AsianFin -- Tencent Holdings Ltd. is exploring a potential acquisition of Japanese gaming giant Nexon Co., as the Chinese tech conglomerate seeks to expand its gaming empire, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Shenzhen-based firm has approached the family of Nexon’s late founder Kim Jung-ju to discuss a possible deal, the people said, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the talks. Kim’s family is currently weighing options with the help of advisers.

Nexon shares jumped as much as 10% in Tokyo trading on Friday. Kim’s family holds a 44.4% stake in Nexon through investment firm NXC Corp. and affiliate NXMH BV. His wife and daughters control roughly 67.6% of NXC.