บท 335: Chapter 335: Twister
Inside a Pacific Palisades beachfront villa.
Arthur was leaning on the bed, deep in thought, when a freshly-bathed Winona Ryder walked over, casting off her robe and climbing onto Arthur. They began to kiss fervently.
Feeling the warmth of Winona's body, Arthur responded passionately, his hands roaming freely over her.
"Arthur, at the bar just now, you seemed very interested in Ian Bryce's script idea?"
Winona Ryder asked while kissing Arthur's chest and smiling.
Arthur caressed Winona Ryder's soft skin and said, "Yeah, I am interested in this disaster film Twister. Galaxy might support him in developing this movie!"
As for the director Jan de Bont, despite being a cinematographer, last year's Speed had already proven his capabilities.
"But from what Ian Bryce was saying, this project requires a significant investment, with a lot of special effects shots, the costs won't be small," Winona Ryder pondered, recalling Ian Bryce's budget estimate, a sense of unease still lingering.
Because Ian Bryce estimated it would take at least 70-80 million dollars to complete the shooting!
"Let him prepare the initial stages first, and then we'll see the full script," Arthur had already decided to invest in Twister.
Speaking of disaster films, Arthur immediately thought of another master of the genre, German director Roland Emmerich!
Two years ago, Roland Emmerich directed Universal Soldier for Carolco and TriStar, achieving a global box office of 100 million dollars.
This year, Roland Emmerich had another film he directed, Stargate, being released.
Hearing Arthur's thoughts, Winona Ryder didn't probe further, continuing to kiss down Arthur's chest.
"Ah..." In a moment, Arthur let out a comfortable sigh, gently stroking Winona Ryder's hair.
As Galaxy worked on acquiring MGM, other competitors inevitably appeared.
It was Kirk Kerkorian, who had bought and sold MGM twice already. At 77, the real estate tycoon from Nevada was not to be underestimated.
Kirk Kerkorian's private investment company, Tracinda Corporation, was preparing to buy MGM for the third time!
In the Glendale office of Galaxy,
Jim Colt, along with Amy Pascal, Tom Rothman, and other Galaxy insiders, sat around a table.
"Kirk Kerkorian runs casinos, so his cash flow is relatively abundant," Tom Rothman reminded everyone.
Jim Colt looked at Arthur, noting his unchanged expression and silence.
Arthur, however, gestured to his face, "Comparing cash flow with me? The MGM Grand in Las Vegas just opened at the end of last year, Kerkorian wouldn't have that much cash on hand. He still needs bank support.
Moreover, any sensible MGM creditor should understand that under equal conditions, selling MGM to us is more reliable.
Tom, arrange a team to quickly audit and evaluate MGM's assets and liabilities."
Amy, get in touch with MGM's board members and CEO Frank Mancuso, and ask them if they really intend to turn MGM into a casino brand instead of a film studio.
Jim, contact Thomas. I want to sell Snapple's stock quickly to raise cash..."
As one of Hollywood's seven major film studios, MGM was once again caught in acquisition turmoil, but this time the potential buyer was a young man who had been in Hollywood for just over four years.
The news of Hollywood's golden boy officially moving to acquire MGM sparked widespread discussion.
After all, compared to other bidders, Arthur Smith and Galaxy were remarkably young.
Not to mention the Japanese companies, even News Corporation's Rupert Murdoch and Viacom's Sumner Redstone were seasoned veterans in the media industry!
The Los Angeles Times: "Hollywood's Golden Boy vs. Las Vegas Casino King, Eyes on MGM!"
The Wall Street Journal: "Las Vegas Casino King's Third Attempt on MGM, Hollywood's New Tycoon Determined to Preserve MGM Label!"
Businessweek: "Kirk Kerkorian Poised to Turn MGM into a Casino Hotel Group!"
Neither Arthur Smith nor Kirk Kerkorian said much publicly about the MGM acquisition.
After all, such a major acquisition involving billions wouldn't happen quickly. Both parties would first send teams to conduct a thorough analysis of MGM's assets and liabilities before making offers.
Lyon Credit Bank, handling the affairs, was certainly happy to see some competition. After all, the fierce bidding war between Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller for Paramount last year was still fresh in their minds.
At a cafe in the Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Hills.
MPAA Chairman Jack Valenti was sitting across from Arthur, watching the young man with a calm demeanor. Valenti couldn't help but be amazed.
Acquiring MGM had made both Galaxy and Arthur Smith even more prominent.
"Arthur, many of us old-timers hope you succeed in acquiring MGM," Jack Valenti voiced his stance. After all, MGM was a significant emblem of Hollywood's golden age.
Twice bought and sold by Kirk Kerkorian, MGM's tumultuous state was quite unfriendly to many nostalgic Hollywood veterans!
Arthur nodded, "I know. After all, I'm part of Hollywood too. Kirk Kerkorian, whatever he says, is still an outsider. The value of MGM is certainly not less than 1.3 billion dollars, and Kerkorian has strong backing from MGM Grand. He won't be short of funds."
"It's all business negotiations. You know the final decision is between the offers from both sides," Jack Valenti remarked, glancing at Arthur again, "I can help you find investors. They manage funds and have plenty of money. Moreover, they are very interested in Galaxy and you."
"There are many people interested in Galaxy," Arthur chuckled. "Who are they?"
"Carl Icahn's Fund, Ray Dalio's Bridgewater, Steve Cohen's SAC Capital..."
As Jack Valenti continued, Arthur's face grew darker. They were all Jewish hedge fund investors from Wall Street.
Are they serious about investing? These people are infamous for hostile takeovers, without any regard for a company's development!
*****
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