Twitter gets $1 billion investment from Silver Lake; reaches deal to allow Jack Dorsey stay on as CEO

Twitter announced that it has received a $1 billion investment from investment firm, Silver Lake. The social media company has also entered into a deal with Silver Lake and another investment firm, Elliot Management, to allow incumbent CEO, Jack Dorsey retain his seat at the helm of affairs.

Twitter will use this new investment plus cash on hand towards a $2 billion share repurchase program.

In connection with the investment and the Cooperation Agreement, Egon Durban, co-CEO and managing partner of Silver Lake, and Jesse Cohn, partner at Elliott, will be appointed to the Twitter Board of Directors.

It would seem Jack has survived the campaign from Elliot management to oust him from executive management when he announced that he would temporarily move to Africa while managing Twitter and another company, Square.

This explains why he said last week that he had aborted his planned move to Africa, blaming it on coronavirus “among other factors”.

Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO, said, “Twitter serves the public conversation, and our purpose has never been more important. Silver Lake’s investment in Twitter is a strong vote of confidence in our work and our path forward. They are one of the most respected voices in technology and finance and we are fortunate to have them as our new partner and as a member of our Board. We welcome the support of Egon and Jesse, and look forward to their positive contributions as we continue to build a service that delivers for customers, and drives value for stakeholders.”

Egon Durban, co-CEO and managing partner of Silver Lake said, “Twitter’s revolutionary platform is a cornerstone of the public discourse. We are impressed by Jack’s tireless work over the last few years to solidify the leadership team, improve the product and strengthen the Company. We are excited to partner with Twitter as an investor and a member of the Board. Jack is a visionary leader, and a critical force behind Twitter’s ongoing evolution and growth. I look forward to working alongside the entire Board and the executive team to drive Twitter’s long-term innovation and success.”

Jesse Cohn, partner at Elliott Management, said, “Twitter is one of the most important platforms in the global dialogue, and one of the most innovative and unique technology companies in the world. We are pleased to have worked collaboratively with Twitter on this constructive engagement. We invested in Twitter because we see a significant opportunity for value creation at the Company. I am looking forward to working with Jack and the Board to help contribute to realizing Twitter’s full potential.”