Hong Kong's new giants

Chapter 653 [Protecting Chinese Culture]

The Boeing 747 private jet is flying over the Pacific Ocean, and Lin Zuhui in the cabin is having a party, enjoying the party life in the air with his new era Simei.

Lin Zuhui was sitting on the sofa, wearing casual clothes, crossing his legs, looking at Lin Zhilin, Lin Xinru, Fan Binbin and Zhang Baizi with interest.

At this time, the four of them were singing K, twisting their delicate bodies, very happy.

Their faces were a little rosy, obviously they had drunk some wine, and they would wink at Lin Zuhui from time to time, exuding a charming charm.

Four people and four colors make men want to move.

Of course, Lin Zuhui also knew that they would be neglected by him in the end, because he would continue to welcome new beauties.

In fact, if given the opportunity, Lin Zuhui has already begun to prepare for new challenges.

To sum up the past, he was too dedicated, so that he missed many opportunities, and it was time to enjoy life.

After 15 hours.

When the plane arrived in Los Angeles, Lin Zuhui got off the plane with his four daughters.

It can be observed carefully that the walking posture of the four girls is a bit strange.

Could it be that they are airsick?
After arriving in Los Angeles, Lin Zuhui and his four daughters stayed in a villa in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. It is very close to the airport and closer to the sea, which is very suitable for vacation.

Of course, Lin Zuhui played with them for a day, and arranged them to the staff to let them play in Los Angeles by themselves.

Barings Bank, Los Angeles Branch.

In the conference room, Lin Zuhui listened to the work progress of Harold's team on the 'acquisition of Hilton Hotel'.

Harold said: "Currently, several American consortiums are also interested in the Hilton Hotel, but the boss can rest assured that they don't have much determination and funds, they just hope to catch the leak. I guess, these consortia are invited by Bollenbach Yes, the purpose is to make them raise the price."

Lin Zuhui nodded. At this time, the Blackstone and other consortiums did not have such courage at all. The important thing is that the US economy has not been as brilliant as it was in 2002~2007.At present, everyone hopes to use funds for investment in technology and the Internet.

However, he still said: "Bollenbach is very smart and very stable. He will not sell Hilton hotels cheaply. So, from now on, you talk again and tell them that we can increase the offer to $30 per dollar. shares or more."

Harold was not surprised. The price was expected. If there was a slight surprise, the boss seemed to be in urgent need of Hilton.

"Ok!"

Lin Zuhui added: "In any case, Hilton is taking the initiative, so this time we can show greater sincerity, and you will implement it specifically, and just report to me every time the progress is made!"

"No problem, BOSS! By the way, we have already found the position of president. His name is Chris Nasetta. He is an experienced professional hotel manager with a very good resume."

Lin Zuhui kept this person in mind, and will confirm with Langham Hotel Group later.

"Well. After the acquisition, we will formally initiate the invitation."

"Ok"

At this time, Lin Zuhui has a new plan for this acquisition, that is, after winning the Hilton Hotel, he will discuss cooperation with Bulgari Jewelry. The two parties will cooperate to establish a "Bulgari Hotel". Li has the influence of luxury brands, and the cooperation between the two parties will surely achieve a bright spot; in addition, Hilton will also establish a new luxury hotel brand, targeting those creators of fashion trends.

In this way, coupled with the previous plans to relocate the headquarters, control costs, and increase the speed of franchise development, Hilton is expected to undergo tremendous changes in five years.

Well, if Hilton goes public in 2004, Barings will have three years to cash out some of its shares. It is expected not only to recover costs, but also to earn a lot of cash flow, leaving a large number of shares.

This acquisition is to make money, he will not hold the Hilton Hotel, because he has no shortage of hotel assets.

In the previous life, when Blackstone acquired Hilton Hotel, it only took out more than 60 billion US dollars in cash, and 200 billion was a loan (including Hilton's 60 billion US dollars in debt); in the few years of operation, it used financial technology to prompt Hilton to repay nearly 40 billion US dollars Loans (partial debt conversion into preferred stock, bond repurchases and restructuring, etc.).At the same time, after the listing, the debt was on the Hilton Group, and the value of Blackstone's shareholding in Hilton became 150 billion US dollars. Blackstone did not cash out immediately, but cashed out in batches over many years, and finally obtained 140 million US dollars. million dollars in profits.

In about ten years, the profit of more than 2 times the profit is obviously very rich.Generally speaking, as long as it outperforms inflation, it is a very good investment.

Los Angeles, Beverly Hills.

Harold brought his team to the Hilton headquarters again and started negotiations with Bollenbach's team.

"Mr. Bollenbach, we can consider a price above $30!"

Hilton President Bollenbach was overjoyed. He knew that Harold's statement proved that Barings Bank had attached great importance to this deal, and it was even certain to win it; .

"That's really gratifying. The two sides have finally entered the real negotiation. On behalf of all shareholders of Hilton, I welcome it."

Facing the reversal of the situation, Harold didn't have any troubles in his heart. Looking at the boss's intentions, he was afraid that if it was less than 40 dollars, it would be inevitable.

Therefore, Harold immediately said 'to make progress': "President Bach, since we have shown such sincerity, can Hilton also show sincerity?"

Bollenbach said with a smile: "Of course we are very sincere to sell Hilton Hotel. This is the wish of all shareholders. After all, the stock of Hilton Hotel has been seriously below the asset value for a long time, and it is the most undervalued among all large hotel groups."

Old fox, it's not easy!

Harold couldn't help but sigh, now that Bollenbach has taken the initiative, he has really become cunning.

He said seriously: "Actually, we don't want Hilton to take the initiative to introduce other buyers to participate in the bidding."

Bollenbach said with a smile: "If Barings Bank has enough sincerity, we will naturally choose you with a higher price!"

Harold had no choice but to stop mentioning this topic and instead focus on the negotiation, which is also the real substantive negotiation between Barings Bank and Hilton Hotel.

The first two months were just testing!

Lin Zuhui came to Pixar Animation Production Company, and the boss Jobs brought Catmull, John Lasseter and others to meet him.

In fact, although Jobs is the major shareholder (listed company) of Pixar Animation, holding about 49% of the shares, Jobs is not the core team of Pixar Animation.The reason for this is of course that Jobs is a layman in animation. Jobs mainly led the Pixar IPO. After returning to Apple, he gave up the position of president to Catmull.

According to Jobs, he would still choose to meet with Pixar's core team once a week. It happened that Lin Zuhui had an idea, so he made an appointment this time.

Jobs, as an intermediary, introduced it to everyone, and then everyone sat down.

Lin Zuhui explained the purpose of his visit: "That's it. I want to entrust Pixar Animation to make a [-]D animation for us. I don't know if it is feasible?"

Three-dimensional animation is currently the patent of the Americans, and it really started with "Toy Story" in 1995.As for the [-]D animation in the mainland, I am afraid that it will take seven or eight years.

The Wanhui Comics Club in the hands of Lin Zuhui also has an animation company, both of which use two-dimensional technology; in simple terms, it is the difference between the plane and the facade.

Catmull said in embarrassment: "We have signed five cooperative animation contracts with Disney. If Mr. Lin wants to produce [-]D animation, I am afraid it will be too late."

Lin Zuhui did not retreat, but said: "I'm not in a hurry, it can be produced in three years!"

Catmull said with a smile: "Mr. Lin doesn't know something. A [-]D animation with a huge investment usually starts in two years, so three years is not a long time."

Lin Zuhui was a little annoyed, this shit is taking money to do business for you, and no one is doing it, so why go to the studio founded by Steven Spielberg?

He didn't even know what it was called. DreamWorks had already been knocked off by him, and it had already been registered in the United States, so it would definitely not be called this again.

Jobs was a little disappointed when he saw Lin Zuhui. After all, the two were good friends and partners. He immediately helped and said, "Maybe it is a good work? Catmull, you should understand that my friend Lin is a legend."

Catmull asked curiously: "What kind of theme animation is it? I need to trouble Mr. Lin to go there in person. To be honest, I am really curious." In fact, he has already loosened up. After all, Jobs is the boss.

Lin Zuhui took out an English document and said: "This is the outline of this animation. When I saw this manuscript, because the content in it is closely related to my country and nation, I immediately felt that I must invest in him."

Catmull took the manuscript and didn't read it immediately, but gave it to John Lasseter, who was in charge of creativity at Pixar, after all, he was in charge of technology.

John Lasseter took over the manuscript, and soon his face showed surprise. After reading it, he said: "The idea of ​​"Kung Fu Panda" is very good. If it can be filmed, it will not only achieve good results in the United States, but also in China. could achieve better results.”

Yes, it was "Kung Fu Panda", Lin Zuhui felt that he wanted to let the Chinese get involved.Although it can't produce a three-dimensional masterpiece like "Kung Fu Panda", if Hong Kong DreamWorks is an investor (Lin Zuhui also personally participates in the stock), and joins Xiangjiang's martial arts instructor, then it can be said to be a "luxurious co-production", although it is a bit far-fetched.

Catmull also looked seriously, with a surprised expression on his face.

After a long time, he said: "It is indeed a very good idea to combine Kung Fu and pandas. Chinese Kung Fu is very popular in Hollywood, and pandas are Chinese national treasures. The combination is naturally very marketable. It is a righteous, brave and fearless tiger. The master is a friendly, naughty but warm-hearted golden monkey. The master raccoon master of the first generation of Linghe with maternal instinct."

In fact, this script outline is already the outline work of a Hong Kong screenwriter. As for Lin Zuhui, he doesn't remember much.

Lin Zuhui took the opportunity to say: "The production cost is not a problem, we are willing to spend no matter how much investment!"

Now it is not a question of money, but a question of Huaxia's 'dignity'!
Besides, he can pay for the mere $[-] million production fee out of his own pocket; of course, DreamWorks joined in with a name.

In fact, it is impossible to lose money, as long as it becomes a hit, the surroundings of "Kung Fu Panda" are enough for him to make a fortune.

Catmull put down the script and said: "We can take over the production, but I hope that Mr. Lin will only be an investor, and we will be responsible for the rest; after all, we can make it better distributed in Hollywood."

P, Pixar Animation is not a distribution company, and the animations they produce are all distributed by Disney.

Lin Zuhui said calmly: "Of course this is not what I want to see. This is the culture of our country. Of course I can't just be an investor. Money is not what I fancy. I can pay the production fee and the distribution rights in the United States at most, and My film company, DreamWorks, wants to name productions, for example, we have martial arts instructors."

Everyone looked at each other after hearing the words, and finally Catmull said: "Indeed, this is Chinese culture, just like "Mulan" back then was also Chinese culture. Okay, we will continue this production, but the time limit There should be no restrictions."

Lin Zuhui immediately agreed, and there was no rush at all.

For the next detailed discussion, Lin Zuhui asked people from DreamWorks to talk to Pixar Animation.

At this time, DreamWorks has gradually developed into a one-stop industry of film production, distribution, and theater chains, intending to reorganize the Hong Kong film industry.Of course, this restructuring is inseparable from the mainland market.

The negotiation between Barings Bank and Hilton Group ended in late December, and the final result was: Barings Bank fully privatized Hilton Group at 12 yuan per share (total share capital of 38.5 million), involving an amount of 3.42 billion U.S. dollars, including the assumption of debt 176.6 billion dollars.
For a time, a huge wave of public opinion was set off in the United States, and Barings Bank also took the opportunity to be widely known to the world.

For this acquisition, Barings Bank needs to spend 131.6 billion US dollars, but actually provided 40 billion US dollars, and the remaining 91.6 billion US dollars are all taken as loans. A total of ten banks including Citibank, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs have made loans.

As for the 91.6 billion debt, it is naturally hung under the Hilton Group, which makes the Hilton Group's debt as high as 136.6 billion US dollars, and the debt ratio is as high as 75%.Of course, there is no calculation of hidden assets.

At the same time, Lin Zuhui, the boss of Barings Bank, also became popular in the European and American world, and became a capitalist tycoon for a while.After all, this is an acquisition of nearly 200 billion US dollars, and Asia has not heard of such a case of mergers and acquisitions!

And the Marriott Hotel, Wyndham Hotel Group, and InterContinental Hotels, which are competitors of the Hilton Group, feel that a stronger opponent has been born.Because Barings Bank is an investment bank, if it acquires the Hilton Group, it is bound to intensify its development, otherwise how to make a profit and get out of the game.

And Lin Zuhui has always been a strongman in the capital world. Although he is only a Chinese, he is also a famous tycoon in the United States with both strength and ability.

Lin Zuhui came to the United States again to have a meeting with Harold's team.

"When can CEO Chris Nassetta report?" Lin Zuhui said.

Harold replied: "In a week's time, he will officially take over as the president of Hilton. I have already talked with Bollenbach, and he guarantees that we will complete the perfect contact."

Lin Zuhui nodded and said, "Bollenbach is a talented person. The Hilton Group owes its success to what it is today. It's a pity that he can't join us, otherwise he will be investigated."

Harold said: "Well. In addition to Chris Nassetta's appointment as CEO, we are also planning to recruit senior talents from Marriott and InterContinental to supplement Hilton's professional manager team."

The Hilton Group is about to usher in great development, so it naturally needs talents to join.

Lin Zuhui reminded: "Be careful, don't get into a lawsuit!"

"Ok!"

In the end, Lin Zuhui said: "When the Hilton management team is almost ready, I still have something to explain, so please contact me again!"

"OK, BOSS"

(End of this chapter)