A group of investors led by billionaire businessman Elon Musk has made a bid to buy the assets of a non-profit organisation that controls artificial intelligence research company, OpenAI, for $97.4 billion. 

This development came amid a deep personal rift between Mr Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Mr Musk has not shied away from showing his disdain for Mr Altman and has called him a “scam” on multiple fronts.

According to the New York Times, the consortium putting together the bid includes Vy Capital and Xai, Mr Musk’s artificial intelligence company, the Hollywood power broker Ari Emanuel and other investors. 

Citing two sources familiar with the development, the Times said discussions were ongoing.

Despite constant pressure by Mr Musk on Mr Altman, the OpenAI chief has the full support of the company’s board.

He quickly posted a cheeky response to the offer, saying he would buy X for $9.74 billion instead. 

“No thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want,” Mr Altman posted on X, referring to the fall in valuation of the social media platform just months after Mr Musk bought it for $44 billion.

Meanwhile, Mr Musk called Mr Altman a “swindler” in response to his post.