TikTok Receives $20 Billion Formal Buyout Offer from Investor Group as Divestment Deadline Looms
An investor group led by Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt has submitted a formal buyout offer for TikTok's U.S. operations ahead of the upcoming divestment deadline.
TikTok search bar with topic suggestions
The People's Bid for TikTok consortium includes major private equity firms, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, backed by debt financing from a major U.S. bank. While the exact offer amount remains undisclosed, previous reports suggested capital commitments of around $20 billion.
Key Points of the Offer:
- Proposal would implement an American-made tech stack
- Deal excludes TikTok's current algorithm
- Aims to prevent a platform ban while maintaining service for U.S. users
Current Situation:
- January 19th ban deadline approaching
- ByteDance has historically opposed selling
- Supreme Court appears unsympathetic to TikTok's legal arguments
- President Biden could grant a 90-day extension
- President-elect Trump may revive the app after taking office
Market Outlook:
- Kalshi odds indicate 68% chance of U.S. TikTok ban before May
- Evercore ISI analyst estimates 20-25% probability of ban implementation
- Competitors like Triller are positioning to capture users if ban proceeds
The outcome remains uncertain as multiple factors converge: the impending deadline, potential administrative changes, and ByteDance's willingness to negotiate. The success of this buyout offer could determine TikTok's future in the United States.
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