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.

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."

Seven & i subsidiary 7-Eleven Inc. operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 13,000 stores in the United States and Canada. In addition to 7-Eleven stores, it operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Co., and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations.

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

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 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.

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