Coronavirus delays Yahoo Japan's merger with Line

Antitrust authorities in key countries proceed slowly as pandemic plays out

20200630 Z holdngs LINE

Z Holdings, parent of Yahoo Japan, and Line announced their merger in November 2019.

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The merger of Z Holdings, parent of Yahoo Japan, and messaging app Line has stalled, the companies announced on Tuesday, citing regulatory delays caused by the pandemic.

"Due in part to the impact of the global spread of COVID-19, the procedures and measures under the competition laws of some of the countries have not been completed," said Z Holdings -- a SoftBank Group member -- and Line in a news release.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.