Capítulo 334: Chapter 334: Exchange
At the Hilton Canary Wharf in London, Lily Ying welcomed Charles Capet and smiled faintly at the Hollywood star, Scarlett Johansson, who was with him.
"Hey, Lily, I know you helped Dona's investment company a lot. I made some good money this time too," Scarlett Johansson, who had previously invested in Dona Williams' AC Capital, mentioned. She had sold her Lululemon stocks, making quite a profit.
"Hello, Scarlett. It's a pity we sold too soon; Lululemon's stock price is now over 50 dollars," Lily Ying laughed. AC Capital had earned 20 million dollars after taxes!
With the private equity taking 30% fees, Lily Ying and Dona also made money following Charles. After all, AC Capital had Charles's backing!
"The US stock market is crashing now. Selling early is better than being stuck with those stocks," Charles shrugged and sat on the sofa.
"You met with David Dein, right?" Charles asked.
Lily nodded and smiled, "I prepared 600 million pounds for you, but you spent only a bit over 145 million. Acquiring Arsenal wasn't easy, was it?"
Charles nodded with a smile, "Not easy at all. These pirates still think they're the British Empire, so arrogant. But I have my ways. They can't underestimate me, a Hollywood mogul!"
When the Christmas season wrecked Arsenal, leaving them with no players, Charles would call in a favor from Rupert Murdoch.
The influence of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, controlling The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The News of the World, and largely holding Sky TV, was more potent in the UK than in the US!
This summer, Charles had cooperated with Rupert Murdoch in News Corporation's acquisition of The Wall Street Journal. Rupert owed Charles a favor.
Charles planned to use News Corporation's media power to pressurize Peter Hill-Wood and take over Arsenal. Rupert would likely oblige, repaying the favor.
"Hollywood is on strike; you aren't going back to check?" Lily Ying asked, knowing that Capet Pictures was the foundation of the Capet enterprise.
Charles spread his hands, "You said it yourself; they're on strike. What can I do? Hollywood's movies, TV, variety shows, talk shows, and musicals, the writers are all on strike. No new projects can start without writers!"
"By the way, you can take 400 million pounds. I don't need that much funds right now, but I'll need 400 million pounds early next year. Keep arranging large bank loans for me," Charles instructed.
Charles kept nearly 50 million pounds, thinking David Dein might persuade some shareholders to sell their shares during this period.
"Taking 400 million pounds means over 800 million dollars!" Lily's eyes widened. What are we doing?
"You're heading back to Hong Kong, right? Start purchasing US Treasuries. The 100-dollar bonds are now priced at less than 40 dollars and still falling," Charles smiled.
"You know the situation; there's no one to bet against in shorting. Everyone knows a global financial crisis is imminent. The dollar's weakness won't last long. Buy US bonds at low prices now, and when the dollar strengthens, there will naturally be institutions willing to buy them back at higher prices."
Those 100-dollar bonds, even at 40, allow the 400 million pounds to purchase 2 billion dollars of US Treasury. When the dollar strengthens, even selling at the original price will attract many investment institutions.
"And not just that, if possible, take out a euro loan and buy US bonds similarly."
Lily understood, "When the dollar strengthens, the pound and euro will definitely depreciate!"
Currently, 400 million pounds could be exchanged for 800 million dollars. Later, possibly 600 million dollars could exchange back for 400 million pounds to return to the banks.
This operation was also quite safe. US Treasuries were a preferred investment among global governments and large institutions.
"Are we really doing this? What if...?" Lily was concerned about the dollar's strength.
Charles smiled, "Trust me. Dollar won't let you down!"
"The US bond market in Asia is massive. Banks are indeed selling at low prices," Lily, who had been in Hong Kong, was well aware.
"I've told you the plan, and you're definitely more adept at the details than me, an outsider. Forex and US bonds must be simple for you," Charles laughed, hugging Scarlett Johansson, who understood nothing, as they were about to leave.
"I'm heading to a party. Wanna join and check out those arrogant Brits?"
Lily smiled and waved her hand, "No interest. I have to manage this large sum of money!"
In the yellow Lamborghini Gallardo, Charles casually chatted with Scarlett Johansson.
His right hand held the wheel, while his left was on the lady's thigh.
"Atonement has a decent box office. 50 million dollars in North America and 80 million internationally! Keira's performance has won several critics' awards in the US!"
Charles smiled, "What? You miss her?"
"Why not? If you have the guts to call her over, three of us can be together," Scarlett Johansson teased, raising her chin at Charles.
"Just wait. I'll find someone to share the fun with you in a couple of days, haha," Charles joked.
"Who?"
"Eva Green. She's in Paris."
"Thor's lead actress," Scarlett Johansson looked at Charles. "You're such a player!"
"By the way, Mamma Mia! should have wrapped up, right?" Charles asked.
"It's done. I came over to reshoot a few scenes. Quantum of Solace has also started filming at Pinewood Studios' 007 stage," Scarlett Johansson explained.
Previously, Mamma Mia! had shot its primary scenes at Pinewood Studios' 007 stage.
"Is the Hollywood strike affecting your company much?" Scarlett Johansson asked.
"It's alright. I prepared ahead. Maybe Prison Break's third season will see some impact," Charles nonchalantly replied.
Anyway, the major impact was on other Hollywood media groups. Let it be.
*****
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