OpenAI lawyers question Meta's role in Elon Musk's $97B takeover bid | TechCrunch
Title: The Rise of OpenAI as a Takeover Target: A Deep Dive into Elon Musk's $97B BidIn August 2025, a significant shift in tech dynamics occurred when Elon Musk unveiled an offer for Meta's $97 billion stake. This bid was poised to shake the global tech landscape, potentially securing a crucial competitor in the AI ecosystem. However, amidst this expectation of major change, OpenAI lawyers made their first critical observation.
Context and Background
The bid was part of a broader tech race where startups aimed to convince investors and executives of the value of their companies or products. Meta's role as the creator of ChatGPT is central to this competition, with its success deeply rooted in employee culture and innovation. The legal team at OpenAI viewed this stake acquisition as an investment in future growth.
The Lawyers' Concerns
OpenAI lawyers questioned Meta's role in the bid due to internal discussions where Mark Zuckerberg discussed the offer. They argued that the bid was too soon, given Meta's reliance on its employees and potential risks of investor divergence if the take-over wasn't acted upon promptly. The lawyers highlighted that Meta lacked explicit knowledge of the new offer.
Key Quotes from Key Players
- Meta CEO Jerry Stacke: Emphasized Meta's work as a result of its employees, warning against losing sight of the bigger picture.
- Meta COO David Perlmutter: Stressing innovation but cautioning against neglect, especially in navigating the regulatory and cultural challenges.
Investor and Media Concerns
Investors and media were closely monitoring the bids, fearing potential dilution of Meta's core business if its employees were forced to leave. The rise of open-source platforms, such as OpenAI, offered a contrast with traditional Silicon Valley tech firms.
Financial Risks and Potential Outcomes
The $97 billion offer posed significant risks for both parties. Meta would secure a key employee, whereas Musk's team would join forces to accelerate innovation. The decision could affect long-term business strategies, including the role of Meta in AI development and research.
Long-Term Implications
This bid reflects a broader trend of startups seeking traction through large-scale investments or by focusing on critical issues like sustainability. OpenAI's lawyers' arguments underscore the complexity of such deals, emphasizing the need for swift action and careful consideration of all stakeholders.
In conclusion, while Meta has expressed support, the lawyers' concerns highlight the importance of timely action in such high-stakes bids. This interplay between innovation, risk management, and stakeholder expectations underscores the significance of this $97 billion deal for both Meta and OpenAI.
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