EQT to Take Japan's Kakaku.com Private in $3.7bn Deal

Asian business coverage frames EQT’s tender offer and LY Corp.’s response as part of a wider reshaping of tech ownership across the region. This view notes that foreign funds and regional internet groups are competing for control of platforms that handle consumer data and online spending. Commentators expect more cross-border deals in Japan’s tech sector as valuations remain attractive compared with US and Chinese markets.

• •EQT’s move for Kakaku.com is presented as another example of foreign funds targeting Japanese tech assets.
• •LY Corp.’s higher valuation is seen as a sign that regional internet groups want to consolidate influence over consumer platforms.
• •Kakaku.com’s restaurant and shopping data are described as valuable inputs for advertising and payment services across Asia.
• •Asian outlets suggest that a successful EQT deal could encourage more private equity bids for mid-sized Japanese internet firms.
• •If LY Corp. prevails, regional tech groups may feel emboldened to defend local assets against foreign buyouts.