14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is in pole position to take over TikTok, and while a deal could be announced sometime very soon, it looks like the company has found a surprise partner in its attempt to take over the Chinese Internet phenomenon.
Walmart has confirmed that it has partnered with Microsoft in the negotiations for TikTok, albeit no word has been said on how the discussion advanced lately.
Microsoft originally said that an announcement over the TikTok deal could be announced by September 15, but more recently, it’s been rumored that an agreement could be revealed as soon as this week.
“The way TikTok has integrated e-commerce and advertising capabilities in other markets is a clear benefit to creators and users in those markets,” a Walmart spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNBC.
“We believe a potential relationship with TikTok US in partnership with Microsoft could add this key functionality and provide Walmart with an important way for us to reach and serve omnichannel customers as well as grow our third-party marketplace and advertising businesses. We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of US TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of US government regulators.”
Other companies also interested in TikTok
Microsoft confirmed from the very beginning that it might involve other American companies in the TikTok negotiations, albeit these would only receive a minority stake.
“Microsoft may invite other American investors to participate on a minority basis in this purchase,” the company said.
Other American tech companies have also been rumored to be interested in TikTok, including Twitter and Oracle. However, at the time of writing, Microsoft is believed to have the biggest chances to take over the Chinese service, with operations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand said to be targeted by the purchase talks.