AppLovin bids for TikTok's global assets outside China
Deal News | Apr 04, 2025 | Zawya
AppLovin, a prominent marketing platform, has made a bid for TikTok's operations outside China. This move is in response to the April 5 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, requiring TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer due to security concerns over its ties with China. Other significant bidders include Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans' founder, Tim Stokely. AppLovin's acquisition could enhance its status as a global advertising giant, according to Michael Ashley Schulman of Running Point Capital. The U.S. government, notably involved in the negotiations, has outlined that ByteDance must divest TikTok by January 19, 2024, due to a new law. The proceedings are compounded by potential deals involving private equity firms like Blackstone considering capital contributions. The situation remains volatile, with Trump's recent executive order temporarily extending TikTok's U.S. operations.
Sectors
- Technology
- Digital Advertising
Geography
- United States – The U.S. is central to the narrative as the government has set a deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer due to security concerns.
- China – China is relevant due to TikTok's ownership by ByteDance and U.S. concerns about data security and geopolitical implications.
Industry
- Technology – The article primarily focuses on TikTok, a technology company known for its video-sharing platform, and its acquisition target.
- Digital Advertising – AppLovin's interest in acquiring TikTok highlights the strategic push into expanding global advertising capabilities.
Financials
- N/A – There were no specific financial amounts or valuations disclosed in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppLovin | Bidding Company | Company | A marketing platform aiming to acquire TikTok assets outside of China. |
| TikTok | Target Company | Company | Owned by ByteDance, TikTok is a popular short-video app facing divestment demands in the U.S. |
| ByteDance | Selling Company | Company | The Chinese parent company of TikTok, under pressure to divest its U.S. assets. |
| Amazon | Other Bidding Company | Company | One of the major companies showing interest in acquiring TikTok. |
| OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely | Other Bidding Company | Person | Leading a consortium interested in bidding for TikTok. |
| Donald Trump | Government | Person | U.S. President involved in setting deadlines for TikTok's divestment. |
| Blackstone | Potential Investor | Company | Private equity firm discussing capital contributions for the TikTok bid. |
| Running Point Capital | Investment Advisor | Company | Company whose CIO provided insight into the potential impact of TikTok's acquisition by AppLovin. |
| White House | Government | Government | Actively involved in overseeing the TikTok transaction discussions. |