America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 153, Section 152: If you disagree, I'll get you.

Beverly Hills, Nicole Kidman's birthday party.

Eric looked at the man in front of him, extended his hand and shook hands with him lightly, and the two smiled at each other.

"Hello, Eric Cooper, James!"

The other person's surname is Murdoch, and given the occasion, it's no surprise that he must be the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

This old man needs no introduction; few people in the world are unaware of his wealth and power, and his wife, Wendi Deng, is equally famous.

With News Corporation and 20th Century Fox in its hands, News Corporation also includes some of the most important media mouthpieces in countries such as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

20th Century Fox includes Fox Film, Fox Searchlight, Fox Television Network, and Fox Broadcasting Network.

Rupert Murdoch wields considerable influence not only in the entertainment industry but also in the political arena.

This influence will last for at least another 20 years before gradually waning, as the impact of the internet has severely damaged News Corporation's newspaper business.

Twentieth Century Fox was acquired by Disney in 2019 for a staggering $713 billion, becoming the largest film and television acquisition since the turn of the millennium. When the news was officially released, it shocked the world's entertainment industry.

From then on, Hollywood officially entered the era of the Big Five, leaving only Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount.

Although it is said that the world will eventually unite after a long period of division and eventually divide after a long period of unity, before Disney announced its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, most people thought that Paramount, the weakest of the companies, would be the first to be acquired. Unexpectedly, it was Fox that was acquired.

But that was more than a decade later. Mickey Mouse hasn't expanded to that extent yet, and News Corp. and Fox are still very influential, at least much stronger than MGM.

The two clinked glasses, and James Murdoch said, "Let me introduce myself first. Eric, you should be able to guess who I am, but you don't know me very well."

"My father is Rupert Murdoch, whom you are thinking of. I also work for News Corporation and am currently the chairman of Star Asia."

"Huh? Star TV is owned by your family?"

Eric was somewhat surprised. As a post-90s generation, Star TV had been a part of his childhood. Anime that wasn't imported to mainland China were broadcast on Star TV.

For example, Inuyasha, Naruto, Fruits Basket, Mirmo Zibang!, Detective Conan, Cardcaptor Sakura, and so on.

That evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, but I never imagined it belonged to News Corporation.

James Murdoch smiled slightly: "That's too absolute. Star TV is a subsidiary of News Corporation. It belongs to all shareholders. I'm just managing it on their behalf."

"Compared to MGM, it's better. You're the one in charge, and this lion is your personal property."

Eric waved his hand: "What use is it if it belongs to me alone? MGM owes billions in debt. I wake up every day with a headache, not knowing when the bank will take it over."

"You're too modest, Eric. MGM is doing very well right now, in the ten months since you took over."

"I've already calculated it, and all the investment projects are profitable. Although most of them are low-cost, the accuracy rate is simply terrifying."

"This proves that you have an amazing market sense; you can accurately analyze what the audience wants to see, which is a very rare and enviable ability."

If he were a traditional American, he would definitely boast that it was indeed his achievement.

However, Eric sensed that the guy in front of him had ill intentions, so he decided to hide his weakness and observe what the guy was up to first.

He laughed and said, "This is not my achievement; it is the result of the decision-making process of the entire MGM team. I was just an executor."

"Regardless, MGM's development momentum is positive, and many people are waiting for its relisting. Has the time been set? I plan to buy some shares when it does."

"The specific time is yet to be determined, but a relisting is certain. The stock is publicly traded, and anyone who wants to buy it can. If I had the money, I would like to buy News Corp and Fox stock."

Eric then looked at Wolverine beside him and said, "Jack, you can buy some too. Good investments make more money than good movies."

After listening for a while, Hugh Jackman could sense that something was off about their conversation. He was a smart man and knew better than to get involved in the affairs of powerful figures.

"Eric, thank you for your suggestion, I'll consider it. A friend of mine has arrived over there, I'll go say hello, you two chat."

After saying that, he promptly moistened the water.

James Murdoch gestured for him to speak: "This location isn't very convenient. How about we talk over there?"

The two walked to a corner of the living room, where there were few people and it was much quieter.

"James, what do you want to talk about? You're not thinking about acquiring MGM, are you?" Eric joked.

"Of course not. Although career is important, one must take things one step at a time. My ambitions haven't swelled to that extent yet."

"But I heard something that Facebook, which is currently all the rage in the US, seems to have some connection with MGM, is that right?"

Eric didn't answer directly, but said calmly, "Go on!"

"Facebook is great. The emergence of this social media is disruptive and will change the way people interact."

"I believe it has enormous potential for growth. Although it is currently mainly spreading in major universities across the United States, Facebook will definitely cover the entire United States in the near future."

"Imagine that maybe in a year, half of Americans will be using Facebook, and then it will gradually spread to Canada, Mexico, and Europe."

"Use a year to gradually conquer these countries, then Asia and South America."

"Perhaps in five years, or longer or shorter, Facebook's user reach will cover the entire world."

"By then, it will not only be the first social media in history, but also the largest social media in the world."

"We both know what 'largest' means: it represents monopoly, and monopoly symbolizes profit, profit that far exceeds everything else."

Seeing how eloquently James Murdoch spoke, Eric was convinced that Murdoch had already decided that he was the actual controller behind Facebook, and there was no need to deny it.

"James, what you said is very good, and I agree with your vision for the future. So, what exactly do you want to do?"

James Murdoch said seriously, "Cooperation leads to mutual benefit."

"Cooperation? James, cooperation requires sincerity. I need to see your sincerity first," Eric said.

"Of course I have sincerity, first of all, in terms of financial support. As you said, MGM is indeed developing very well now, but it is also a fact that it is heavily indebted."

"As Facebook grows, the operating funds required will only increase, and you have to admit that."

"At least until its user base stabilizes, Facebook will find it difficult to turn a profit. It will remain in a loss-making state for a long time and will need to continuously inject capital."

"So my first condition was financial support. Based on Facebook's registered users, News Corp. was willing to invest $100 million a year in operating funds for every 500 million registered users."

"And this number is fluctuating; it could rise to 600 million, 700 million, or even 800 million in the future, depending on market price fluctuations."

Eric smiled slightly. The price was indeed very good. If they didn't consider expanding into other businesses, they would actually make a profit from an operational standpoint alone.

"Hmm, not bad. Please proceed to your second condition."

"The second is naturally resource support, including connections and public opinion, which are News Corporation's forte."

"I've noticed that although Facebook hasn't been online for long, some media outlets are already saying bad things about it. Did you watch that CBS interview? It was full of concerns and criticisms about Facebook."

"With News Corp's support, Facebook will have nothing to worry about in terms of public opinion; we will be the most authoritative news media."

"News Corp. can provide strong support when expanding its business in Europe, Australia, and even Asia in the future, at least minimizing the obstacles Facebook will encounter."

"Eric, although what I said was very general, you should be able to sense the influence of News Corporation. Think about it."

Eric nodded. "James, I have a question. Did you approach me on your own initiative, or on behalf of your father?"

Perhaps feeling that Eric couldn't refuse him, or perhaps believing that he surpassed Eric in both status and power, James Murdoch made no attempt to hide his intentions.

He stated openly, "This is currently my personal decision, but I am confident that I can persuade my father to agree to it."

"I have been working at Star Asia since 2000, and it has been three years now. In the early days of my tenure, the station had already accumulated losses of US$6.5 million."

"I spent three years reviving it, successfully penetrating the Chinese and Indian markets, and helping the company turn a profit."

"Now that I am about to leave Star TV, my father promised that I could choose almost any position at News Corporation or Fox."

"I was originally planning to become the CEO of Sky UK, but then Facebook came along and I discovered this gem."

"Judging from its popularity, the social media market has enormous potential, so this area will be my new target."

"I'm not afraid to tell you that if we cooperate, it will be a win-win situation, or News Corp. will launch its own social network and we will become competitors."

Eric's eyes narrowed: "Are you threatening me?"

"Eric, this isn't a threat, but rather constructive advice. You can't go it alone in this world."

"Ha. Do you know how much time MGM invested in developing Facebook? When News Corporation develops its own software, how much time will the market give you?"

"Eric, your premise is that it's a complete redevelopment, but what if I already have a finished product?"

"What? How do you have that?"

Eric was somewhat surprised, and in an instant, words like code leak and insider came to mind.

"Don't be so surprised. I didn't do anything illegal. Someone sold it to me. Its name is Myspace."

"If you agree to the collaboration, we will work together to create the world's strongest social network; if you refuse, MySpace will immediately compete with Facebook."

"MGM can use celebrities for publicity, and so can Fox. We have the resources that MGM has, and we also have the resources that MGM doesn't have."

"I don't want it to end in a lose-lose situation, Eric. I hope you understand that too."

After James Murdoch finished speaking, he stared straight at Eric, who then realized where the other man's true confidence came from.

If you can't have something, you'll destroy it with something similar. This tactic isn't unique to Tencent; it's something that capitalist groups all over the world are good at.

Eric narrowed his eyes: "James, tell me what you want."

James Murdoch spread his five fingers: "50% of Facebook's shares, of course, you still have the operational control, I have the right to advise, and you are still the de facto controller of Facebook."

Eric almost laughed in anger when he heard the other party's request.

They're really asking for an exorbitant amount, demanding half the shares right off the bat. They're practically begging for it.

Eric would seriously consider a 10% or no more than 20% option, but 50% is complete nonsense.

If you're not going to participate in operations, who would believe you?

At most, they will behave themselves for a while. Once they have established themselves, they will definitely try every means to take the lead. At that time, Facebook will inevitably face a fierce internal struggle.

Eric downed the drink in one gulp and said coldly, "It seems you have no sincerity whatsoever."

Seeing Eric about to leave, James Murdoch hurriedly said, "Wait, Eric, this is just my initial idea. We can discuss the specifics of the collaboration later."

"I don't think that's necessary. You can't reduce that number to 10%, just like I can't take half of News Corp and Fox's shares from you."

"You want a share swap?"

"That's right, this is the best way to cooperate. I don't need your money, and your resources might be useful, but what difference does it make if I don't have them?"

"Eric Cooper, a share swap is not an option, especially since Facebook is just a new company. It seems you'll have to choose the path of competition." James Murdoch's voice also turned cold.

Eric didn't move, but glanced back at him with a look that was somewhat hawkish and predatory.

For some reason, being stared at like that made James Murdoch suddenly feel uncomfortable and uneasy.

Just then, Nico walked over, seemingly unaware of the problem.

"What are you two doing here? Eric, let me introduce you, this is..."

"No need, I've already spoken with Mr. Murdoch."

"Really? You two already know each other? That's great, James, I've always..."

"Sorry Nicole, something urgent came up at the company, I have to go back and take care of it. Happy birthday, I'll contact you again when I have time."

Watching James Murdoch's departing figure, Nicole looked blankly at Eric.

(End of this chapter)