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.

Couche-Tard, which operates Circle K convenience stores and gas stations, made an offer last year to acquire Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven, for $18.19 per share

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.