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.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. could increase its offer to acquire rival global convenience-store retailer Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., but only if the Tokyo-based company engages in talks, Couche-Tard executives said during a news conference held in Tokyo today to make a case for the transaction, Bloomberg reported.

The Canadian owner of Circle K said its takeover proposal for the 7-Eleven parent presents clear economic value.

TOKYO (Reuters) -Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard on Tuesday said it is confident there is a "clear path" to overcome U.S. regulatory hurdles in its proposed $47 billion acquisition of Japan's Seven & i, and expressed frustration at the 7-Eleven owner's "limited engagement."

Alimentation Couche-Tard says it's "disappointed" with the “limited” engagement it alleges it’s received from 7-Eleven’s parent company, since it made a play for the Japanese business last year.

Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard said on Tuesday it is confident in attaining the U.S. regulatory approvals required to buy out Japan's Seven & i Holdings after the latter said antitrust law would be a barrier to any deal.

Alimentation Couche-Tard remains optimistic about securing U.S. regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of Japans Seven i Holdings, despite the latter citing antitrust concerns. The Canadian convenience