ZCZC
BCN-01
JAPAN-US-SOFTBANK-WEWORK
SoftBank reaches deal with WeWork
TOKYO, Feb 27, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Internet investor SoftBank Group said
Saturday it reached a settlement with WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and
other investors in the office sharing giant, amid reports that the deal would
give the ex-CEO an extra $50 million.
SoftBank Group did not release details of the agreement that puts to rest
a bitter dispute emerging from the Japan-based firm’s 2019 decision to bail
out WeWork, once regarded as a soaring unicorn but which quickly spiralled
into deep troubles as it lost cash and cancelled its eagerly waited share
offering.
Under the deal, the Wall Street Journal reported, SoftBank Group would buy
about $1.5 billion of stock from other investors, including nearly $500
million from Neumann, roughly a half of what it originally planned to buy.
But the deal would give the controversial founder a $50 million windfall,
another $50 million to cover his legal fees and extend by five years a $430
million SoftBank Group loan, according to reports.
Neumann and WeWork investors had sued SoftBank claiming the investment
firm breached its obligations by backing out of a $3 billion rescue plan.
“This agreement is the result of all parties coming to the table for the
sake of doing what is best for the future of WeWork,” Marcelo Claure,
executive chairman of WeWork and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group.
“With this litigation behind us, we are fully focused on our mission to
reimagine the workplace and continue to meet the growing demand for flexible
space around the world.”
WeWork was a dazzling unicorn valued at $47 billion, and SoftBank’s
founder Masayoshi Son had openly hailed Neumann’s vision.
But things began to unravel as the firm lost cash and cancelled its share
offering, with the ex-CEO pushed out — albeit with a generous package.
BSS/AFP/SSS/0831 hrs