TOKYO: Japan-based SoftBank Group confirmed Wednesday it will pump billions of dollars into struggling start-up WeWork, in a deal that ups its stake in the office-sharing firm to around 80 percent.
The package, which involves new financing, speeding up already pledged money and a new tender offer for existing shareholders, is worth a total of $9.5 billion.
It will see co-founder Adam Neumann, who has already been forced to step down as chief executive, exit the board for an “observer” role.
SoftBank Group’s Marcelo Claure will take over as executive chairman of the board.
The agreement caps a turbulent period for the once-vaunted start-up, which was valued by some at around $47 billion at the start of the year, and represents a significant shot in the arm as the company haemorrhages money.
“SoftBank has decided to double down on the company by providing a significant capital infusion and operational support,” SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son said in a statement.
“The new capital SoftBank is providing will restore momentum to the company and I am committed to delivering profitability and positive free cash flow,” added Claure in the statement.
The package includes $5 billion in new financing, as well as a commitment to speed up an existing pledge of $1.5 billion.
SoftBank will also launch a tender offer of up to $3 billion for existing shareholders, at a price of $19.19 a share, expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2019.
SoftBank, which already held 29 percent of WeWork, will increase its stake to “approximately 80 percent,” but said this did not constitute taking control of the firm.
The firm said it would not hold a majority of voting rights at any general stockholder meeting or board of directors meeting and “does not control the company.”
“WeWork will not be a subsidiary of SoftBank. WeWork will be an associate of SoftBank,” the statement said.
The plan provides much-needed funds for the troubled company, which sources have said must raise at least $3 billion to cover its financing needs through the end of the year.
A source told AFP the deal will give Neumann $1 billion for his SoftBank shares, $500 million for reimbursements of personal debts and $185 million in consulting fees.
He will also maintain a small stake in the company, the source said.
The deal follows months of tumult for WeWork, which has gone from star status as one of the world most highly rated start-ups to a case study in overvaluation for some analysts.
Neumann stepped down as chief executive in September amid questions over perceived self-dealing between his personal assets and WeWork, and over unconventional personal conduct, including drug use.
And in late September the firm canceled a plan to go public amid questions over its profitability prospects for the long run.
“Hopefully, this marks the beginning of the end of using IPOs on hyped-up loss-making unicorns as a profit-taking opportunity before the music stops,” wrote Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA, in a note.
WeWork, which launched in 2010, has touted its model as revolutionizing commercial real estate by offering shared, flexible workspace arrangements, and has operations in 111 cities in 29 countries.
In some cities, it is one of the major landlords, but its model of offering flexible, short-term leases, is viewed by some as less of a selling point and more of a liability for investors.
The saga has been a cloud hanging over SoftBank’s Son, but he has remained steadfastly committed to the firm, insisting its challenges are surmountable.
“It is not unusual for the world’s leading technology disruptors to experience growth challenges as the one WeWork just faced,” Son said in the SoftBank statement Wednesday.
“We remain committed to WeWork, its employees, its member customers and landlords.”
SoftBank confirms multibillion-dollar bailout for WeWork
SoftBank confirms multibillion-dollar bailout for WeWork
- The agreement caps a turbulent period for the once-vaunted start-up, which was valued by some at around $47 billion at the start of the year
- WeWork, which launched in 2010, has touted its model as revolutionizing commercial real estate by offering shared, flexible workspace arrangements
Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push to become a global cruise hub, with Cruise Saudi — a wholly owned Public Investment Fund subsidiary — expanding international partnerships to draw more travelers to the Kingdom’s Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports.
The latest milestone came as award-winning Greek cruise line Celestyal completed its first-ever calls to Jeddah, signaling rising global interest in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions.
The visits form part of Cruise Saudi’s strategy to build a year-round cruise ecosystem that supports tourism growth, boosts local supply chains, and contributes to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification.
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — AlUla, Jeddah Historic District, and Al-Ahsa Oasis — are now accessible by sea, with curated shore excursions designed to deepen visitor engagement.
Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and positioning the Kingdom as a premier international cruise destination.
The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery arrived in Jeddah on Dec. 5, following the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which made its maiden call on Nov. 29. The Journey concluded a seven-night Athens–Jeddah itinerary with stops in Turkiye and Egypt, marked by a traditional plaque exchange ceremony attended by Cruise Saudi executives, port officials and Celestyal representatives.
Passengers were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality and toured Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, bustling souks, and cultural sites. Some Muslim travelers also visited Makkah to perform Umrah.
“We are honored to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.
He added that Jeddah’s role as “the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia” presents strong potential for cruise tourism.
Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, told Arab News: “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi's commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia.”
She noted that Celestyal’s expanded itineraries reflect rising demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf voyages.
Since its launch in 2021, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports, introduced Aroya Cruises, the Kingdom’s first homegrown cruise line, and established Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury JV with Aman Group set to launch in 2027. The company manages the full value chain — from terminals and berths to curated excursions — and has already welcomed more than 600,000 passengers of over 120 nationalities.
Celestyal, which carries more than 140,000 passengers annually across two refurbished vessels, is aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to transform coastal tourism. After departing Jeddah, both Celestyal ships continued to Abu Dhabi to begin the company’s second Arabian Gulf season.
Aroya Cruises has also launched a new seasonal program featuring stops in Mykonos, Athens, Crete, and coastal cities in Turkiye, expanding on a successful inaugural season that attracted over 95,000 guests.
The growing activity underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a world-class cruise destination, supported by modern infrastructure, expanding routes, and experiences that highlight the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and hospitality.
