Japanese operator Softbank confirmed it is considering a merger of its internet services unit Z Holdings with the messaging app Line. SoftBank said it is in discussions "regarding various possibilities, including such a merger". Line issued a similar statement, saying no decision had been taken yet.
The Nikkei reported earlier that Softbank's company Z Holdings, which controls Yahoo Japan, was in final talks with Naver, the Korean internet group and controlling shareholder of Line.
The addition of the messaging app and its growing range of content and payment services is expected to strengthen Yahoo's expansion in to e-commerce. It already operates the PayPay service and earlier this year acquired the commerce platform Zozu. Line would also help Yahoo reach a younger audience of consumers.
