Bloomberg Talks Frank McCourt Talks Buying Tik Tok
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Jan 17, 2025 Frank McCourt Jr., Founder of Project Liberty and Executive Chairman of McCourt Global, dives into the intriguing possibility of acquiring TikTok's U.S. operations. He discusses the looming ban and the intricate valuation challenges in the deal, particularly concerning user data and technology ties to China. Frank sheds light on the political dynamics at play and the need for a robust tech strategy to retain users amidst potential disruptions. His insights into navigating China's control and engaging with political leaders offer a fascinating glimpse into this high-stakes negotiation.
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TikTok's Fate
- The Supreme Court ruled that TikTok must be sold or shut down due to national security threats.
- Any buyer must disentangle user data from Chinese technology, meaning the algorithm cannot be sold.
TikTok Valuation
- TikTok's valuation is estimated based on its worth in the secondary market and its share of the whole platform (8%-10%).
- The key question, however, is which assets are for sale, notably the brand and user data, but not the algorithm.
China's Role
- China won't sell TikTok's algorithm, considering it government property.
- A successful buyer needs to comply with this and offer a deal for what China is willing to sell.