Industrial, CVD multi-walled carbon nanotubes are shown to form true solutions by reduction with alkali metals and subsequent exposure to polar solvents such as DMSO. Addition of an electrophile such as bromo-decanoic acid allows functionalization of the tubes. The whole process, dissolution and functionalization includes no harsh treatment such as acid treatment and/or sonication and allows to saturate the outer surface of the MWCNTs with functional groups. Comparison is made with previous work on single-walled carbon nanotubes.