TOKYO -- Nine months after Alimentation Couche-Tard approached Seven & i, the drawn-out talks and the 7-Eleven owner's apparent resistance raise questions over how long the Canadian suitor will persist with its $47 billion bid.
Crucial to any decision is Alain Bouchard, co-founder, executive chairman and significant shareholder of the Canadian convenience store operator. In his mid-70s, he is still closely involved in the running of the company after handing over the reins to the CEO in 2014.
