Potential U.S. Buyers Emerge for TikTok Amid Ownership Debate
Key figures and companies express interest as former President Trump's plans to shift TikTok to American hands unfold.
The discussion surrounding the ownership of video-sharing platform TikTok continues as prominent figures and companies express interest in acquiring the app’s operations in the United States.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his intentions for TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to be acquired by an American investor, with hopes that half of the ownership could eventually be transferred to the U.S. government.
This plan, however, raises several questions about who this investor might be and whether the takeover is feasible.
One of the most discussed potential buyers is Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO known for his leadership of SpaceX and Tesla, and recent acquisition and rebranding of Twitter to X. Although there are no public declarations from Musk himself about purchasing TikTok, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Chinese government has allegedly reached out to Musk regarding this possibility, with TikTok's CEO also seeking advice from Musk.
Yet, concerns persist over Musk’s management style, particularly regarding X’s reputation for misinformation, and potential antitrust issues resulting from owning two major social media platforms.
Larry Ellison, leader of tech company Oracle and known for his support of Trump's initiatives, is another potential buyer.
Oracle currently provides cloud services to ByteDance, suggesting established connections.
Notably, Ellison had previously considered acquiring TikTok in 2020 alongside Walmart when a potential ban of the app in the U.S. was first discussed.
Despite the backing at the time, legal complications halted the transaction.
Ellison recently expressed renewed interest during a press conference on artificial intelligence, spurred by Trump's reiteration of his TikTok acquisition idea.
While the estimated value of TikTok ranges between $40 billion and $80 billion, limiting the number of potential buyers, other interested parties include Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, a popular TikTok influencer with over 100 million followers.
Donaldson has been in discussions with multiple billionaires to form a consortium to acquire the platform.
Nonetheless, sources say negotiations have not progressed to include specific commitments or names.
Additionally, American billionaire Frank McCourt has also shown interest, previously discussing his proposal at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Partnered with Canadian billionaire Kevin O’Leary, McCourt indicated a $20 billion offer for TikTok which notably excludes some of TikTok’s technological components, instead planning to introduce their own alternatives.
As these discussions evolve, they reflect the complexities and competitive nature of acquiring a platform as large and influential as TikTok, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations and regulatory scrutiny over potential monopolistic practices.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his intentions for TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to be acquired by an American investor, with hopes that half of the ownership could eventually be transferred to the U.S. government.
This plan, however, raises several questions about who this investor might be and whether the takeover is feasible.
One of the most discussed potential buyers is Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO known for his leadership of SpaceX and Tesla, and recent acquisition and rebranding of Twitter to X. Although there are no public declarations from Musk himself about purchasing TikTok, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Chinese government has allegedly reached out to Musk regarding this possibility, with TikTok's CEO also seeking advice from Musk.
Yet, concerns persist over Musk’s management style, particularly regarding X’s reputation for misinformation, and potential antitrust issues resulting from owning two major social media platforms.
Larry Ellison, leader of tech company Oracle and known for his support of Trump's initiatives, is another potential buyer.
Oracle currently provides cloud services to ByteDance, suggesting established connections.
Notably, Ellison had previously considered acquiring TikTok in 2020 alongside Walmart when a potential ban of the app in the U.S. was first discussed.
Despite the backing at the time, legal complications halted the transaction.
Ellison recently expressed renewed interest during a press conference on artificial intelligence, spurred by Trump's reiteration of his TikTok acquisition idea.
While the estimated value of TikTok ranges between $40 billion and $80 billion, limiting the number of potential buyers, other interested parties include Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, a popular TikTok influencer with over 100 million followers.
Donaldson has been in discussions with multiple billionaires to form a consortium to acquire the platform.
Nonetheless, sources say negotiations have not progressed to include specific commitments or names.
Additionally, American billionaire Frank McCourt has also shown interest, previously discussing his proposal at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Partnered with Canadian billionaire Kevin O’Leary, McCourt indicated a $20 billion offer for TikTok which notably excludes some of TikTok’s technological components, instead planning to introduce their own alternatives.
As these discussions evolve, they reflect the complexities and competitive nature of acquiring a platform as large and influential as TikTok, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations and regulatory scrutiny over potential monopolistic practices.
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