Walmart says they 're working with Microsoft on a possible TikTok contract. The retailer is setting up a relationship as a means of expanding its advertising business and expanding the third-party market. It comes as rumors say that Microsoft is close to finalizing a contract with TikTok, which could be confirmed in the coming days.
The way TikTok has combined e-commerce and advertisement services in other markets is a direct advantage for developers and consumers in those markets, said Walmart spokesperson in a statement to CNBC.
We believe that a possible collaboration with TikTok US in conjunction with Microsoft will incorporate this key feature and provide Walmart with an essential way for us to attract and support omnichannel consumers as well as to broaden our third-party marketplace and advertisement businesses. We are assured that the Walmart and Microsoft relationship will satisfy both the needs of US consumers of TikTok and the demands of US government regulators.
Walmart and Microsoft should not have been the first two firms. Microsoft and Walmart teamed up with Amazon a couple of years back.
The deal has led Walmart to use Azure and Microsoft 365 throughout its company, including new ventures based on deep learning, artificial intelligence, and technology platforms.
Walmart TikTok 's presence also comes just hours after Kevin Mayer quits as CEO of TikTok due to continuing political instability. Trump called for an American company to buy TikTok 's U.S. firm, and Microsoft has emerged as the leader in the continuing negotiations. Companies like Oracle and Netflix have also recently been involved in TikTok, with at least one article saying that Oracle is getting close to securing some sort of contract.