TikTok lives: US, China in deal for app to keep operating in US

In a landmark agreement, TikTok will continue its operations in the United States under U.S.-controlled ownership, resolving a prolonged dispute between the U.S. and China. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, mandates the transfer of TikTok’s American assets from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to a consortium of U.S. investors. ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake, just below the 20% threshold, while the remaining 80% will be held by a group including existing shareholders like Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, and KKR, alongside new investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Oracle. The U.S. entity will feature an American-dominated board, with one member designated by the U.S. government, ensuring national security safeguards. The deal, expected to close within 30 to 45 days, marks a significant step in easing tensions between the two economic giants. The White House extended the divestiture deadline to December 16, allowing ByteDance additional time to finalize the complex transaction. The agreement reflects a compromise that addresses both U.S. national security concerns and Chinese interests, potentially paving the way for smoother bilateral relations.