"Chinese Tencent explores possibility of acquiring Nexon shares…Could it be a $15 billion deal?"

Chinese big tech giant Tencent is reportedly reviewing the acquisition of Nexon's shares. Discussions have reportedly taken place regarding the stake held by the heirs of former CEO Kim Jung-ju in NXC.

According to Bloomberg on the 12th, Tencent Holdings recently approached the family of the late Kim Jung-ju, founder of Nexon, to explore the possibility of acquiring Nexon. The bereaved family holds shares in Nexon's parent company through their family investment firm NXC, and this stake, including NXC and its subsidiary NXMH BV, represents 44.4% of all Nexon shares.

Kim's widow and two daughters own approximately 67.6% of NXC shares. The heirs are currently discussing various options, including asset sales, with advisory firms. The Korean government previously failed to dispose of NXC shares it obtained during the inheritance tax payment process.

If the deal goes through, Tencent will be able to secure control over Nexon. Currently, based on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), Nexon's market capitalization is estimated to be around $15 billion.

The outlet noted, "This move by Tencent has brought the Nexon acquisition rumor back to the forefront in the industry," but added, "It's still unclear whether NXC actually intends to sell."

Meanwhile, Nexon has recently issued 'Nexpace (NXPC),' a blockchain-based token linked to its blockchain game 'MapleStory N.'