https://wccftech.com/softbanks-yahoo-japan-negotiating-merger-with-line-app-another-wechat-type-mega-platform-in-the-offing/

In a major tech upheaval, the SoftBank-backed internet company Yahoo Japan (TYO:4689) has confirmed ongoing merger talks with the owner of Line App – a popular freeware application for instant communication. The combined entity, potentially worth up to $27 billion, will enjoy significant synergy and allow SoftBank (TYO:9984) to expand its e-commerce and payments services footprint.

Yahoo Japan, which changed its name to Z Holdings in October and where SoftBank retains a 45 percent ownership, has affirmed the continuation of final stage negotiations with South Korea's Naver Corp. (KRX:035420) – the owner of Line with a 73 percent stake.