Mobile Messenger Line to go public in New York, Tokyo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Line Corp., the Japan-based operator of the namesake mobile messenger, will list its shares in New York and Tokyo next month, as the iconic Asian mobile messenger app seeks to expand globally.

Naver, the South Korean Internet company that wholly owns Line, said Friday that the move will help the mobile messenger to better compete against global companies backed by big brand and capital.

The proceeds from the initial public offering will be used for acquiring new companies and other expansion strategies.