Nov 7 (Reuters) - Private equity firm KKR has

become the largest shareholder in Japanese software developer

Fuji Soft after completing the first stage of a

two-part tender offer, KKR said in a statement on Thursday.

The U.S. firm acquired 21.4 million shares, and secured

control over 90% of outstanding share options of Fuji Soft, it

said.

On Thursday KKR acquired a stake of 35% in the Japanese

software developer through FK Co, an entity owned by investment

funds it manages, in the first part of its two-stage buyout

tender offer.

KKR now holds substantial influence over the Fuji Soft's

future direction, including a potential privatization, which the

company's board has previously indicated as a way to boost its

value.

The second phase of the tender offer, set for mid-November,

aims to acquire the remaining shares at an unchanged price of

8,800 yen ($57.46) each.

($1=153.1500 yen)