake sale surfaced in November last year. [Caixin, China Entrepreneur, in Chinese]