Ownership Structure Shift
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Leaked Memo Reveals Why TikTok's New US Owners May Have Less Power Than Expected
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-12-20 22:01
Core Insights - TikTok has finalized a joint-venture agreement with Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake, focusing on national security-related tasks, while ByteDance retains control over key business lines [1][2][5]. Ownership Structure - The new investors will hold a combined 45% stake in the US joint venture, while ByteDance will maintain just under 20% ownership of the US business [4]. - ByteDance will continue to oversee global operations and manage TikTok's e-commerce, advertising, and marketing strategies [4][6]. Operational Focus - The US joint venture will operate independently, focusing on US data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance [3][6]. - TikTok's CEO has emphasized that the new investors will not control core business lines like TikTok Shop or ad sales, although they may share in the profits [2][5]. Strategic Implications - This deal represents a significant shift in TikTok's US operations, ensuring ByteDance retains influence over strategic direction while addressing US government concerns regarding data privacy and security [5][6]. - The arrangement may set a precedent for similar structures in other tech companies facing national security scrutiny [6].