Alimentation Couche-Tard says it has put together a portfolio of U.S. stores it would consider selling to advance its hopes of acquiring 7-Eleven’s parent company. The Quebec-based owner of

Canada’s convenience store and gas station operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. says it has held “exploratory discussions” with buyers for any US stores that would need to be divested to secure regulatory approval for a potential takeover of Japanese rival Seven & i Holdings Co.

Canadas Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT) is exploring a potential sale of its U.S. stores to ease regulatory concerns as it pursues a $47 billion acquisition of Japans Seven i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven.