Paul Hastings Advises Investor Group on TikTok US Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 21, 2025 | Paul Hastings

Paul Hastings LLP is advising a consortium of investors led by Jesse Tinsley, Founder and CEO of Recruiter.com Ventures, on an all-cash bid to acquire the U.S. operations of TikTok from ByteDance Ltd. The investor group is composed of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, including media personality Mr. Beast. The legal team from Paul Hastings is spearheaded by partner Brad Bondi, supported by Brandon Bortner, Gil Savir, Steve Camahort, and Ronnie Anguas. Paul Hastings is renowned for its strong presence in finance, M&A, and private equity, providing top-tier legal advisory services on a global scale.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Technology and Media
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The acquisition bid specifically targets TikTok's U.S. operations, making the United States the central geography of the transaction.
- China – ByteDance Ltd, the owner of TikTok, is headquartered in China, making it a relevant geography in the context of the seller.
Industry
- Legal Services – Paul Hastings LLP is providing legal advisory services for the acquisition bid, highlighting the role of law firms in M&A transactions.
- Technology and Media – TikTok is a significant player in the social media and technology sector, and the potential acquisition involves the transfer of digital assets.
- Private Equity – The acquisition bid is backed by a consortium that includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, typical participants in private equity frameworks.
Financials
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Paul Hastings LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | A leading law firm providing legal counsel for the acquisition bid of TikTok's U.S. operations. |
Jesse Tinsley | Lead Investor | Person | Entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Recruiter.com Ventures, leading the investor group for the acquisition bid. |
Recruiter.com Ventures | Investment Company | Company | The investment firm led by Jesse Tinsley, involved in the acquisition bid of TikTok's U.S. operations. |
Mr. Beast | Investor | Person | Media and internet personality known for his substantial digital following, involved as a high-net-worth individual in the investor group. |
ByteDance Ltd | Vendor/Selling Company | Company | The Chinese multinational company that owns TikTok, seeking to sell its U.S. operations. |