game trailblazer

Chapter 167 Choice
After leaving DreamWorks in Burbank, the first thing Zhang Lexing did was to call Russell Market Research Company and arrange for them to investigate MCA Universal, ABC and Creative Performing Arts Agency. MCA Universal is what DreamWorks hopes to acquire The goal is that the Innovative Performing Arts Agency was requested by Eddie Bergner, and the ABC was joined by Zhang Lexing on a temporary basis. In addition to the current situation of these three companies, Zhang Lexing also specifically asked to investigate whether there are other companies that are interested in MCA Global and MCA Global. ABC is interested in buying.

After explaining clearly, Zhang Lexing called Dongxing Fund and asked them to arrange someone to contact James Cameron immediately to discuss film investment, and also to discuss cooperation investment with DreamWorks.After all the arrangements were made, Zhang Le went back to San Jose after a night of rest. Since he planned to acquire one or two companies, it was obviously necessary to seek advice from professionals.

As soon as he arrived in San Jose, the survey report of Russell Market Research Company was sent over. Zhang Lexing flipped through it a bit, and wrote in the report: "...MCA Universal was formed in 1962 by the merger of Music Corporation of America and Universal Pictures. At present, 80% of the equity is owned by RB Panasonic Electric, and the remaining 20% ​​of the equity is divided among the management of the company, Lu Wassalman and Sid Schinberg. The assets currently used by MCA Universal include Universal Studios located in Northwest Los Angeles. City..., the company's total assets are xx billion U.S. dollars, of which liabilities are xx billion U.S. dollars, and net assets are xx billion U.S. dollars...

According to investigations, RB Panasonic intends to transfer 80% of the shares of MCA Global in its hands, and its agent is banker Harbert Alan...

If it is necessary to acquire 80% of the shares of MCA Global held by RB Panasonic, the estimated amount required is between US$33 billion and US$40 billion.

The American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is headquartered in New York, and its predecessor is Blue Network, one of the two broadcasting networks owned by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). In October 1943, candy merchant Edward Noble bought it for 10 million yuan and officially changed its name to ABC on June 800, 1945. In March 6, Metropolitan Communications was acquired for $15 billion, and the company was changed to Metropolitan ABC, but generally still uses its original name.

At present, Metropolitan ABC owns and operates the ABC Television Network, seven ABC-owned radio stations, eight affiliated TV stations, and an 80% stake in the ESPN cable sports channel with a fairly high ratings...

Metropolitan ABC's shareholding structure sees Berkshire own 18% of the...

According to investigations, Disney intends to acquire ABC, and the two parties have made preliminary contacts. The specific situation needs further investigation...

If it is necessary to acquire Metropolitan ABC, the initial estimate requires no less than US$150 billion.

Creative Performing Arts Agency (CAA) was established in 1975. The founders are Michael Ovitz and other five agents... The company currently owns Sean Connery, Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and many other film and television stars, as well as a large number of top singers and bands...the company's current total assets...annual income...

If it is necessary to acquire a 55% stake in the innovative performing arts agency, the estimated amount required is US$8 million. "

In this report, Zhang Lexing, the part about the Creative Performing Arts Brokerage Company, read the most carefully. After all, it was recommended by Eddie Bergner. If the conditions are suitable, of course, it is better to agree as soon as possible.Zhang Lexing doesn't know much about the agency company, he only knows that it is a communication bridge between the film and television company and the artists, but having an agency company is obviously beneficial to the development of his film and television entertainment company, so when you listen to When it was said that Eddie Bergner's friend was going to transfer the shares of a brokerage company, Zhang Lexing was still a little interested. The only thing he was worried about was the level of the brokerage company. However, after reading the investigation report, this kind of Worry is no longer there.

So Zhang Lexing immediately called Eddie Bergner and told him that he decided to buy 55% of the shares of the innovative performing arts brokerage company held by his friend, and then notified the Red River Fund by phone, asking them to arrange someone to meet with Eddie • Bergner's friends negotiate the purchase of shares.

Putting down the phone, Zhang Lexing came to the headquarters building of VisualSystem Group with the investigation report. After swiping his card, he took the elevator to the floor where the chairman's office was located, and walked into Yang Xinxin's office along the aisle.

Yang Xinxin was sitting on the sofa and chatting happily with Mai Jiajun at this time, when she heard someone coming in, she stood up and looked out, and saw that it was Zhang Lexing, she asked in surprise: "Brother, didn't you still come in?" Do you want to spend two days in Los Angeles with your friends? How come you came back. "

Zhang Lexing shrugged, and said helplessly: "I'm busy with work, I arranged for someone else to take them to play. Actually, I just came back from Burbank, and I have something to ask you two."

Yang Xinxin beckoned and said, "Brother, come and sit down, and talk slowly if you have anything to say."

Mai Jiajun followed suit and said, "Yes, if you have anything to say, just say it."

Zhang Lexing came to the sofa and sat down. He threw the investigation report on MCA Universal and ABC on the coffee table, and said, "Please read this information first."

Mai Jiajun reached out to pick up the investigation report, and started to study it. Yang Xinxin leaned over and read it together.After a while, the two of them finished reading the information.

"Could it be that you want to acquire these companies." Yang Xinxin glanced at the figures in the investigation report, and sighed to Zhang Lexing: "40 billion US dollars, 150 billion US dollars, brother, you are so generous!"

"Lexing, do you really want to acquire these two companies?" Mai Jiajun put down the investigation report in his hand and asked.

Zhang Lexing nodded: "MCA Universal mainly needs distribution channels from DreamWorks, and can further expand its business scope in the entertainment industry, while ABC is what I want. After I bought satellite TV two years ago, I have Some new channels have been built, a satellite media has been established, and the Shuxiang Newspaper established later, if the American Broadcasting Corporation is successfully acquired, then a more powerful media industry group can be formed, and it can also compete with DreamWorks. Exchange resources and grow together.”

"The acquisition of MCA Global is not difficult. It seems that Panasonic is planning to let go. The key is how much it can take. This requires further and detailed investigation. The more you understand the situation of MCA Global, the easier it is to suppress its The resale price, but you must be careful whether there are other bidders. Lexing, your idea of ​​buying ABC is still very good," Mai Jiajun said appreciatively, and then changed the subject: "However, maybe you I don’t know much about the investment environment in the United States. As far as I know, foreigners cannot own more than 25% of the shares of radio stations and wireless TV, which means that no matter how much money you have, as long as you are not an American, you can only buy American A 25% stake in the broadcasting company cannot achieve the purpose of controlling at all, and can only be a shareholder without veto power in it."

"Ah, there is such a thing." Zhang Lexing was taken aback. He really hadn't paid attention to this issue. He didn't expect that there was such a restriction in the United States. Now it seems that it is obviously impossible to realize the acquisition in his own capacity. The ABC was on purpose.

"Yes, there are indeed such restrictions." Mai Jiajun explained: "Actually, not only are there restrictions on broadcasting and television, but there are also certain restrictions on foreign capital in many other places. For example, domestic air transportation, nuclear energy production and utilization, inland rivers, etc. , Neihu and offshore shipping, these are expressly prohibited from foreign investment. For example, investment in the telecommunications industry is restricted.”

"Then I have nothing to do." Zhang Lexing asked unwillingly.

"That's not true. In fact, the solution to this problem is also very simple. Since foreigners are restricted from investing in radio and television, then if they are Americans, there will be no such restrictions. As far as I know, the media tycoon Murkdo bought The TV station encountered this obstacle, and it was only after applying for American citizenship that it was able to successfully complete the acquisition. So..." Mai Jiajun stopped at this point, and looked at Zhang Lexing with meaningful eyes.

"Could it be that you want me to apply for American citizenship?" Zhang Lexing understood what Mai Jiajun meant, but still couldn't believe it.

Mai Jiajun nodded and said, "This is the easiest and most trouble-free way."

"But you know my principle, this matter has crossed my bottom line, I will not agree." Zhang Lexing refused without hesitation.

"Once you take this step, many of the restrictions imposed on you will disappear immediately, and based on the amount of your assets, I believe the Immigration Bureau will be very happy to help you complete the procedures." Mai Jiajun's voice was full of lure.

In fact, Zhang Lexing also knows that it will be much more convenient to do many things once he has American citizenship. Most fields can also be unimpeded. If you continue to maintain your current nationality, it basically means that you will be insulated from the acquisition of ABC, and because of the existence of Disney, a competitor, you will probably lose your chance completely.

On one side is the broad road full of opportunities, and on the other side is the principle and bottom line of being a human being. This is really a difficult choice for Zhang Lexing now...

Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport, after a roller coaster-like landing process, James Cameron got off the plane alone, originally his girlfriend Linda Hamilton also planned to follow, but their daughter Josephine happened to be A little uncomfortable, Linda Hamilton had to stay and take care of her daughter.

Standing on the flat ground, James Cameron still felt a little dizzy, maybe because of the heart-pounding landing, maybe because of the strange environment around him, he took a long rest before he recovered.Following the signs in the airport, James Cameron came to the exit of the terminal building. According to the situation he inquired from the information desk, he chose a red taxi and got on it.The driver's English was not very good. James Cameron couldn't make the driver figure out where he was going after gesturing for a long time. Finally, he took out the business card given to him by Zhang Lexing to solve the problem of where to go.

The car drove for a while, and suddenly stopped in front of a building. The driver turned around and gestured a few times. James Cameron felt that the driver seemed to mean that the place had arrived, so he followed his habit of taking a taxi in the United States. He took out a handful of dollars and handed them over, and then he opened the door and got out of the car without asking for change.

James Cameron didn’t see any obvious signs around the building. He couldn’t help worrying if he got off the wrong car. After stopping several people to ask questions, he finally confirmed that the building in front of him was the Oriental Shen Yun he was looking for. where it is.He took the elevator up to the 8th floor, and as the elevator door opened, James Cameron immediately saw the huge logo of Oriental Shen Yun. It seemed that he really found the right place.

Stepping out of the elevator, there is a reception desk in front of you, and there is a beautiful front desk lady sitting inside.Seeing James Cameron coming out of the elevator, the lady at the front desk immediately greeted him and asked politely, "Hi sir, do you have an appointment?"

"Appointment?" James Cameron was taken aback for a moment, remembering that he had come so suddenly that even Zhang Lexing had forgotten to notify him, the appointment was probably impossible.

"Sir, what is your name, I can check it for you, maybe someone else has registered for you." The front desk lady said with a smile.

"My name is James Cameron." James Cameron had no choice but to report his name to try, otherwise it would be a waste of time.

"Oh, it's Mr. Cameron. Our boss has already explained it. Please wait a moment." The receptionist turned around and returned to the reception desk, picked up the phone and made contact.

Unexpectedly, it was really useful, and James Cameron couldn't help but secretly rejoiced in his heart.After a while, a man wearing glasses walked over from the side, not far from the reception desk, and he greeted: "Mr. Cameron, welcome to Oriental Shen Yun, I am the person in charge, Lin Feng, you You can also call me Raymond. My boss has explained that you have recently returned to Hong Kong and asked us to treat you well. Mr. Cameron, how about I show you around the company first."

I came to Hong Kong by myself to inspect the computer special effects production ability of Oriental Shen Yun. Since the other party proposed it, James Cameron naturally agreed.

Lin Feng led James Cameron into the office of Shenyun Oriental. As he walked, he introduced: "Mr. Cameron, the production center of Shenyun Oriental has eight floors. There are seven floors. There are currently 850 staff members in the production center, many of whom have worked in Industrial Light and Magic before. In "Terminator 2", "Jurassic Park" and other films, we have cooperated with Industrial Light and Magic , and jointly provided computer special effects production services for filmmakers.”

"You guys made "Terminator 2" together, why didn't I know it at all?" James Cameron felt very surprised.

"Mr. Cameron, we were not established for a long time at that time, and most of the people were studying at Industrial Light and Magic. They participated in the production of "Terminator 2" under the name of Industrial Light and Magic, so if you haven't heard of it Not surprising." Lin Feng explained.

"Oh, so that's the case." James Cameron suddenly understood.

"Mr. Cameron, please come this way." Lin Feng made a "please" gesture, and then said: "This is the computer special effects production department. I think you should be most concerned about this place."

Of course James Cameron was concerned, this time he came here for the computer special effects department, so he followed Lin Feng over.But after looking at it, he was greatly disappointed. This so-called computer special effects production department still has a lot of people and a lot of computers, but almost all of them are ordinary PCs, and there are hardly a few SGI workstations.In this case, no matter how strong the production ability is and how rich the imagination is, it will not work at all when the final rendering of the picture does not know how long it will take to finish.

"It seems that Mr. Zhang still overestimates his compatriots. This so-called computer special effects department is probably able to serve local film companies." James Cameron thought so in his heart, but he still had something to say. Keep it, after all, the investment in my film is still in the hands of others.

Lin Feng could see the disappointment from James Cameron's expression, but he didn't panic, and after watching the computer special effects production department, he sent out another invitation: "Mr. Cameron, are you a little disappointed?" , In fact, the computer special effects production department is not limited to what you just saw, we also have a secret weapon."

Another secret weapon. James Cameron remembered that Zhang Lexing also mentioned the secret weapon of Oriental Shen Yun when he was in the United States. Could there really be some secret? So he asked curiously, "What is the secret weapon?"

Lin Feng said with a smile: "Mr. Cameron, you can come and see with me."

James Cameron followed Lin Feng downstairs in a daze. When he reached the 8th floor, Lin Feng didn't intend to stop at all, and continued to go down.

"The downstairs is also the place of Oriental Shen Yun?" James Cameron couldn't help asking.

Lin Feng nodded: "This is a place we only rented this year. The secret weapon is on this floor. Wait a minute, and you'll see it right away."

When he came to the 7th floor, Lin Feng picked up his identification card and swiped it at the door. The door opened in response, and then he registered at the guard at the door, and then led James Cameron inside.Not far away, Lin Feng swiped his identification card again, then opened a door next to him, pushed the door and walked in.

"Mr. Cameron, look, this is our secret weapon - the rendering cluster." Lin Feng said with a finger pointing.

Many multi-layered cabinets were regularly placed in the room, and three computer cases were placed on each layer of the cabinets. James Cameron was puzzled when he saw it: "What are these? Computers?"

"It is indeed a computer, but it is a rendering cluster built with 500 computers based on the latest research results of our group research institute. After the production center above completes the design, it will be transmitted to the rendering cluster here through a dedicated network. Complete the rendering task of the picture. The speed is equivalent to the parallel work of 80 SGI workstations. The rendering work that used to take a whole day can now be completed in less than an hour." Lin Feng explained.

"So fast." James Cameron was taken aback. He didn't expect such a sharp weapon to be hidden in the far east. It seems that the computer special effects of "Titanic" can be done better.

"Mr. Cameron, in fact, this is not too fast. Our group's research institute is working on a high-performance computer project. If it succeeds, it will only need a place the size of a cabinet to replace the current computer in the entire room." With a computer, the rendering speed can be increased hundreds of times, and the rendering effect can be finer." Lin Feng revealed mysteriously.

Hearing this sentence, James Cameron couldn't help but move. If the project mentioned by the person in front of him is true, then the sci-fi movie he is conceiving seems to have hope. It seems that he needs to do something about it. Out of choice...

(End of this chapter)