LY CORP BIDS $4B FOR KAKAKU.COM, OUTBIDDING EQT

The move intensifies the takeover battle for one of Japan's most prominent dining platforms. LY Corp, which operates the Line messaging app and Yahoo Japan web portal, aims to acquire Kakaku.com's portfolio of comparison shopping and review services. Tabelog, Kakaku.com's flagship product, maintains Japan's largest restaurant review database with millions of user ratings and bookings. The platform serves as a critical discovery tool for diners across the country. EQT, the Swedish private equity firm, submitted its $3.75 billion offer earlier. LY Corp's higher bid signals aggressive interest in expanding its digital services ecosystem in Japan, where Kakaku.com's data and user base offer significant strategic value. The competing bids reflect heightened acquisition activity among tech companies and investment firms targeting Japanese digital assets. Kakaku.com's board will evaluate both proposals as the takeover process continues.