# Tesla and SpaceX explore merger with board committees

> Elon Musk says both companies have formed independent director committees to study a potential tie-up, though shareholder approval would be needed.
- Title: Tesla and SpaceX explore merger with board committees
- Summary: Elon Musk says both companies have formed independent director committees to study a potential tie-up, though shareholder approval would be needed. Tesla and…
- Keywords: tesla, spacex, elon musk, merger, board committees, shareholder approval, business, technology, explore, board, committees, Business Insider
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/tesla-spacex-merger-exploratory-commitees-2026-10
- Author: Ben Shimkus
- Published: 2026-10-20T22:16:57.76+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tesla, spacex, elon musk, merger, board committees, shareholder approval, business, technology
## Musk announces merger exploration
During SpaceX's Tuesday earnings call, Elon Musk said Tesla and SpaceX have created special committees of independent directors to discuss a potential merger.
## Musk cannot lead the committees
Musk, who runs both companies and owns billions in stock of each, said he cannot be part of the exploratory groups because shareholders must decide.
## Tesla shareholders need fifty percent approval
Musk said clearing the bar for merger approval would be quite a high hurdle, requiring a fifty percent vote of all Tesla shares, not just those who vote.

> we will need a 50% vote of all shares, not just those who vote, but of all shareholders.
## Companies already collaborate extensively
SpaceX and Tesla work together on artificial intelligence software, chip design, manufacturing, robotics, Starlink satellite connectivity, and launching payloads into orbit.
## Musk sees merit but no certainty
Musk said combining the companies makes sense in the superintelligence era, but cautioned investors not to assume a merger is certain to happen.

> I don't think we should necessarily assume that a SpaceX and Tesla merger is a certainty.
## Key takeaway

Tesla and SpaceX have set up committees to explore a merger, Elon Musk announced, though the deal would need shareholder support and is not certain.