SoftBank could emerge as the big winner
TOKYO — Two of Japan’s internet leaders — news and shopping site Yahoo Japan and chat app Line — are in talks over a combination that could expand SoftBank Group Corp.’s empire, the companies said Thursday.
If completed, the deal could give SoftBank 9984, +0.28% and its acquisitive chief executive, Masayoshi Son, a bigger presence in internet advertising and payment apps in Japan. SoftBank effectively controls Yahoo Japan through subsidiaries.
A person involved in the talks said SoftBank ultimately hoped to gain control of Line Corp. LN, +26.61% 3938, +15.38% through the deal, but he said the sides were still discussing several deal structures.
Yahoo Japan’s parent, Z Holdings Corp. 4689, +16.93% , and Line issued statements Thursday confirming reports of the talks but saying nothing has been decided. Z Holdings shares rose 17% in early Tokyo trading Thursday.