Search engine startup Perplexity AI has updated its merger proposal to TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, aiming to combine Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. operations, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday.
The revised proposal outlines the creation of a new U.S. holding company, "NewCo," which would manage the merged entities. Under the plan, ByteDance would sell TikTok U.S. to investors, granting TikTok’s existing stakeholders equity in NewCo.
The U.S. government would hold up to a 50% stake in the new company after a future initial public offering (IPO) with a minimum valuation of $300 billion, the source said. ByteDance would retain TikTok's core recommendation algorithm.
Perplexity AI also offered to be acquired by the new entity, provided its investors receive equity distributions in NewCo. CNBC first reported details of the merger proposal.
TikTok services in the U.S. were restored last week after President Donald Trump, following his return to power, lifted the ban on the app, which was previously blocked under national security concerns. ByteDance and the White House have yet to respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
President Trump stated on Saturday that he is engaging with multiple parties over the future of TikTok and expects a decision within 30 days. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Perplexity AI had submitted an initial bid to ByteDance proposing a merger rather than a direct sale, which the company believes could increase the likelihood of the deal’s success.
Nvidia plans to roll out a lower-cost AI chip tailored for China based on its new Blackwell architecture, aiming to preserve its foothold in a shrinking but still critical market amid intensifying U.S. export restrictions.
Humanoid robots faced off in a boxing ring in Hangzhou during a robotics event showcasing artificial intelligence and engineering capabilities in competitive matches.
A Florida judge has ruled that a mother’s lawsuit can proceed against AI startup Character.ai, following the suicide of her 14-year-old son who allegedly became addicted to the company’s chatbot app.
Meta has signed another major solar energy agreement, acquiring 650 megawatts (MW) of clean power capacity across Kansas and Texas to support the rapid expansion of its AI-driven data centers, the company confirmed Thursday.
Huawei Cloud wrapped up its TechWave Summit 2025 in Tashkent with a strong focus on AI-powered cloud solutions transforming industries across the Middle East and Central Asia.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to be more transparent about its military build-up and operations, calling for better communication amid rising concerns over Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.
At least two people, including a 9-year-old girl, were killed in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, as questions remain over Kyiv’s participation in upcoming peace talks proposed by Moscow.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected an Austrian intelligence report accusing Tehran of pursuing a military nuclear program, calling it “false and baseless,” and demanded an official explanation from Vienna, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear program and criticizing Europe’s silence
Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi says his forces are in direct contact with Türkiye and open to improving relations, including a potential meeting with President Erdoğan.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to be more transparent about its military build-up and operations, calling for better communication amid rising concerns over Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.
At least two people, including a 9-year-old girl, were killed in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, as questions remain over Kyiv’s participation in upcoming peace talks proposed by Moscow.
Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi says his forces are in direct contact with Türkiye and open to improving relations, including a potential meeting with President Erdoğan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 31st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
In a landmark moment for artists’ rights, Taylor Swift has officially bought back the master recordings of her first six albums, ending a long-running dispute over who controls her music.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to be more transparent about its military build-up and operations, calling for better communication amid rising concerns over Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.
At least two people, including a 9-year-old girl, were killed in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, as questions remain over Kyiv’s participation in upcoming peace talks proposed by Moscow.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected an Austrian intelligence report accusing Tehran of pursuing a military nuclear program, calling it “false and baseless,” and demanded an official explanation from Vienna, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear program and criticizing Europe’s silence
Kurdish commander Mazloum Abdi says his forces are in direct contact with Türkiye and open to improving relations, including a potential meeting with President Erdoğan.
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