TOKYO, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Seven & i ( SVNDF ) shareholder Artisan

Partners said the Japanese retail giant's stated reasons for

rejecting Couche-Tard's $38.5 billion takeover bid can be

resolved.

Seven & i's ( SVNDF ) response on Friday to the offer "starts the

clock" for management and board to show how they can deliver

greater value than the offer, Benjamin L. Herrick, a portfolio

manager for the U.S.-based fund, said in a statement on Monday.

"It is imperative that the board of directors treat this

matter with a sense of urgency to achieve the best possible

outcome for shareholders," the statement said.