 At close to 10 billion dollars Line Corp was the biggest tech IPO of the year - when it launched on the U.S. market in 2016. It could be now be joining forces to form a tech giant worth - at a possible 27 billion dollars - nearly three times that. Discussions are underway between the messaging app operator and Z Holdings - known until last month as Yahoo Japan. The two would bring together Japans biggest QR code payment apps Combining a potential customer base of 100 million users. If, at this point, Lines services are money-losing - and nothing has been decided, it said, regarding a merger. For its part, Z Holdings - which is nearly half owned by Softbank Corp - also disclosed its acquired a 50.1 stake ... In fashion e-tailer Zozo - in a 3.7 billion dollar deal. Markets though took their lift from the merger talks - driving Lines shares up by 15. And Z Holdings by nearly 17. 