Concurrent deal closings by Kakao, Naver: Mere coincidence? Rivalry evolves into global expansion, new businesses Jun-ho Cha 8 HOURS AGO Kakao Japan runs Piccoma, a leading webtoon platform Early this month, when Anchor Equity Partners was in intense negotiations with Kakao Corp. over the terms of its 600 billion won ($530 million) investment in the South Korean mobile giant's Japan unit, the private equity firm was suddenly given short notice: "Anyhow, get ready soon. We need to get the deal done by May 20." At the time, Anchor Equity had expected to reach an agreement on the investment around the end of May at the earliest. But it had to hurry to meet the new deadline.