China Entertainment: I became a capital tycoon

Chapter 823 821. Marvel's high cost-performance ratio; the characters of "Mercenary World"
Nine years ago, Cao Yu bought Marvel for 3.4 billion US dollars. Now Marvel's market value has exceeded 50 billion US dollars.

Putting aside the currency depreciation, the investment income after tax payment is at least 30 billion.

With this amount of money alone, he would be considered the richest man in China. It's because Boss Cao has left everyone else so far behind.

Of course, this does not include the box office and company dividends in recent years, as well as the invisible benefits that the purchase of Marvel brought to Fei'e Video.

But this time, Boss Cao wanted more.

The more money from the foreigners, the better.

The film industry in the United States has been on a downward trend in the past two years, but Marvel has been on a growth trend. Now is the best time to sell it.

Now Feie Video has become the world's largest video platform, and Marvel's value and role have disappeared.

But Kevin, the boss of Warner Bros., really doesn’t understand Mr. Cao’s decision. Why sell such a promising film and television company?

Warner Bros. and HBO are sister companies that belong to the same parent company.

Cao Yu doesn't have much dealings with HBO, but he has a good relationship with Warner Bros., after all, they have collaborated on many films.

The matter of "Mercenary World" was left to Kevin, the boss of Warner, to discuss, as he was too lazy to waste time talking.

Anyway, there are a lot of people who want to invest, and there are many people who hold money in their hands and offer it to themselves.

That's the benefit of fame.

I had a quick meal with Kevin and agreed to start casting worldwide once we get a response from HBO.

That night, Cao Yu had just returned to the castle when he received news from Marvel CEO Kevin Feige that Disney was indeed interested in Marvel.

Although Disney has released several good animated films in the past two years, such as "Frozen" and "Zootopia", it has not made much progress in live-action films.

In comparison, Marvel has risen very rapidly in the past two years, and it has many comic characters that can be adapted into film and television.

Disney wanted to buy Marvel many years ago, but unfortunately Boss Cao got there first.

Now that they heard that Boss Cao was going to focus all his energy on Feiyu Entertainment, they were of course tempted.

There can be no development without breakthroughs.

Originally, they wanted to acquire Twenty-First Century Fox, which has been in decline in the past two years, and the two sides are in contact during this period.

I didn't expect Marvel would also sell it.

Isn't this why someone gives me a pillow when I feel sleepy?

They are certainly more interested in Marvel than Fox.

However, they suspected that the price asked by this richest man would not be too low.

After hearing that Disney was interested, Cao Yu immediately called Bob, the boss of Universal Pictures, and told him that he wanted to sell Marvel.

Bob was also surprised that Cao Yu was crazy and wanted to sell such a profitable company.

But hearing that this old friend didn't seem to be joking, I felt a little moved.

"Bob, Disney will talk to us in a couple of days. If you want, you can make an offer."

Cao Yu actually had no intention of selling it to Universal, he just wanted this good friend to raise the price.

"I'll tell the board of directors and see what they think."

Although Bob was tempted, he couldn't make the decision on such a big deal alone.

But acquiring Marvel will definitely be beneficial to the future development of Universal Pictures, and now it mainly depends on the price.

On the morning of May 6, as agreed, Disney CEO Robert Iger came to Marvel with a group of employees.

The Marvel of today is no longer the Marvel of ten years ago that relied on selling comic copyrights.

Since Boss Cao became the boss of Marvel, the dozen or so movies he produced have grossed a total of more than 20 billion yuan, and the company's market value has more than increased tenfold.

Moreover, he has long since upgraded himself to own an entire building.

This speed of development makes Disney a little jealous.

When Cao Yu heard that someone from Disney had arrived, he said to Tiffany, "Just walk around the reception room while I negotiate."

"What's the point of me going? Want me to help you negotiate?"

Tiffany didn't understand what Cao Yu meant.

"No, just whisper a few words in my ear, anything, and then you leave."

After Cao Yu finished speaking, he smiled and said, "Just don't forget it."

After giving the instructions, he took people to greet the guests.

"Hello, Mr. Cao, long time no see"

"Mr. Robert, welcome!"

Cao Yu had met this sixty-year-old Disney head at the Oscars ceremony before, and the two knew each other.

This old man may look ordinary, but he is actually the highest-paid CEO of a Fortune 500 company and controls more than a dozen Disney theme parks around the world.

In the previous life, it was this person who acquired Marvel and later acquired 21st Century Fox, making Disney the world's largest film company.

"Mr. Cao, before we start the negotiation, there is one thing I don't understand. Marvel is now at the peak of its popularity in the American film industry. I don't know why you want to sell it?"

Robert asked this question as soon as he came up.

Understand the reasons and then think about how to lower the price better.

Even if the other party does not tell the truth, you can still find some clues in his words.

For a project worth tens of billions, any savings would be significant.

"To be honest, the original purpose of acquiring Marvel was just for Fei'e Video. The fact that it later produced such a hit movie was actually purely accidental."

Cao Yu seemed very sincere, but there was truth in his lies: "Now our Feiyu Entertainment is developing very well. Marvel has no meaning to me. It is better to sell it and develop Feiyu Entertainment well."

"That's it."

When Robert heard this, he really believed it halfway.

He naturally knew that Feiyu Entertainment was already the largest entertainment company in China, so it was understandable that he thought so.

This Chinese person is quite honest.

Robert pondered for a while and asked, "Mr. Cao, how much do you want to sell it for?"

"Six hundred and eighty billion!"

The bid should be higher, even though Marvel's market value is only 58 billion.

"How many?"

Robert, who had just praised Cao Yu for his honesty, immediately took back his words when he heard the price.

What's the point of being honest? You have such a dark heart!
The price is so high?
He frowned and said, "Haha, Mr. Cao, this price is not sincere. Marvel's market value is not that high."

"Just because we don't have it now doesn't mean we won't have it next year. We have two movies this year and I think they will do well at the box office. We also have a lot of projects on hand."

"That can't be more than 10 billion US dollars higher than the market value."

It's a negotiation. If you dare to report it, I will kill you.

The other party has already made an offer, and Robert countered: "At most 40 billion."

"Forty billion? Haha, is Marvel so worthless?"

Cao Yu smiled faintly and said, "I know you guys at Disney run theme parks. If Marvel characters can enter your theme parks..."

"Fack! This Chinese guy is so cunning!"

Robert cursed inwardly when he heard the word "theme park".

He didn't expect that Cao Yu could see through his purpose of buying Marvel at a glance.

I guess this price can't be lowered much further.

Fortunately, you are Chinese. If that doesn't work, you can use some extraordinary means to make his stock price fall.
But that’s a story for later, let’s talk normally first.

After thinking for a while, Robert said, "Even so, Marvel's price cannot be higher than 50 billion."

“That’s no longer a discussion.”

Cao Yu is not in a hurry either. "Avengers 4" is still being filmed, so there is still time to sell it next year.

But he still gave the other party a critical hit: "In fact, Universal Pictures is also interested in Marvel. You can go and find out."

"global."

Robert's eyebrows knitted together when he heard the name.

Now among the six major Hollywood studios, Universal is first, Disney is second, Warner Bros. is third, Marvel is fourth, and the others have declined.

If Marvel is bought by Universal, then they will definitely have no chance of taking the number one spot.

Even if we acquire Fox, there is no chance.

He hurriedly asked, "Mr. Cao, what is your lowest price?"

Before Cao Yu could answer, Tiffany pushed the door open.

"Isn't this woman Tiffany who helped with the campaign last year? Why is she here?"

Robert saw the little princess of the United States walk up to Cao Yu and say something in his ear. The two seemed to be quite intimate, and he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

This Chinese Cao Yu is really good at investing.

Bought Marvel at a low price nine years ago and now makes at least ten times the profit. This has become a legend in the film industry.

I didn't expect to invest in this girl.

The two seem to be a couple or good friends.
Regardless of the relationship, it is an indisputable fact that Cao Yu goes in and out of Haihu Villa, and now he has such a good relationship with this princess.
From this point of view, his relationship with the boss should be more ordinary.

In this case, it would be difficult to use abnormal means to deal with him by taking advantage of the local situation.

On the side, Tiffany whispered in Cao Yu's ear: "I bought a sexy nightgown and will wear it for you tonight."

"Okay, I got it. You go first and wait until I'm done."

Cao Yu's voice was loud, and he patted Tiffany's shoulder affectionately.

This action made Robert start to hesitate. Should he try to get along well with Boss Cao and not lower the price too much?
After Tiffany left, Cao Yu asked, "Mr. Robert, what did you just say?"

"Let me ask you again, what is your lowest price?"

"Since you are so sincere, I can give you a discount."

Cao Yu said this, raising three fingers.

"Three billion dollars?" "Wrong, three hundred million."

"what?"

Robert wondered if he hadn't heard it clearly because he was too old.

It's a business worth tens of billions, and you only reduce the price by 300 million?
You are playing.

"Three hundred million, you heard it right."

Cao Yu also thought that a price reduction of 300 million was already a lot.

Three hundred million US dollars, which is equivalent to 2 billion Chinese yuan. If this money is brought to the country, how many poor people can be helped?
We've reduced the price so much for you, which is already giving you face.

Your Disney theme park in China is really shady.

"In that case, let's go back and discuss it, and then give Mr. Cao a reply."

Robert also knew that this kind of acquisition deal could not be negotiated without several months or even half a year.

Now that this somewhat treacherous Chinese man has no intention of giving in, let him wait for a while and see if he will get anxious.

Besides, we still have to talk to 21st Century Fox.

Although the first negotiation on the sale of Marvel did not produce any results, this incident still caused a stir in the global entertainment industry.

Marvel has been a company with very strong growth momentum in the past two years. No one would have thought that the richest man, Mr. Cao, would actually sell it?
In China, many companies are even more confused.

Although some people in China were interested in this company, when they heard that the transaction was valued at more than 50 billion US dollars, they felt their pockets and had to give up.

Among the domestic entertainment companies, perhaps no one except Boss Cao can afford this price.

In fact, Ali's Ma Yun was also somewhat moved.

But he can only try his best, as he can't afford it now.

"Cao Yu, if he sells Marvel, he will make tens of billions. This guy is really good at making money."

Ma Yun felt heartbroken when she thought of Boss Cao’s assets.

Why can't I compare with him when it comes to making money?
Lu Huateng called and inquired immediately.

"Brother Cao, you shouldn't be short of money, why are you selling Marvel?"

"If you don't want it, just sell it. Besides, don't I still have Feiyu Entertainment and FNC?"

Cao Yu spoke very casually, as if a company worth tens of billions was nothing.

This wave of pretense made Lu Huateng speechless. He smiled and said, "If you have any difficulties, tell me. One or two billion US dollars can still be used to turn around."

"No need."

Cao Yu thanked the other party for his kindness, but he really didn't sell Marvel because he was short of money.

After chatting with Lu Huateng for a while, Bob from Universal also called and said that the company was also somewhat interested in Marvel, but was wondering if there was any room for negotiation on the price.

Cao Yu also offered a price of 68 billion.

Naturally, Bob thought the price was a bit high and said he would go back and discuss it.

But the news that Universal was interested in Marvel was still released by someone with a purpose.
……

At Disney, a group of shareholders were also meeting.

They now have two acquisition plans, one for Marvel and the other for Fox worth 2 billion.

Fox, with a market value of 72 billion, originally offered 70 billion. Now that they heard that Marvel's offer was 10 billion more than the market value, they also adjusted the price to 75 billion.

"I think Marvel has a better future. Not to mention that all their movies in the past few years have been big sellers, the copyright of the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is worth a lot of money."

A shareholder expressed his opinion: "Moreover, Marvel characters are very popular now, which can also boost the business of our park."

"But the market value is 58 billion, but the asking price is 68 billion, which is indeed a bit high."

"There's nothing we can do. Marvel is currently filming Avengers 4. If it does well at the box office, the market value will increase."

“I think that although Fox is not doing well now, their classic films such as Alien and Titanic are no better than Marvel.”

“Marvel’s audience is still better.”

"If you want to buy Marvel, see if you can get the price down to 60 billion. It's worth considering."

“It’s difficult.”

CEO Robert said: "The Chinese people are very evil."

"Is there any way to control him? Or create some negative news to make their stock price drop..."

"No, negative news is not easy to deal with."

Robert thought of Cao Yu's relationship with Tiffany and the boss, and had already passed on this idea.

“I heard that Universal also wants to buy it.”

……

After recalling the conversation for a long time, everyone talked a lot, but in the end there was no conclusion.

But there is a unanimous opinion that buying Marvel would be more beneficial to the company than buying Fox.

At least, we can't let Universal take Marvel away.

As for the price, they want to keep it around 60 billion, no more than 63 billion.

Cao Yu did not know Disney's decision at this time, and he was not in a hurry to sell Marvel.

Whoever is anxious loses.

When she returned home with Tiffany in the evening, the girl showed off her newly bought sexy lingerie.

Tiffany is now much thinner than before and has a very good figure.

Cao Yu looked at the sexy guy and pulled him into his arms: "How is the party going? Who are you inviting?"

"We've scheduled the party for the 20th of this month. The guests will include my college classmates, who all admire you, as well as some popular singers and stars in the music industry."

Tiffany snuggled in Cao Yu's arms: "There will be many beautiful girls coming, but don't get involved with them."

"What if they're planning on me?"

"They dare not!" Tiffany said, "You are my man."

"hey-hey."

Cao Yu smirked and thought, "I wonder if I can meet a good star. The casting for Mercenary World will start soon."

Sure enough, a day later, Warner Bros. called and said that HBO agreed to invest in the project and shoot it together.

"Okay, let's start casting!"

The original novel of "Mercenary World" has different continents, different races, and characters of different styles.

Therefore, this casting call is open to actors from all over the world.

He wants to select the best actors from around the world so that this drama can surpass "Game of Thrones".

In the past, scripts were ready-made and we just had to copy them down.

But ever since "Chi Ling" became popular, Cao Yu decided to innovate, to change, and to make Chinese novel culture more famous around the world!
The next day, China's Feiyu Entertainment, the United States' Warner Bros. and HBO, and Japan's Toho and Toei, five entertainment companies that are well-known around the world, issued actor recruitment notices, publicly selecting actors for "Mercenary World".

Not to mention the others, Feiyu Entertainment is the only one in East Asia, and HBO is famous all over the world.

Although the reputation of Game of Thrones has declined slightly since the fifth season, HBO's reputation remains. Actors like Daenerys Targaryen, Sansa, and Arya all became famous through this show.

Now that HBO is going to shoot a fantasy drama with a larger investment with China Feiyu Entertainment, who wouldn’t want to take part?
All of a sudden, actors from all over the world began to gather in New York, hoping to seize such an opportunity.

Moreover, the number of visits to the Singularity International Edition of "Mercenary World" increased by tens of thousands, and the number of readers of the novel also increased rapidly.

In addition to the actors, many people also want to see what this novel is like that has attracted five major companies in the world to invest in this drama.

The actor can only rely on his acting skills to win this role.

But many actresses have started to have evil thoughts.

After all, the boss of the production company is a man, and if you can establish a good relationship with him, you will have more opportunities.

During this period, many of the people Tiffany invited to the party were celebrities from the entertainment industry. Therefore, the news that Boss Cao, the producer of "Mercenary World", was going to hold a party spread in the circle.

Many female stars thought this was an opportunity and asked around, hoping to sneak into the party and get to know Boss Cao.

Cao Yu has also been studying the script and characters of "Mercenary World" these days.

He originally wanted to find a Chinese person to play the role of the protagonist Amy, but judging from the name, it is obvious that she is a Westerner.

If China does not have suitable actors, it can only use foreigners.

The "Aotian" of Chi Aotian must be a Chinese.

It’s just that there is a forest elf girl named "Ying" that makes Cao Yu a little embarrassed.

He remembered that he once saw a girl who was endorsing a game on the Internet. Not only was she beautiful, she also looked like a real elf. Unfortunately, he didn't know her name.

If we can find this girl to play the role, the effect will definitely be good.

If this drama becomes a big hit and a game is released in the future, just like Game of Thrones, that would be the most profitable.

On the evening of May 20th, Bedford New Castle.

Cao Yu had just returned from the company and had not yet entered the castle when he saw nearly a hundred cars in the yard and was stunned.

Didn't they say they only invited thirty people? How come so many of them came at once?

Is this all for the drama "Mercenary World", so they want me to select the cast on the spot?

With doubts, Cao Yu was about to enter the door when Tiffany came out.

"My dear, you are finally back. I am afraid we may not have enough wine tonight."

"how?"

"My classmates and my celebrity friends all brought several friends with them."

Tiffany apologized: "They told me before that they would bring friends with them. I thought they would only bring one companion, but I didn't expect each of them to bring two or three friends."

"It's okay, there are more people and it's more fun."

Cao Yu couldn't blame Tiffany. She probably didn't expect this to happen. He smiled and said, "Don't worry if there's not enough wine. I'll have someone go buy some now."

As he spoke, he and Tiffany entered the hall.

As soon as he entered, hundreds of people in the hall looked at him.
(End of this chapter)