'Kingmaker Nadella': How Tiktok could become Microsoft's deal of the decade

American software giant confirms talks to buy the short-video sensation that boasts more than 100 million users in the US alone

Let’s get something clear upfront: Microsoft Corp.’s purchase of TikTok isn’t worth $50 billion. 

That’s my opinion. But then again, it’s not my money. Some investors in its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., think it’s worth that much, according to a Reuters report last week. Good for them. We’ll soon find out its true value, and more importantly, that of Microsoft’s chief executive officer.

After a weekend of speculation, the American software giant came out Monday morning, Beijing time, to confirm talks to buy the short-video sensation that boasts more than 100 million users in the US alone.

The opening line