New Delhi: After Twitter agreed to accept a $44 billion takeover bid from Elon Musk, Chief Executive Parag Agrawal Monday told employees that the future of the social media firm is uncertain after the deal to be taken private under Tesla chief closes.
Agrawal, who was talking at company-wide town hall meeting, was taking questions regarding Musk’s plans for the company, the possibility of layoffs and the board’s rationale for the deal, according to Reuters. However, he dodged several questions that were directed towards Musk.
In his initial reactions to the takeover, Agrawal tweeted, “Twitter has a purpose and relevance that impacts the entire world. Deeply proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important.”
Twitter has a purpose and relevance that impacts the entire world. Deeply proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important. https://t.co/5iNTtJoEHf
— Parag Agrawal (@paraga) April 25, 2022
The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, as per a Bloomberg report. Musk is likely to join the staff of social media company for a question-and-answer session at a later date, the company informed employees, according to Reuters.
Musk reiterated his stance on several occasions that Twitter should be a platform for free speech. Employees have also questioned Agrawal on whether former US President Donald Trump, who was permanently suspended from Twitter last year, would be allowed to return once Musk takes over.
“Once the deal closes, we don’t know which direction the platform will go,” Agrawal said, referring to the question regarding Trump. “I believe when we have an opportunity to speak with Elon, it’s a question we should address with him.”
On layoffs, Agrawal stated there were no plans as such.
Bret Taylor, chair of Twitter’s board of directors also reassured employees that the agreement with Musk prioritised “operating continuity” until the deal was closed.
“I think we feel very comfortable that (the deal) gives this team the ability to continue to make the company successful in between signing and closing the transaction,” Taylor said.
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