[gkoberger]

I was really hoping Microsoft would, and make Elon Musk CEO of Microsoft (back when they were looking still).

Musk is a Microsoft fan. Microsoft would get a much-needed visionary, and Tesla (and other initiatives) would get a much-needed cash infusion.

I don't think Musk/Tesla would fit in at Apple. Apple already has enough "vision". I can't see him wanting to answer to anyone, and I can't see Apple giving him the reigns from Tim Cook (like the article agrees with).

[eksith]

Pure speculation, but it may be that MS is still regrouping after a less than stellar start to 2012. While it may be good for them to buy Tesla long term, its short term future (and therefore profits, which in turn will dictate other purchases) may depend on being able to refocus right now.

There's a lot of internal repair going on there and Apple may just be in a better position to do better with Tesla.

[justin66]

> I was really hoping Microsoft would, and make Elon Musk CEO of Microsoft

It's inconceivable that he'd take that job. So much less interesting than anything else he's got going on and he doesn't need the money.

[lalos]

Can you elaborate on why is Musk a huge Microsoft fan?

[gkoberger]

Not to say he also isn't a fan of Apple/Google/etc, however he famously was fired as CEO of PayPal for trying to switch the site from UNIX to a .NET stack.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-paypal-mafia-is-even-more...

[danhak]

Tesla needs no cash infusion. Their balance sheet is quite strong and their business is more-or-less break-even on cash flow.

[gkoberger]

I bet they could figure out something to do with the extra billions they'd have access to.

[danhak]

True, but that's substantially different than "much needed."

I don't mean to quibble, but Tesla have also shown that they are not shy about dipping back into the markets for capital. Their last offering raised ~$1 billion. I think any potential acquirer has more to gain than Tesla.