Chương 496: Chapter 496: Bottom Line
On June 24th, Transformers 2 premiered globally, and its opening weekend in North America saw a box office performance of $130 million in 4,230 theaters, with overseas ticket sales hitting $200 million!
The power of the Autobots seemed nearly as explosive as Iron Man's, but Capet's French film The Intouchables, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, ignited all of Europe.
The Intouchables earned $180 million at the French box office.
In Germany, it grossed $80 million.
In Spain, $21 million.
In Italy, $19 million.
In the Netherlands, $12 million.
In Denmark, $8.7 million.
In Belgium, $8.5 million.
In Austria, $7 million.
In Sweden, $6.7 million.
...
The Intouchables achieved a total box office of $350 million in Europe and was set to be released in Asia and the Americas next.
Both critically and commercially, The Intouchables was a groundbreaking French film!
Burbank, Capet Headquarters.
Charles sat in his chair, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the desk. "You mean to say, General Electric is really willing to invest $5.5 billion to buy the 20% NBC Universal shares from Vivendi?"
Annie Depp nodded. "The chairman of BNP Paribas, Perrottet, Vivendi Group's chairman Jean-Rene Fourtou, and Vivendi Group CEO Jean-Bernard Levy have all confirmed it. GE wants to buy back its complete NBC shares before selling to secure greater benefits!"
"In other words, to buy that 20% from Vivendi, we must offer more than Comcast did for NBC Universal," Charles understood immediately. GE had solid backing.
"Prepare, we need to go to France and meet with Vivendi's representatives; we've already wasted too much time!"
Annie Depp nodded. "I'll arrange it!"
Soon enough, on the last day of June, Charles led the Capet team to Paris.
At the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, Capet hosted a grand celebration party for The Intouchables, inviting many celebrities to join.
With 20.4 million audience members, The Intouchables ranked first in France's historical domestic box office, just slightly behind last year's Welcome to the Sticks with 20.5 million viewers.
"Charles, you're amazing. The Intouchables almost broke the French attendance record," said Sophie Marceau, busy with the promotion of The Intouchables, while also starring in the thriller drama Don't Look Back with Italian actress Monica Bellucci!
Charles hugged Sophie Marceau. "This movie couldn't have succeeded without your contribution. The French viewership hit 20 million, getting very close to Welcome to the Sticks. However, outside France, The Intouchables' success is unmatched by Welcome to the Sticks."
Sophie Marceau nodded. La Vie en Rose brought Marion Cotillard an Oscar for Best Actress with a French film.
Another The Intouchables nearly broke France's historical film box office records. The critical acclaim of both films was undeniable, even the picky French gave in!
In a small conference room at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Charles had a private three-way meeting with Vivendi Group chairman Jean-Rene Fourtou and GE Vice Chairman, former NBC Universal chairman Bob Wright.
"Capet's filmmaking ability is unrivaled, Charles. Coming to France for you must feel like coming home," said Jean-Rene Fourtou, who also attended The Intouchables celebration.
Charles smiled. Vivendi had significant business in France: Canal+ Group, Monaco Telecom, and the second-largest communication company in France, Vivendi owned considerable shares.
On top of that, with shares in Activision Blizzard, Vivendi Games, and Universal Music Group, Europe's largest entertainment group title was a toss-up between it and Germany's Bertelsmann Group.
Charles came to France to resolve the 20% NBC Universal shares held by Vivendi. He then looked at Bob Wright and said, "$6 billion in cash to buy the 20% NBC Universal shares from Vivendi!"
Six billion dollars lit up Jean-Rene Fourtou's eyes. Vivendi, eager to sell at $5.5 billion, had only been held back by GE's preemptive rights, though they preferred to sell to Capet Group.
"Six billion dollars, cash!" Bob Wright was also taken aback. GE's offer of $5.5 billion relied on a promise from Comcast, otherwise, why would GE make such an offer?
Charles continued, "NBC Universal is valued at $30 billion; that's my bottom line. If you believe Comcast can compete with me in Hollywood after acquiring NBC Universal, I don't mind letting Comcast face a second failure in Hollywood."
Comcast's first failure, of course, was their joint bid with Sony for MGM!
"GE's shares, I'll offer half in cash and half in a stock swap. For Vivendi's 20%, the choice is yours. If the bidding continues, I'll immediately bow out. Hollywood isn't just Universal!"
Bob Wright didn't expect Charles to be so straightforward. A $30 billion valuation exceeded NBC Universal's current valuation. But who wouldn't want to secure the best deal? If Comcast acquired NBC Universal, they might get some help in cable TV.
However, in Hollywood, Universal would be of no consequence. They couldn't compare to Capet Pictures' peak, nor to any other studio!
Bob Wright took a deep breath. "I need to convey your intentions to the headquarters board."
Charles nodded. "Alright, I'll stay in France for now, and so will the Capet team. Hopefully, GE will decide quickly!"
Bob Wright looked at Charles and Jean-Rene Fourtou one more time before leaving the conference room.
Jean-Rene Fourtou patted Charles on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Vivendi has always had faith in Capet. I believe GE's board will make the right choice."
Charles remained calm, "Regardless of their choice, Capet's dominance in Hollywood is unquestionable. Maybe I should have Mr. Perrottet prepare the funds!"
Jean-Rene Fourtou nodded, "I'll also put some pressure on them. Six billion dollars in cash is no small amount."
Capet's $6 billion offer, if unmatched by GE, allowed Vivendi to sell the shares to Capet!
*****
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