Line-Yahoo Japan operator values Kakaku.com at $4bn in challenge to EQT

Non-binding offer with Bain Capital tops Swedish firm's bid but Tabelog operator backs EQT

LY, the operator of Line and Yahoo Japan, is challenging EQT's bid for Japanese website operator Kakaku.com. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Wataru Ito, Getty Images and Yahoo Japan's Facebook page)

TOKYO -- The operator of the Line messaging app and web portal Yahoo Japan said on Thursday it has launched a counterbid for Japan's Kakaku.com, which operates popular restaurant review and booking site Tabelog, raising the specter of a takeover battle with Swedish private equity firm EQT.