Kapitel 351: Chapter 351
At the Paris Opera House, Arthur, along with Christiana Reali and Pascal Lamy, Chairman of Credit Lyonnais, enjoyed a performance by the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet.
Historically, the Paris Opera Ballet has always had an international reputation as part of the early Royal Opera House.
"Arthur, I need to go to Lyon. Many directors still live there, and I want to discuss things with them first," Pascal Lamy reluctantly responded to Arthur's request, considering that Credit Lyonnais was nationalized.
There were many matters that needed the board's discussion.
Arthur knew that Credit Lyonnais's former headquarters was in Lyon before moving to Paris. A trip to Lyon was no big deal for Pascal.
"Credit Lyonnais helping Galaxy issue a $300 million bond should be fine, right?" Arthur didn't want to waste time.
"Let's first sign the acquisition agreement. A mere $300 million bond shouldn't be a problem. I believe we can sell it quickly!
Arthur, why don't you stay a few more days? The Cannes Film Festival is currently ongoing, and Galaxy has entries, doesn't it?" Pascal Lamy smiled. "You can enjoy a few days at Cannes. I'll head to Lyon and get back to you promptly."
Arthur just touched Christiana Reali's palm next to him. "There's a genocide happening in Rwanda right now, with tens of thousands of people dying every day, a great number of women and girls being violated; and here we are, in the opulent Paris Opera House, enjoying opera, eating caviar shipped from the Black Sea, and drinking wine from Italy."
"Mr. Lamy, Rwanda, located in central-eastern Africa, falls within France's sphere of influence. France has a military presence in many African countries. The genocide has been ongoing for a month and a half, with at least 500,000 dead; France has yet to show any response?"
Both Christiana and Pascal Lamy were puzzled as to why Arthur Smith suddenly brought up the genocide of Tutsis by Hutus that started last month.
"Arthur, America didn't allow peacekeeping troops in; it took a month before the UN assembled a 6,000-strong force to enter," Pascal Lamy shrugged. Everyone's hands were dirty; why single out France and not America? What use are 6,000 peacekeepers against 2 million Hutus?
Clinton signed an order not to label it a genocide!
Arthur nodded. "Exactly. That's why I worry about retaliation in Paris. France has the strongest influence in Africa; In light of such a massive event, I'm concerned that France won't be stable moving forward, and I hope you can expedite the agreement."
Pascal Lamy rubbed his forehead, "Arthur, Credit Lyonnais is a state-owned bank now. It's only been a couple of years since several people were dismissed over the MGM bribery scandal; Everyone is cautious about debts and loans related to MGM."
Arthur frowned. Major French banks like Credit Lyonnais, Credit Agricole, and BNP Paribas were nationalized in the 1960s; Dealing with state-owned assets required significant effort to navigate through the proper channels.
"Arthur, Societe Generale successfully privatized a few years ago. It's currently the third-largest French bank, after Credit Lyonnais and Credit Agricole. Perhaps..." Pascal Lamy suggested.
"Societe Generale?" Arthur took note. A private bank's efficiency was unmatched by state-owned ones; It should be manageable to have Societe Generale underwrite the $300 million bond.
As night fell, the night view of Paris didn't faze Arthur. Walking along Opera Street, Christiana held onto his arm.
"Why not invite Mr. Lamy for dinner too?" The headquarters of Credit Lyonnais wasn't far from Opera Street.
Arthur shook his head, "I finally understand why France's economy is in shambles. A bunch of inept and shortsighted folks are in power. No wonder Germany's economy has outpaced France's by so much!"
"Alright, let's grab something to eat and then head back to the hotel. You should relax; stay in Paris for a while," Christiana had planned to go to Cannes, but with Arthur in Paris handling matters, there was no need for her to go to Cannes.
"Sure," after all, the most significant task was acquiring MGM. As for the Cannes Film Festival, Arthur couldn't be bothered to care.
In the following days, Arthur directed Jim Colt to approach Societe Generale and have them issue a $300 million bond for Galaxy.
Meanwhile, Galaxy's blockbuster Forrest Gump premiered in North America, grossing $28 million on its opening weekend, receiving rave reviews!
At night, Arthur and Christiana visited the Crazy Horse nightclub on George V Avenue to enjoy a performance.
The Crazy Horse, alongside Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris, formed the trio of famous Parisian cabarets. Though the latest among them, the Crazy Horse was quite renowned!
"Do you like it?" Christiana kissed Arthur and pointed to the seductive dancers on stage.
"It's fine," Arthur was actually not very interested in these strip dances and took a sip of his drink.
Christiana smiled, "Here's some good news. Pulp Fiction just won the Palme d'Or at Cannes!"
"Oh, has the closing ceremony ended?"
Today was the Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony. Arthur knew that Pulp Fiction caused a sensation at its Cannes premiere.
"Yes, Pulp Fiction beat Three Colors: Red to win the top prize. Director Quentin Tarantino stole the show this time!"
Christiana had been closely following the Cannes Film Festival since her job involved Galaxy's productions.
Arthur smiled, "No surprise. Pulp Fiction's filming technique is quite unique, truly impressive. Previously, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs gained some fame in specific circles; Now, Pulp Fiction has catapulted him to international fame!"
Speaking, Arthur patted Christiana's hand, "I've been meeting with Parisian investors these past few days and haven't spent quality time with you. How about this, let's visit Versailles tomorrow. The company's matters can be handed over for follow-up."
"Sure, there's not much going on right now. Just scheduling the release of The Mask, which should cross $90 million at the North American box office soon. Breaking $100 million doesn't seem to be a problem," Christiana smiled.
"It's already crossed $100 million. The Mask has been out for six weeks," Arthur reminded her...
*****
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