Twitter co-founder Evan Williams addresses those takeover rumors

By Saqib Shah August 31, 2016

Twitter — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twitter co-founder Evan Williams is adding fuel to the fire surrounding the company’s future as a possible takeover target.

Williams, who also sits on Twitter’s board of directors, said in an interview that the platform must take into account all the opportunities it is currently faced with.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Williams declined to comment on whether the company will remain an independent entity for the foreseeable future. He added: “We’re in a strong position now, and as a board member we have to consider the right options.”

Evan Williams — Twitter co-founder Evan Williams Image used with permission by copyright holder

Speculation regarding Twitter’s status as a target for a potential merger or acquisition has been rife during the course of the year. Analysts are all but convinced that a takeover will be on the cards as soon as next year if the company can’t boost its user numbers. Rumors concerning a prospective Twitter buyout by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud emerged earlier this month, but remain unconfirmed. Additionally, it was also revealed that Twitter had met with fellow ailing web giant Yahoo to discuss a possible merger. The talks clearly didn’t amount to much.

At present, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is shaping the platform around its ability to provide a live experience on topical news and events. The latter has been expanded to include a live-streaming strategy, with Twitter striking content deals with sports and media broadcasters. For his part, Williams claimed that his confidence in the company’s current CEO remains “high.”

Twitter’s stock was given a much needed boost of 5.8 percent (the highest in two weeks) as a result of its co-founder’s statements. Similar spikes have occurred whenever rumors have surfaced regarding a takeover.

Williams previously held the role of CEO at Twitter, and was subsequently replaced by Dick Costolo in 2010. In 2012, Williams launched Medium, a social blogging platform, which he claims “compliments” Twitter.

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