Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 245 The Technology Monster's Entertainment Toy

……

Transamerica Headquarters - Transamerica Pyramid, located in the historic financial district of San Francisco - Montgomery District, calculated according to the price 10 years ago, the building cost 3200 million US dollars, started construction in 1969 and was completed in 1972 , with a total of 48 floors and a height of 260 meters, is the tallest skyscraper and postmodernist building in San Francisco, and is currently one of the 100 tallest buildings in the world.

Because of the shape of the building pyramid, the Transamerica Pyramid has become one of the most important elements of the San Francisco skyline.

Just like the "pants" and "long johns" in the original time and space, this innovative design of architect William Pereira has encountered considerable opposition during planning and construction, and even abuse.

The building is in the shape of a pyramid on all sides, with an elevator shaft on the east, a stairwell on the west, and a spire at the highest point of 64.6 meters.

The top of the spire is a virtual viewing platform, cameras are installed in four directions, and there are four monitors in the lounge, visitors can control the direction and distance.

The Pan Am pyramid is enough to catch people's attention, which just reflects John Beckett's philosophy of running Pan Am, that is, to create a well-known brand. The reason why United Artists changed its name directly to Pan American Films.

It's a pity that John Beckett's wishful thinking did not come true, and he was resisted by the middle and high-level officials of United Artists, who even made noise to make United Artists an independent film company again.

John Beckett's attitude was very tough. In 1978, the conflicts intensified irreparably, forcing these key figures from the United Artists to leave collectively. As a result, the leadership of the United Artists was replaced, and Andy Albert took over.

The earth will continue to turn without anyone, and John Beckett's idea has been confirmed.

Andy Albert did a great job in 1979, and United Artists achieved great success in four films: "Rocky II", "Manhattan", "Moonraker", and "The Black Stallion".

However, under the over-inflated confidence, this year United Artists fell bruised and bruised on "Heaven's Gate" with an investment of 4400 US dollars.

After seeing this situation, John Beckett stopped reporting any fantasies to United Artists, and he forced the management of United Artists to leave collectively, which caused a bad influence in Hollywood. The movie business has become tasteless and tasteless, so there is no need to continue to hold it in your hands.

On the huge desk, there is a Pan Am balance sheet.Among the billions of huge assets, United Artists only occupies a small table.

John Beckett picked up a pen and crossed out the name of United Artists with a blank expression, announcing that the company, one of the eight major Hollywood companies, was expelled from Pan Am.

It can be said that John Beckett is fully qualified to regard United Artists as an abstract and cold number.

You know, it is under his leadership that Pan Am has grown from an obscure private holding company to a financial giant with diversified operations and a high brand awareness today.

John Beckett became the chairman and president of Pan Am in 1960. During his tenure, Pan Am’s revenue increased by 20 times, becoming one of the top 100 companies in the United States, and controlling the airlines Transamerica Airlines, Budget Rent-a-Car Co. is Budget Car Rental Company, De Laval Turbine is De Laval Turbine, and Occidental Life Insurance is an insurance company.

Little United Artists.He really didn't see it, but how to maximize benefits is a question worth considering.

……

Tang Huan came to the Transamerica headquarters at Panamerica Pyramid at 600 Montgomery Street. After seeing John Beckett, the other party spoke very simply, "I want to buy the remaining shares of United Artists, no problem, but I am very interested in EA."

I have to say that the 62-year-old John Beckett is old and strong, and he is extremely strong.

Tang Huan stretched out his finger and pointed upwards, and replied lightly, "This Transamerican Pyramid looks pretty good, and I'm more interested."

John Beckett froze for a moment, then laughed disapprovingly, "Young man, do you know the initial cost of this building and the current asset value?"

"This month is the last month of 1980. Do you know how much EA's sales will reach this year?" Tang Huan asked calmly.

"EA is not a listed company, how would I know." John Beckett suppressed the aura of the young man in front of him, and continued leisurely: "But I heard that there will be hundreds of millions of dollars, and the company has only been established for more than a year , to be able to achieve such an achievement is really remarkable, and that’s why I’m interested.”

"EA is already a global company, and its sales in the North American market this year will definitely exceed 10 billion U.S. dollars." Tang Huan replied solemnly, "That is to say, EA's financial situation is very good, and there are no shortages. funds, and have no intention of bringing in investors.”

Hearing this, John Beckett's expression froze. He stared into Tang Huan's eyes and pondered.

Tang Huan's gaze gradually became sharper, "I'm very honored that you are interested in EA. However, I came here today to simply talk about the acquisition of United Artists, and I don't want to get involved in other aspects."

"United America is insignificant to Pan Am. You can wait for a while to see the situation and sell it for a price." John Beckett said slowly.

"If Pan Am really intends to do so, it doesn't matter. EA can still keep the 40.00% of the shares that EA bought for more than [-] million. It is not bad for this money. Moreover, Lian Mei is a listed company, and the stock trading It's not like there is no chance." Tang Huan stood up and said goodbye as he said.

"How much is EA willing to pay for the remaining 50.00% of United Artists' shares?" John Beckett quickly changed the subject and mentioned a substantive issue.

"Just refer to the price of the previous 40.00% shares. You know, "Heaven's Gate" invested 4400 million U.S. dollars, but the box office is only more than 300 million U.S. dollars, which is twice as much as the media's initial estimate. Unfortunately, it is meaningless. This shortfall is very tricky." Tang Huan shook his head again and again, with a regretful expression on his face, "In addition, we can do a one-time cash transaction, so we should discuss the price more carefully."

Seeing Tang Huan's hypocritical performance there, John Beckett's nose was almost crooked.

The reason why Pan Am sold the 40.00% stake in Lianmei at the beginning was to share the risk of investing in Lianmei. At the same time, they thought that EA was a nouveau riche who got carried away, and it would be better to bring someone into the water.

Unexpectedly, this transaction has now become the price ceiling for the sale of Lianmei. If I had known this, I would have waited until now and sold the 90.00% of the shares as a whole.

John Beckett decided to let go of this topic for the time being, and strive for another goal, "I heard that the company under your name is starting a small project for employee insurance?"

"That's true. However, this project should not be too small, and the company's scale is expanding rapidly. It will only take a few years for the number of employees to exceed [-]." There is a sense of irony in it.

John Beckett was uncomfortable looking at it, but he was helpless, so he decided to simply open the skylight and speak bluntly, "Pan Am is a famous big company that deals in insurance business. How about handing over this list to us directly?"

"Is this an additional condition for the acquisition of Lianmei?" Tang Huan raised his eyebrows. "We originally planned to invite bids. If we directly hand over to Fanmei, will the service quality be guaranteed?"

"Is the service quality guaranteed? This question is simply a joke." John Beckett showed a look of pride on his face, "Do you think that the Pan Am brand has no foundation?"

"There, our new companies seem a little shallow." Tang Huan smiled slyly, "I think that the office model of the old company Pan Am should keep pace with the times and introduce some high-tech elements into the business process. Yes, the use of the second-generation Fangyuan computer will definitely help Pan Am to further improve the service quality."

"It's a good idea, and it's worth considering." John Beckett glanced at the information in his hand, "You once said that EA will seek to go public as soon as possible. Even though EA doesn't need investors now, it still needs to introduce investors when it's IPO. Then it’s better to allow Pan Am to invest some money before that.”

"Does Pan Am want to learn from the investment miracle created by Xerox on Apple? You really have spent a lot of time collecting information." Tang Huan nodded clearly, "Yes, I allow a certain legal period before EA goes public. It would be interesting enough for Pan Am to invest $100 million.”

"The 100 million quota is a little less..." John Beckett shook his head.

"Then when will Pan Am start using the second-generation Fangyuan computer?" Tang Huan cut off John Beckett's words.

"The use of personal computers in large financial institutions does not seem to have such a precedent?" John Beckett spread his hands innocently.

"Wouldn't it be better to be a pioneer in the industry to improve your brand image?" Tang Huan chased and pressed.

After all, John Beckett is an old man over sixty years old. No matter how strong he is, he can't stop Tang Huan's continuous energy. Now he obviously can't stand up to this young man's eloquence. , "I think that the purchase price of Luanmei should not be capped in violation of commercial rules, otherwise, it is better to continue to keep the shares in hand."

"You are too optimistic. Pan Am was unrealistically tough before, forcing the top executives of the United Artists to leave collectively. It has already made your reputation in Hollywood." Tang Huan unceremoniously exposed the other party's shortcomings , "Didn't you realize that after "Heaven's Gate" went bankrupt this time, everyone's gloating attitude is not generally obvious. I dare to predict that if Pan Am continues to hold on to United Artists, it will only become more and more serious." It’s getting worse and worse. At that time, even EA will have to find ways to give up and stay away.”

John Beckett's face turned dark, with anger in his eyes, and he said thoughtfully: "Since EA thinks it can act as a savior and save United Artists, then take the insurance order and EA's investment rights before the IPO. in exchange for additional conditions."

"It was a very simple acquisition, but you designed it so complicated." Tang Huan shook his head helplessly, "How many second-generation Fangyuan computer systems will Pan Am purchase?"

"The second-generation Fangyuan Computer intends to open the door to enter the financial field through Fanmei. It's too good to think. Fanmei doesn't want to take the risk of being an experimental guinea pig." John Beckett sneered, and his eyes flashed "It's been a long time ago See through you" mockery.

Tang Huan slapped the table impatiently, "Since everyone's hole cards are revealed, let's quickly do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. If both parties have advantages to take advantage of, continue to talk, otherwise, it will be separated. Like now Such a waste of saliva is simply a disrespect for time."

……

A few days later, the English-language newspaper "Asian Weekly" of Fang's Newspapers in San Francisco first disclosed a big news.

Tang Huan, a young Chinese business leader, invested 3 million US dollars to buy Luan Mei, one of the eight major Hollywood companies, from the insurance giant Pan Am.

In addition, a new entertainment group, YanYue Entertainment Group, YanYue Entertainment Group, was officially established, headquartered in San Francisco. Tang Huan himself served as the chairman of the board of directors, and Mikhail Kogan served as the CEO.

Yanle Entertainment Group owns three companies: Electronic Arts, Electronic Arts, whose CEO is Hawkins; United Artists, United Artists, whose CEO is Andy Albert; root concurrently.

At the same time, the San Francisco Chronicle, which has a broader circulation, reported in further detail on Yanle Entertainment Group, which is headquartered in San Francisco.

The Los Angeles Times followed up with an introduction and commentary on the matter, many of which were sour and joking.

"I have to say that our cute California technology monster is always surprising people. After buying a sports toy, I bought an entertainment toy in Hollywood. However, this entertainment toy seems to have some quality problems, and I don't know Can tech geeks fix it."

"But anyway, Hollywood should welcome this new friend, our cute little tech monster from California."

……

"The failure of "Heaven's Gate" is a thing of the past, and the original business strategy of United Artists, especially in independent films, has been proven to be effective, which must be inseparable from the hard work of everyone. So, from now on, everyone Just let go of the burden of thought and move forward from the new starting line.” Sitting in the conference room of the United Artists headquarters in Beverly Hills, Tang Huanru, with a gentle attitude, summed it up, and then accompanied by Andy Albert, Get up and leave.

When the boss left, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief, the expressions on their faces couldn't help but relaxed, and followed their respective circles, and returned to their corresponding posts.

The haze that has been hanging over the entire United Artists recently, making people feel uneasy all day long, has disappeared.

And the comments about this boss slowly spread.

For example, although the person is very young, he is not domineering, and is very stable. It is clear that professional people do professional things and respect Hollywood's operating rules.

Compared with Pan Am's tough approach of completely reforming United Artists, Tang Huan's feeling to everyone can only be described as spring breeze.

However, Andy Albert was not so relaxed. On the contrary, he became more anxious.

In other words, although the two parties have been in contact with each other in private before, Andy Albert is also looking forward to the rapid appearance of the new boss, so as not to be pushed out by the old boss to take responsibility for the failure of "Heaven's Gate" and be fired , but according to his prediction, even if it is the general trend for Pan Am to completely abandon the film business, at least it will have to wait until next year for a clear result.

Unexpectedly, the reality is that Pan Am got rid of United Artists cleanly, and Andy Albert has the deepest understanding of John Beckett's strength and difficulty. How could this deal be so calm and calm?

The only explanation is that John Beckett met an opponent whose strength at least matched him, so he obediently submitted, and Tang Huan's appearance of being harmless to humans and animals at the meeting was just a disguise.

Will such a boss who is so sophisticated and obviously not commensurate with his age keep his promise to let himself sit down as the president safely?
After all, the practice of intrigue and ruthlessness in the market has no morals at all.

Is it possible that people are already secretly looking for a new successor, and keep themselves in the dark, acting as a temporary transitional role?

With some pessimistic thoughts in his heart, Andy Albert respectfully let Tang Huan into his president's office.

"The company's office process is computerized, and we will be arrested immediately." After pondering, Tang Huan began to order, "Sort out all the copyrights of Lianmei as soon as possible, and give me a clear and correct memorandum."

Andy Albert nodded and said yes, as long as he is assigned a job, it means that he will not be kicked away immediately.

"Your work throughout 1979 was quite effective, so if you have any thoughts about the future, you might as well tell me and let me hear." Tang Huan encouraged with a smile.

Hearing this, Andy Albert couldn't help but feel happy. Isn't this an opportunity to show off, and he was already prepared.

……

After the acquisition, communication between the middle and high level is essential, so Tang Huan stayed at United Artists for a period of time, and he was able to visit his son by the way.

As Tang Huan's power grew, Deng's mother could no longer criticize his behavior. This gave Tang Huan no chance to play tricks.

Deng Lijun came back a few days ago, but her schedule with Tang Huan was staggered.

When Deng's mother heard her daughter say that she had already bought a residence in Xiangjiang, and that the whole family could live together after the decoration was completed, she couldn't help but feel happy, and she confirmed it after seeing the actual uncle.

(End of this chapter)