Reuters is reporting this morning that Twitter’s board may announce its acceptance of Elon Musk’s offer to purchase Twitter for $54.20 per share.
The news agency cites “people familiar with the matter” in its coverage and notes that these sources said the deal could always collapse at the last minute.
The New York Times reports that Twitter’s board met with Musk Sunday and that discussions continued into the early hours this morning.
Musk acquired a 9.1% stake in Twitter on April 4, making him the company’s largest shareholder.
Twitter announced that Musk would be joining its board; however, Tesla’s CEO announced on April 9 via Twitter that he had declined that offer.
Had he accepted the board seat, Musk’s stake in Twitter would have been limited to no more than 14.9% for the duration of his service, plus 90 days.
Can Musk Actually Afford To Buy Twitter?
In short, yes.
But it will take some creative financing.
And while most buyouts are largely funded by securing debt against the assets of the target company, Musk reportedly has other plans.
Musk reportedly plans to finance two-thirds of the $46.5 billion financing package with his own assets.
Again citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports that the banks involved did not see enough cash flow at Twitter to justify securing more debt against it.
Musk’s portion of the financing includes a $12.5 billion margin loan secured against his Tesla stock.
A regulatory filing states that if Tesla’s stock drops 40%, that loan repayment comes due.
Musk has characterized the acquisition of Twitter as “extremely important to the future of civilization” and indeed, these figures seem to indicate that potential profit is not his primary driver.
Whether or not a Musk-led Twitter holds the keys for civilization is debatable.
It would almost certainly change the platform for digital marketers.
A more open, less moderated Twitter could post greater risks to brands attempting to navigate the channel for two-way customer communications and advertising.
However, Musk’s experience in online payments could prove a valuable asset for Twitter, particularly for its social commerce strategy.
Story developing…
Sources:
Twitter set to accept Musk’s original $43 bln offer, Reuters
Analysis: Musk tears up buyout playbook with $46.5 billion Twitter financing, Reuters
Twitter Nears A Deal to Sell Itself to Elon Musk, The New York Times
Featured image: Shutterstock/Kaspars Grinvald
