Canadian convenience store and fuel retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. remains committed to acquiring Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings Co., despite a new management buyout proposal from Seven & i's founding family valued at approximately $59 billion. Couche-Tard has emphasized a persistent but friendly approach to its bid. Meanwhile, the founding family is reportedly seeking financing from domestic banks, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, for the proposed buyout, which may require around 9 trillion yen. Additionally, trading house Itochu and other entities, such as Bain Capital and Sumitomo Corporation, have expressed interest in participating in bids for Seven & i's supermarket unit. Investors are showing increased interest in Seven & i shares, with borrowing levels reaching a decade high amid speculation of a potential privatization or sale. Seven & i shares rose as much as 2.2% following reports of KKR considering an investment in its supermarket unit. The first-round bid deadline for the sale of the supermarket unit is set for November 28.