Market Chatter: EQT Explores Takeover of Japanese Web Services Provider Kakaku.com

12:00 AM EDT, 04/23/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Swedish private equity company EQT (EQT.ST) is exploring a takeover of Japan-listed Kakaku.com Inc., Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The target company runs web services such as price comparison, restaurant bookings, reviews, and job searches. It gained a valuation of $2.9 billion after its shares jumped 9.2% following news of the potential takeover interest, the news outlet noted. The people cautioned that the deliberations are at an early stage and may not result in a deal. EQT did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)