Japan asks Asian fund to halt machine maker buyout over security concerns

TOKYO - The Japanese government said Thursday it has called on the Asia-based private equity firm MBK Partners to shelve its planned acquisition of Makino Milling Machine Co., a major machine tools maker, as the move poses national security concerns.

Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko Group, the Japanese private equity firm known simply as NSSK, has instead emerged as a potential buyer, a source familiar with the matter said later Thursday.