Team Higgins WSJ Reporter Revealed Through Book
Both Sides Deny Allegations
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] It has recently come to light that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, set a condition five years ago when he received a merger and acquisition proposal from Apple CEO Tim Cook, stating that he would consider the merger if he became Apple's CEO.
On the 1st (local time), CNN reported, citing the Los Angeles Times review, that the upcoming book by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Tim Higgins, titled "Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century," reveals that Musk and Cook had a phone conversation in 2016 regarding Tesla's acquisition.
As Tesla was struggling with production delays and financial difficulties ahead of the Model 3 launch, Cook proposed the acquisition, and Musk set the condition that "he would consider the acquisition offer if he became CEO," Higgins revealed. It is reported that Cook hung up the phone with profanity.
Both parties have denied the contents of the book.
On the 30th of last month, Musk denied contact with Apple via Twitter, stating, "I have never spoken with Cook," and added, "I requested a meeting with Cook to discuss Tesla's acquisition by Apple, but it was canceled, and no acquisition terms were proposed."
Last December, Musk revealed that he attempted to contact Cook to discuss Tesla's acquisition but was rejected.
Apple also firmly stated, citing a recent New York Times interview, that Cook said, "I respect the company Musk built, but I have never spoken with him."
Author Higgins claimed, "This anecdote was explained directly by Musk," and asserted that there were people who heard it firsthand at the time.
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