Amazon, AppLovin said to make last minute bids for TikTok

Published 02/04/2025, 17:18
Updated 02/04/2025, 19:56
© Reuters

Investing.com -- Multiple large tech players have submitted last-minute bids for TikTok’s U.S. operations, as the popular video app faces an imminent deadline to separate from its Chinese parent company.

Earlier Wednesday, the New York Times (NYSE:NYT) reported that Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) made a bid for TikTok.  "Amazon has put in a last-minute bid to acquire all of TikTok," said the NYT, citing three individuals with knowledge of the discussions. 

Later in the day, the Wall Street Journal reported that Applovin (NASDAQ:APP) has made its own bid and has held talks with casino mogul Steve Wynn to back it, citing people familiar with the matter.

The bids arrive as TikTok confronts an April 5 deadline to alter its ownership structure or face a ban within the United States.

The offers were reportedly submitted via a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The bids underscore the intense, eleventh-hour maneuvering in Washington concerning TikTok’s future. 

U.S. lawmakers have long voiced national security concerns regarding the app’s Chinese ownership, leading to legislation mandating a sale.

According to The New York Times, President Trump, despite previously expressing national security concerns, delayed the enforcement of the sale law until Saturday. 

Trump is scheduled to meet with White House officials to discuss TikTok’s fate.

The NYT article also highlights Amazon’s existing connections to TikTok, noting the app’s significant role in retail shopping, where influencers often encourage viewers to make Amazon purchases. 

Amazon’s entry into the bidding follows previous interest from companies like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Walmart (NYSE:WMT). 

TikTok has maintained that it is not for sale, citing potential blockage from the Chinese government, said the NYT.

(Sam Boughedda contributed to this article)

 

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