Tard will continue its friendly pursuit of Seven & i, executives said, even as they vented their frustrations over the slow progress in acquisition talks with the Japanese owner of the 7-Eleven convenience-store chain.

Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard has reiterated its determination to acquire Seven & i Holdings, although the operator of Japan’s top convenience store chain has rejected its offer.

Alimentation Couche-Tard took its case for its $47 billion takeover of Seven & i straight to the Japanese public on Thursday, marking a change in strategy by the low-key Canadian firm in response to what it described as months of stonewalling by the 7-Eleven owner.

Canadian convenience store and gas station operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. said it could increase its offer to acquire long-time rival Seven & i Holdings Co., but only if the latter engages in takeover talks.