Western Digital in talks to merge with Japan's Kioxia -source

The logo of Western Digital Corporation is displayed at the company's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, May 27, 2019. REUTERS/Yoshiyasu Shida

(Reuters) -U.S.-based Western Digital Corp is in advanced talks for a potential $20 billion stock merger with Japanese chipmaker and partner Kioxia Holdings Corp, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The companies could reach an agreement as early as mid-September, and Western Digital Chief Executive Officer David Goeckeler would run the combined firm, the source said, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential matters.