The American Kill Line: I Can Predict the Future

The Hollywood CAA talent agency was founded very early, dating back to 1975.

For the past 35 years, it has been 100% owned by Eastern European Jews.

Unexpectedly, this year, TPG Private Equity, a private equity fund formed by a group of Texas billionaires, acquired a 35% stake for $1.65 million.

A $5 million joint investment fund was established for CAA’s business expansion.

Surprisingly, I never expected that the rugged-looking old Buss would get involved in the entertainment industry through TPG so early.

"Nothing surprising, kid. You should know that the energy and industrial sectors haven't been doing well these past few years. We nouveau riche, yes, that's what Wall Street calls us."

Old Bass laughed loudly on the phone: "We nouveau riche have plenty of money, but we can't let money sit in the bank and depreciate. These asset-light entertainment industries are a good option, with almost no risk."

It wasn't just CAA; as early as 2005, a Texas consortium centered around energy and heavy industry, led by J.R. Buss, began getting involved in Hollywood.

TPG is leading a $50 billion acquisition of approximately 21% of MGM.

MGM recently filed for bankruptcy reorganization due to its massive debt, and a Texas consortium has once again intervened, becoming the largest creditor and the leading party.

They hold heavyweight IPs such as 007 and The Hobbit, as well as the MGM film library.

Furthermore, they had invested in Disney in the past, but withdrew their shares in recent years.

However, they still retain a small stake.

Furthermore, they also hold controlling stakes in or directly acquire sports clubs such as the Los Angeles Lakers, the world's largest gaming and entertainment group Caesars Entertainment, the number one Spanish-language media group in the United States Univision, and top variety show production company Dick Clark, among other entertainment businesses.

Ron clicked his tongue in amazement; the outside world generally held a negative view of this group of Texas tycoons.

In reality, they are very shrewd and quietly make a fortune.

Changing the subject, old Buss suddenly said, "Young cowboy, I heard you've got your eye on IMG? Planning to snatch it away after that old man dies. Interested in bringing CAA under your umbrella too? Imagine, IMG plus CAA, then the whole of Hollywood will have to defer to you."

"Don't talk nonsense, Mr. Buss. When did I ever take a liking to IMG?"

Ron gasped; he had to admit that Old Bass's suggestion was excellent.

He had even begun to consider the feasibility of it in his mind.

A top sports agency and a top Hollywood talent agency.

If these two companies were to join forces, it's unimaginable how powerful they would be.

Old Buss sneered, "Kid, don't play innocent in front of me. None of us Texas wolves don't love meat. Especially you, you fucking love stabbing people in the back. But I like it, hahaha..."

"How about it? If you agree, we'll help you persuade those four old guys at CAA. We don't need much, just another 15% or more."

Ron almost drooled: "Are you sure it will work?"

Old Buss laughed heartily: "I knew you little cowboy were eyeing this. Only those idiots on Wall Street would think you're after a woman."

Ron sighed inwardly, "I really was just doing this for the woman."

Why do you always misunderstand?

Never mind, he won't explain anymore.

Let it be a misunderstanding.

If the initial move against IMG was simply an attempt to use the situation as an excuse to find allies.

So after acquiring 30% of IMG's shares, he genuinely had the idea of ​​taking over IMG after Ted Forsterman's death.

At noon, assistant Fang Wei received a call from Baron Hilton of the Hilton family, inviting Ron to dinner.

Ron raised an eyebrow: "Barron Hilton, what does he want with me? Never mind, I'll just tell him I'm pretty busy lately."

Although the Hilton family is considered old money, they couldn't even protect their own businesses.

This kind of old money has become obsolete.

If a highly capable head of the family cannot emerge within 20 years to revitalize the family, then the name Hilton will become history.

Whether we meet or not, it doesn't matter much.

It was simply to plead for his granddaughter Paris.

Moreover, Ron is indeed unavailable tonight; he has already agreed to the Koch family's dinner party.

4 pm.

The Federal Reserve officially announced that it will purchase $750 billion in Treasury bonds per month, for a total of $6000 billion.

It exceeded the expected $5000 billion.

As the market neared its close, the euro rose slightly to 1.4130, gold rose to 1365, and the three major US dollar indices also saw varying degrees of increase.

The full impact of QE2 will begin tomorrow.

According to the "foreseen" information, Ron estimates that the market will gradually digest QE2 as early as tomorrow or the day after, that is, Thursday or Friday, and at the latest before next Wednesday. This is also the highest point for the euro and gold this month.

The question is, what factors exactly caused the euro and gold to fall again throughout the month?

The Federal Reserve is printing money, and you guys are still so disappointing.

Could it be that another EU country has a national debt deficit?

Damn it, Ron was too lazy to think about it anymore. These damn EU countries just keep self-destructing all year round.

My skin is already numb.

……

That evening, Ron went to Koch Estate alone without Megan.

In addition to core Republican members and their powerful financial backers, the banquet was attended by key Republican Party members.

There are also some wealthy patrons like Ron who are caught in the middle.

For example, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, TPG Holdings, etc.

The stronger side will have more points, but the difference won't be too big.

Old Trump has also arrived and is currently chatting with people everywhere.

He's like a plague god; wherever he goes, silence falls.

To be honest, Ron was a little impressed with Trump.

If it were me, I would never have the nerve to keep offering my warm welcome only to be met with cold indifference.

Ron was chatting with Brian Moynihan, the new CEO of Bank of America, when suddenly an old voice rang in his ear:

"Ron, it's been a long time."

Ron turned around and smiled, "Good evening, Mr. Hilton."

Barron Hilton, arm in arm with her granddaughter Nicky Hilton, approached the two and first greeted Brian.

He had also heard about the conflict between the Hilton heiress and Ron last night, so he wisely left.

Baron Hilton smiled at Ron and said, "No need to be so polite, Ron. Just call me Baron."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly: "After all, I'm just a retired old man who's been abandoned and lost his business."

Ron shook his head slightly: "Mr. Hilton, there's a saying that you shouldn't judge a hero by success or failure. I believe history will give a fair evaluation."

Everyone knows the legendary life of Hilton Conrad.

But it was also Conrad, the first generation, who laid the groundwork for the Hilton family's eventual loss of their business empire.

In 1964, Conrad Hilton spun off Hilton's international business into an independent company, "Hilton International".

After that, a frenzy of mergers and acquisitions began.

Three years later, due to the debt pressure brought about by the merger and the political situation, Conrad was forced to compromise and sell Hilton International to TWA for approximately $1.5 million.

From then on, Hilton in the United States and abroad became two separate companies.

Before his death in 1979, he made a terrible will that almost ruined the entire Hilton family.

It took Baron Hilton, the second-generation leader, nearly nine years to regain control of Hilton Hotels.

Then, over the next twenty years, Hilton Hotels was propelled to new heights.

Unfortunately, they ultimately couldn't compete with Wall Street capital.

"Not judging heroes by success or failure?" Barron Hilton's cloudy eyes brightened slightly as he chuckled. "I never expected that in Wall Street, a place I despise, there would be someone who understands me. It's a pity you rose to prominence a little too late."

Ron smiled.

Barron Hilton quickly composed himself and turned to his granddaughter beside him, introducing her as follows:

"Nikki, before we came here you asked me why I brought you here, right? Come on, let me introduce you. Ron Hunter, currently the most promising young financier on Wall Street."

Nicky Hilton gave Ron a polite, sweet smile: "Hello, Mr. Hunter."

"Hello, Miss Hilton," Ron said politely.

Nicky Hilton asked curiously, "Mr. Hunter, I heard you had a fight with my sister last night?"

"Your sister?" Ron exclaimed in realization, then laughed, "It was just a few jokes, nothing serious."

"I heard you asked my sister to..."

"Nikki!" Barron Hilton interrupted appropriately, then extended an invitation:

"Ron, I know you're all very busy. Are you free Saturday night? Would you mind having dinner with this old man?"

Ron pondered for a moment, somewhat puzzled by the old man's thoughts.

If the goal is to plead for the eldest granddaughter, this is the best opportunity.

But apart from this, there doesn't seem to be anything else.

Thinking that he didn't have any plans for Saturday night, he nodded slightly and said, "Thank you. I'll go if nothing urgent comes up."

"Okay, goodbye then."

Barron Hilton had just left when David Koch appeared next to Ron.

"Ron, someone asked me to pass on a message: is it possible to cooperate next week?"

Ron was taken aback, then his pupils contracted slightly...