A group of Japanese companies could join Toshiba’s takeover bid

A Japanese investment fund seeking to buy Toshiba Corp. is asking a group of Japanese companies to team up to pass the troubled conglomerate’s second round of bidding, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. By teaming up with domestic companies, Tokyo-based fund Japan Industrial Partners could gain an advantage over other bidders, including US investment fund Bain Capital, by approving government review of bids for Toshiba, which is deemed crucial to Japan’s national security because of its nuclear and defense activities. Companies contacted by the fund include…