Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 271 Everyone Wants to Kill Oil Kaizi

Let's go big, buy a local TV station, and have everything, even your philanthropy and family business Levi's.

It has to be said that, as the oldest executive under Tang Huan's command, Mikhail Kogan has always been a veteran and full of ambition.

As for TV stations in the United States, as long as they obtain a license, they can operate. There are at least a dozen various TV stations in the San Francisco Bay Area alone. Some have become members of the three major TV networks in the United States, and some have become independent. It is very easy to find someone to start with.

"You guys give the big head, I'll give the small head." Walter Haas nodded and agreed almost without thinking about it, but obviously in order to control investment risks, he still hopes to follow the model of the Oakland Athletics.

After the two discussed it, they went to the mayor of Oakland, Lionel Wilson, to inquire about relevant information, but the other party also secretly played his own joke.

Oakland once issued a license in 1958 to establish KTVU, a TV station by local investors, but it was bought by Cox Enterprises of Atlanta for $1963 million in 1200.

In 1977, KTVU went on the satellite and connected to Cox's cable TV network, but it couldn't compete with its peers in Atlanta and other places, and its coverage was extremely limited.

It can be said that KTVU, which is dominated by outsiders, is now even less effective in serving local audiences.

As the mayor, Lionel Wilson naturally hopes to keep all valuable assets in Oakland, after all, this is a political achievement.

But the power of capital determines everything. In the past, investors in the San Francisco Bay Area were more timid and had to cut their flesh.

If we can borrow power from Tang Huan now and bring KTVU back into the category of local TV stations, it will definitely be of great benefit when running for re-election.

Mikhail Cogan and Walter Haas were a little embarrassed when they knew that Lionel Wilson was carrying such private goods. Although the two wanted to do a big job in publicity, KTVU was a bit expensive.

Lionel Wilson ignored the hesitant faces of the two, and boldly volunteered, "I am willing to match up."

Mikhail Kogan felt that this matter was troublesome, so he quickly contacted Tang Huan for instructions, and the answer he got was that we might as well talk about it first.

The action ability of these three old men should not be underestimated. Now that this matter has been figured out, they jointly went to Tang Huan to discuss further.

Tang Huan gave the green light all the way. Anyway, after a few years in the original time and space, KTVU was included in the newly established Fox Broadcasting Company.

"I will soon entertain a guest from the Middle East who came from afar. The three of you must attend the banquet and help make the scene." Tang Huansheng extended the invitation with great enthusiasm.

The guest from the Middle East was Prince Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. During his business trip to the United States, he came to visit Silicon Valley. Tang Huan naturally had to put on the highest standard if he wanted to give the other party enough face.

……

Due to the big moves of exhibitors at the West Coast Computer Festival, a large number of merchants were attracted. Tang Huan took advantage of the opportunity to hold the North American Distributors Conference to discuss major plans, and at the same time showcase those products and technologies that he did not want to appear at the Computer Festival for the time being.

In addition, Zheru's office environment has been improved now, and more than a dozen buildings are well arranged, forming a technological community, which fully demonstrates the style of a large international company.

Therefore, Prince Sabah and his party came to visit this time, and happened to see this powerful momentum.

Tang Huan accompanied him all the way until the grand dinner at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill, San Francisco.

Nob Hill - Nob Hill is one of San Francisco's 44 hills and the original 7 hills.

Because of the beautiful scenery and moderate location, many rich and famous people on the West Coast built luxury houses here, including Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University, and other members of the "Four Tycoons" of the Central Pacific Railway, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins The name of the hotel comes from one of them.

All in all, in order to receive Prince Sabah, Tang Huan strived to be the best in all aspects.

This kind of sincerity, the other side of the party, can naturally feel it and appreciate it very much. The royal family behind Prince Sabah needs this kind of influence.

While talking happily, a hale and hearty old man in his 60s came over and offered Tang Huan his hand.

Just like the admonition in martial arts novels that one should not offend old people, women, or children when walking in the rivers and lakes, Tang Huan has always been careful in social situations, after all, there are too many rich people in the United States.

Tang Huan stood up quickly and greeted him with a smile. He didn't know the other party, so he probably came here through someone else's recommendation.

"I'm Kirk Kerkorian, I've been in touch with you before." Kirk Kerkorian boldly introduced himself

"It's a pleasure to meet you, it's a pleasure to meet you." Tang Huan exchanged pleasantries, but he was a little puzzled in his heart, why this person came to the door on his own initiative.

Don't look at Kirk Kerkorian in Las Vegas, but he almost never accepts interviews and rarely appears in public. Tang Huan can only rely on inference to understand his behavior style.

Kirk Kerkorian dropped out of school as an amateur boxer at a young age and won the Pacific Amateur Welterweight Championship.

During World War II, Kirkorian joined the Air Force and relied on his accumulation during this period to engage in air transportation-related businesses after the war until he sold the company in 1968 for $1.04 million.

In the 1960s, Kirk Kerkorian bought a piece of land in Las Vegas for US$96. When the Caesars Palace Hotel was under construction, he sold it for US$900 million.

Then, Kirkorian entered the hotel and gaming industry in Las Vegas.

In 1969, he saw the opportunity to buy MGM, and cut its business into eight pieces, selling what should be sold, what should be closed, and fully developing real estate. In 1979, he even declared that MGM had become a hotel company. .

The billionaire has been on the road, whether it is speculation or precise vision, from the perspective of judging a hero only by success or failure, his skills are not incompetent.

So Tang Huan was very wary of this old man.

After taking a sip of red wine, Kirk Kerkorian changed the subject and clarified his intentions, "Tang, although you have acquired United Artists, the company is too small and ranks at the bottom of Hollywood, so it certainly cannot meet your development needs. , Isn't it just right to buy MGM to join forces?"

MGM has been crippled by you and turned into a bottomless pit. What do I want it for?

After Tang Huan muttered something in his heart, he replied with a smile, "Although Lianmei has many shortcomings, it is enough. My ambition is not that big?"

Kirk Kerkorian was not repulsed by Tang Huan's refusal, and continued to talk about the conditions on his own, "The price is negotiable, it can't be all cash, it can be calculated with your company's shares. Believe me, this Absolutely the best time to buy MGM, my brains have looked at it, Hollywood is recovering."

There are so many smart people, and this general trend has been predicted.

While Tang Huan was feeling emotional, he smiled and said nothing. Kirk Kerkorian is too complicated, and it is impossible for him to use his shares to lure wolves into the house.

Billionaire, who doesn't have a thick skin?
Kirk Kerkorian lobbied earnestly, while Tang Huan acted dumbfounded.

Seeing that he was unable to attack for a long time, Kirk Kerkorian looked at Prince Sabah, who was listening with great interest, "His Royal Highness, are you interested in MGM, the most prestigious company in Hollywood? Owning this old company, Definitely a status symbol."

Hearing such familiar promotional clichés, Tang Huan was secretly shocked. His real target tonight might not be Prince Sabah.

"What price do you plan to quote to MGM?" Prince Sabah asked curiously.

"9 million dollars." Kirk Kerkorian replied with great sincerity.

It really is a cunning fox, why don't you say 9 million US dollars, Tang Huan couldn't help complaining secretly.

"How about the price?" Prince Sabah asked Tang Huan.

Tang Huan raised his brows. Although the princes in the Middle East are not slaughtered for nothing, there is no reason to use the hands of outsiders to make wedding dresses for others. What's more, Prince Sabah is a distinguished guest he invited, which is of great use. Once I suffered a loss on my own territory this time, how could I play together as childhood sweethearts in the future.

Although he didn't want to break face with a billionaire in public and expose MGM's rotten background, Tang Huan was not afraid to use words to tease Kirk Kerkorian, a cheeky guy who came to pick up cheap.

"MGM shut down the distribution business and completely entrusted it to United Artists, and the price I bought for United Artists was about 3.5 million U.S. dollars." Tang Huan did not directly give an answer, but made a comparison based on his own standards.

Prince Sabah snorted, turned his gaze to Kirk Kerkorian, and said succinctly: "It's expensive."

Kirk Kerkorian's face darkened, and then he smiled, "9 million US dollars."

"You think what His Royal Highness said is too expensive, only worth 4 million US dollars?" Tang Huan said contemptuously.

"That's true, I'm petty." Kirk Kerkorian laughed loudly, "That's 8 million US dollars."

Prince Sabah looked at Tang Huan again, and Tang Huan raised his hand and called the waiter to serve him a bottle of red wine.

"A one-off price, 8 million US dollars." Kirk Kerkorian gritted his teeth and then emphasized: "But it can only be a cash transaction."

Tang Huan deftly used the corkscrew to open the red wine brought by the waiter. Kirk Kerkorian looked at his slow look, and the more gracefully he posed, the more awkward he felt.

"Don, let's take a step to talk." Kirk Kerkorian begged in a low voice.

"If you have something to say in person, I still want to accompany His Royal Highness." Tang Huan didn't want to cooperate with Kirk Kerkorian.

How to spend the money in Kaizi's hands must be decided by yourself. If you want to make money, you can go as far as you want.

"Don, go talk to Mr. Kirk Kerkorian." Prince Sabah smiled nonchalantly, "I'm really interested in Hollywood."

"His Royal Highness, the situation in Hollywood is rather special and complicated. Instead of risking investment here, it is better to focus on other industries with brighter prospects." Tang Huan tried to stop the other party.

"No matter how special and complicated it is, I believe it can be managed properly after it is handed over to you." Prince Sabah waved his hand, "Don't worry, this investment will not take up our cooperation funds."

Is this fate? In the original time and space, MGM was once defeated by an Arabian prince.

Tang Huan shook his head helplessly, got up and walked to a secluded place with Kirk Kerkorian.

"It's convenient, Don, if you don't want to buy it, don't stop others from buying it." Kirk Kerkorian kept his posture low.

"You're serious, I didn't ruin this deal." Tang Huan shrugged innocently.

"Don, don't pretend to be confused, even a blind person can see that, His Royal Highness, I only listen to your opinion." Kirk Kerkorian smiled wryly.

"He is a client I brought in. Do you think it is in compliance with the rules for you to come out so halfway?" Tang Huan, a new billionaire, asked the veteran billionaire in front of him bluntly.

"Don, please forgive me. As you know, a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel has serious consequences. It needs capital turnover everywhere. It's really difficult to deal with." Kirk Kerkorian acted like a man who can bend and stretch .

Difficulty in cash flow?I believe it is strange.

You have already made a lot of money before, so what is this small hurdle based on the accumulated background?
In the original time and space, it only took more than half a year for the hotel to be rebuilt, and United Artists was also bought, and they stayed in Hollywood for a few years as a company with MGM.

These are all evidences of not bad money.

Now you come to the door, pretending to be hypocritical, you can only say that your sense of smell for money is too sensitive, and you want to speculate.

But Prince Sabah has made up his mind and promised not to take up the cooperation funds, so he can't interfere too much.

"If you ask me to come over, you have to lower the price again. Otherwise, there will be no results in the negotiation. How can I explain it when I go back." Tang Huan snorted, which was regarded as approval of the deal.

"8 million US dollars, cash transaction, okay." Kirk Kerkorian made a pitiful look.

Tang Huan calculated that MGM's water was almost squeezed out, so he nodded, "That's it, but there is an additional condition, the down payment is [-]%, and the rest is settled quarterly or half a year."

"No problem." Kirk Kerkorian agreed, with a smug gleam in his eyes.

……

Returning to the seat first, Tang Huan explained to Prince Sabah in a low voice, "It's almost the same value, but the current situation of MGM is very complicated. We need to go back and discuss it in detail after the banquet."

At this time, Kirk Kerkorian approached, Tang Huan nodded, and got up to make room.

All kinds of parties are popular in the United States, especially celebrity banquets like this one, which are more sought after. The reason is nothing more than the opportunities that can be found on this communication platform.

Of course, the host of the banquet can also expand his network of contacts from the activities he organizes.

Tang Huan saw at a glance that Adam Osborne was talking and laughing with a banker.

This man is indeed a talent. Through the transfer of shares, the software that comes with Osborne's first-generation machine has become a free product in disguise, but he has to find real money to support the hardware production.

But in any case, Adam Osborne’s entrepreneurial route is obviously different from that of ordinary PC companies in Silicon Valley. He grasped the key point of software application from the very beginning.

After saying hello all the way, Tang Huan came to sit next to Andy Albert, the production supervisor Steven Bach was also on the list, and there was also a famous director Martin Scorsese-Martin Scorsese.

The movie "Raging Bull" - "Raging Bull", which he collaborated with United Artists, received 8 nominations at the Oscars just past, and tied with David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" for this year's nominations Most movies.

In the end, "Raging Bull" won best editing, starring Robert De Niro - Robert De Niro won best actor.

The media gave "Raging Bull" a very high evaluation, but the film's box office was not satisfactory. The investment was 1800 million US dollars, but the North American box office was only 2340 million US dollars.

For this reason, Martin Scorsese is very worried, worried that his future career will be cast a shadow, and investors will stay away from him.

So, he took the opportunity of this banquet to refresh his sense of existence.

I have to say that Martin Scorsese really played it off this time. His 1976 "Taxi Driver"-"Taxi Driver" had an investment of 130 million US dollars and a box office of 2820 million US dollars, and it was also well received.

In the movie, Robert De Niro played the leading role and the leading actress was Jodie Foster, who was only 14 years old at the time.

John Hinckley watched this movie and became obsessed with Jodie Foster, fantasizing that he could save the heroine like the hero, and then made an astonishing move to assassinate the president.

It can only be said that Reagan was unlucky this time, but he was not without gains, and his public support rate has risen to a higher level.

Everyone chatted casually about movies for a while, Tang Huan expressed due respect to Martin Scorsese, and said with a smile that the box office is like a weather forecast, there are always surprises.

"What is Kirk Kerkorian doing here?" Andy Albert finally couldn't hold back his curiosity, and asked.

"Selling his MGM." Tang Huan shook his head and sighed, "Be prepared, you should soon have a burden on your shoulders."

When everyone heard the words, they couldn't help being secretly surprised. They didn't expect that the pattern of Hollywood would change again.

(End of this chapter)