The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Couche-Tard was once renowned for its financial discipline. The Globe's Andrew Willis writes that Alain Bouchard, founder and executive chair of a global convenience-store chain, forged a sterling reputation in takeover circles by making a series of smart acquisitions while also avoiding bad deals. If its $47-billion (U.S.) bid is successful, Couche-Tard plans to borrow the bulk of money needed to pay for the all-cash acquisition. The way Mr. Bouchard and other Couche-Tard executives talk about buying 7-Eleven, and the debt levels they are willing to shoulder, is far more aggressive than how the company has previously behaved. Buying 7-Eleven, an underperforming retailer, would be a legacy-defining way for Mr. Bouchard to finish his career, but the takeover could also be a financial disaster if Couche-Tard takes on too much debt. For the first time in an illustrious 44-year career, investors should be asking if Mr. Bouchard risks overpaying to grab a long-coveted prize. Mr. Bouchard, 75, has been chasing 7-Eleven for two decades, intent on creating the world's largest chain of corner stores. He has never been able to get 7-Eleven's board to engage in takeover talks.