Shearman & Sterling is representing LINE Corporation (LINE), the provider of one of Japan’s most popular mobile messaging apps, in connection with its potential business integration with Z Holdings Corporation (Z Holdings), the holding company of one of Japan’s leading internet companies, Yahoo Japan Corporation. As part of the business integration, Z Holdings, LINE and their respective parent companies, SoftBank Co., Ltd. (SoftBank) and NAVER Corporation (NAVER), have also announced a proposal by SoftBank and NAVER to take LINE private by launching a joint tender offer to acquire all of LINE’s outstanding common stock (including American Depositary Shares), stock options and convertible bonds. 

This transaction will be subject to, among other factors, the execution of definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.