Capítulo 430: Chapter 431: Secondary Offering
The secondary offering of stocks couldn't possibly be as grand as an IPO, but Time Warner had faced many challenges with its plan for a $3 billion stock offering, making the ceremony quite significant.
Summer blockbusters like "Batman: The Dark Knight," "Outlaws" and "Robin Hood" gave Time Warner a much-needed boost for this offering, making the final step seem only natural.
In addition to supporting the offering, Simon, at the behest of Steve Ross, personally bought 1 million shares of Time Warner stock, officially becoming a shareholder of Time Warner.
Although it was only 1 million shares of preferred stock without voting rights and subject to a 12-month lock-up period before they could be sold, at a new share price of $80, Simon still spent $80 million.
Fortunately, even from a pure investment perspective, this batch of shares was well worth it.
After rebounding in the first half of the year, Time Warner's publicly traded common shares had reached a trading price of $109 per share. Moreover, Simon was well aware that Time Warner's stock would continue to rise throughout the 90s due to the bull market driven by the new technology wave.
In addition to Simon's personal purchase of 1 million shares, Westeros Capital had recently reached another agreement with Time Warner.
This was an investment in the amusement park company Six Flags. Apollo Management, a subsidiary of Westeros Capital, planned to invest $80 million and co-own Six Flags with Time Warner. Following this, Time Warner planned to license its Bugs Bunny and other cartoon characters as a promotional tactic to revive the struggling amusement park company.
This cooperation was actually a swap.
Not only did it further enhance the partnership between the two sides, but it also bolstered the market's confidence in Time Warner's prospects. Moreover, by investing in Six Flags, Time Warner also agreed to establish a DC superhero attraction at Daenerys Entertainment's Universal Studios.
Since Six Flags primarily operated roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other amusement rides, it was not in direct competition with theme parks like Universal Studios, making the partnership a win-win situation.
The offering ceremony lasted the whole morning, and Time Warner hosted a reception at the Gramercy Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Many of Hollywood's biggest stars, close to Time Warner, attended today, and Steve Ross also invited a large number of politicians and celebrities, making the reception quite lively.
Today wasn't about Simon making a splash; he merely greeted some acquaintances and then retreated to a corner of the hall to chat with Spielberg.
"Steven, the change in Schindler's mentality can actually be easily addressed. There are many similar methods in Hollywood screenplays."
The two discussed Spielberg's plan to shoot "Schindler's List" after "Jurassic Park."
Spielberg, aware of the reasons behind his own hesitation, expressed his desire to avoid simplistic scenes like watching sunsets on benches or being touched by random scenes as triggers for change. "That was a tragic period, and tragedies were happening all the time. Schindler must have been experiencing these constantly."
Simon gently led the conversation: "Then let's stretch that touching moment a bit longer."
Spielberg, examining Simon's expression, asked, "Simon, you must have some ideas already. Tell me, don't keep me in suspense."
Without beating around the bush, Simon replied, "Are you planning to shoot 'Schindler's List' in black and white?"
Spielberg nodded.
Simon continued, "If that's the case, then intersperse a dash of color in the film—perhaps red, like a little girl in a red coat. When such a splash of color that keeps appearing in Schindler's view suddenly withers, I think, his transformation would naturally follow."
Spielberg pondered this for a moment, his expression quickly revealing a dawning realization.
As they were talking, New York Mayor David Dinkins approached with another man, a white male in his sixties.
After a brief introduction, Spielberg realized that Dinkins had something to discuss with Simon and discreetly walked away.
Without needing much introduction from Dinkins, Simon recognized the man as Mario Cuomo, the current Governor of New York and a significant Democratic candidate for next year's presidential election.
Westeros Capital had quietly placed its bets on Bill Clinton.
Of course, this was very secretive.
Exposing Simon's political leanings, especially in something as high stakes as a presidential election, wouldn't be beneficial for the candidate Westeros Capital was backing.
Simon's afternoon schedule was indeed related to the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and surprisingly, Westeros Capital-funded David Dinkins brought Mario Cuomo directly to him.
"Simon, this is Mario Cuomo, our Governor of New York. Mario, this is Simon."
Simon smiled and extended his hand to Mario Cuomo, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Cuomo."
Mario Cuomo also responded warmly, "I've always wanted to meet you, Simon
."
After introductions, David Dinkins casually started a conversation about the upcoming Westeros Tower.
As a skyscraper expected to exceed 600 meters, the building needed approval from the New York City government.
Clearly, with Dinkins' connections, the project faced little trouble in getting approved.
Dinkins brought it up, perhaps with a hint of seeking credit.
After a brief chat, Dinkins and Cuomo left, making it appear to others as a casual greeting.
However, those with a keen sense of these matters would realize there was something unusual about this meeting.
Mario Cuomo also gave subtle hints during their conversation.
If Simon was interested in supporting him, all it would take was a word to Cuomo to receive a response.
Simon considered this matter.
It wasn't about hedging his bets but placing a politically more seasoned player like Mario Cuomo in the spotlight against the relatively inexperienced Bill Clinton might produce unexpected results.
"Simon, what are you thinking about?"
Steve Ross's voice interrupted Simon's thoughts.
Simon, collecting his thoughts, smiled and said, "Ming repair plank road, secretly crossing Chen Cang."
His sudden use of Chinese confused Steve Ross.
Simon quickly explained, using a deliberately ambiguous tone that didn't reveal his true thoughts.
Ross didn't probe further, praising Simon's fluency in Chinese, then added, "When Reagan ran for president, all of Hollywood supported him, and we got enough in return. But even though he was Reagan's Vice President, Bush's recent actions have been quite unsatisfactory."
Simon raised an eyebrow, understanding why Mario Cuomo had appeared before him.
This likely involved Ross's orchestration.
Although Warner Brothers was one of Hollywood's big seven, Time Warner's headquarters was in New York, and Steve Ross was a long-time resident of New York, very familiar with the political circles on the East Coast.
"So, Steve, you plan to support Mario Cuomo next year?"
Steve Ross shook his head, "Of course not. Although I think highly of Mario, he hasn't even secured the party's nomination yet. I'll only support the nominee."
Simon said, "With the Gulf War going so well, Bush should easily win next year. If all of Hollywood switches to the Democratic party and Bush is re-elected, we might face difficulties."
Ross laughed, patting Simon on the shoulder, "Simon, George Bush is a very mature politician. Such politicians don't make enemies lightly; they are more adept at balancing. Plus, the Bush family has long-term political ambitions and won't openly suppress Hollywood just because we switch to the Democrats. They see our dissatisfaction, and they are more likely to try to win us over."
Simon understood these principles, but he nodded as if enlightened.
After chatting a bit more with Ross, Simon excused himself.
Although Ross was somewhat disappointed, he didn't overly insist and personally saw Simon out of the reception hall.
Rushing from the Gramercy Hotel to the nearby Westeros Company headquarters, it was nearly 1 p.m. when James Redbourn was already waiting for Simon.
Simon brought up his encounter with Mario Cuomo and shared his thoughts.
James agreed.
Given the current circumstances, Mario Cuomo was one of the most likely candidates to secure a nomination in next year's election. Offering him some support had no downside. A subtle leak of this information could also divert attention from another candidate Westeros Capital was backing.
After briefly discussing specific implementation plans, at 1:30 p.m., their awaited guest arrived on time.
The guest, known as Al Gore, also referred to as Albert Gore, was currently a U.S. Senator from Tennessee.
Al Gore came from a political family; his father, Albert Gore, had made a name for himself in the 1950s with the 'Interstate Highway System' proposal that helped the U.S. economy soar post-war. The 43-year-old Al Gore had inherited his father's political ethos and had been pushing his 'Information Superhighway Act' in recent years.
As someone from the future, Simon knew that Al Gore would later become Clinton's Vice President and narrowly lose the controversial 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, ending the Gore family's White House dreams.
At this point, Simon found Al Gore to be a quintessentially flawless politician—well-educated, with a harmonious family life, free of scandals, and a steady political career.
Compared to the scandal-ridden Clinton, Al Gore seemed more suitable for the 1992 presidential election.
However, precisely because of his political dynasty background and being too polished, Al Gore chose not to run in 1992.
In these old political families, mature politicians are too good at balancing.
In 1988, Al Gore had shown interest in running for president but likely decided he was too young and it wasn't the right time, choosing to step back.
In 1992, another 'balance' led him to decide that George Bush was unbeatable, so he opted to become Clinton's running mate, planning to build his reputation but ending
up as a vice president he never really wanted to be, for eight years.
In 2000, riding the economic boom from Clinton's eight years and almost unanimously supported, he followed the old campaign strategy of Bush senior moving from Vice President under Reagan to President. Yet, he faced another strong political family and lost, permanently missing out on the peak of American power.
Simon wasn't interested in this 'perfect politician's' troubled journey to the White House; he was interested in the 'Information Superhighway Act' Gore held.
Originally, Simon planned to wait until after next year's presidential election, when the new president took office, to get involved in promoting this plan. If all went well, it would also be a significant gift to Bill Clinton.
However, the development of the American internet industry had exceeded Simon's expectations, and he decided not to wait another two years.
Any industry, if supported at the national level, would undoubtedly develop more smoothly.
Recently, traditional media had started nitpicking internet platforms over content copyright issues. If the Information Superhighway Plan became a basic national policy in the U.S., pushing forward related 'Internet Safe Harbor Acts,' obstacles would be significantly reduced.
Moreover, a bill involving a multi-billion dollar industry like the Information Superhighway Plan would take at least a year or two from introduction to passage and implementation.
By then, the 1992 presidential election would have already been decided.
Since it was a Democratic Senator, Al Gore, who proposed the bill, the political credit would inevitably not fall into Republican hands, making it unlikely to impact next year's presidential election significantly.
Even if the White House deliberately obstructed the passage of the 'Information Superhighway Act,' it could negatively affect George Bush's re-election campaign.
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder