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.

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.

The Canadian owner of Circle K will continue its friendly pursuit of Seven & i, executives said, sounding confident that they can overcome antitrust issues that could block the prospective acquisition in the U.