Tech Desk 
Feb 12, 2025
OpenAI logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. — Reuters
The purported bid for OpenAI's acquisition by Elon Musk-led consortium has taken a sharp turn, as it emerged on Tuesday that the board of OpenAI did not officially receive the $97.4 billion bid to take over the artificial intelligence (AI) startup.
The company's claim differs from that of Musk's lawyer who initially remarked that the offer was sent to OpenAI's outside counsel, Reuters reported while citing sources familiar with the matter.
Although the seemingly considerable bid of nearly $100bn was humorously downplayed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the Musk group's inclination to take over the ChatGPT maker has stirred a frenzy in the realm of AI.
Given the differing claims from both parties, it remains to be clarified whether the tech billionaire officially conveyed his voluntary openness to take control of the leading AI firm.
Marc Toberoff, the lawyer representing Musk, claimed that he sent the offer on Monday to the AI giant’s outside counsel at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz via email.
"Whether Sam Altman chose to provide or withhold this from OpenAI's other Board members is outside of our control," he said, referring to OpenAI's CEO.
Toberoff said the emailed bid was in the form of a "detailed four-page Letter of Intent" to purchase OpenAI's assets. The letter was duly signed by Musk and other members interested and addressed to the board.
