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.

Canadian convenience store and gas station operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. said it won’t go hostile in its attempt to acquire long-time rival Seven & i Holdings Co.