American Gossip King

Chapter 248 This is my bank

Shortly after completing the restructuring of the Carl Group, Ian continued his aggressive acquisition spree.

On February 14, Ian and AnKang Group officially reached a cooperation agreement.

Ankang Insurance Company invested 300 billion yuan in Carl Media at a valuation of 30 billion yuan, acquiring a 10% stake. This investment is intended to expand Carl Media, and the shares of Ian Carl and Murdoch will be diluted proportionally. Ian's share will decrease to 59.4%, and Murdoch's to 30.6%.

This means that when there is competition for major decisions on the board of directors, and a two-thirds majority vote is required for approval, Ankang's 10% stake becomes significant.

This is why Ankang is willing to invest at such a high price.

They, as minority shareholders, are not without a say.

But even a valuation of 300 billion is already a favorable offer to Ankang. LANN's development potential is limitless, so Ankang also agreed to provide News Corp. with some low-interest loans, which is an additional benefit for Murdoch.

Ian took the 30 billion from Ankang Group and invested it all in LANN for its expansion.

Although the agreement with Murdoch was to bring LANN to a market capitalization of $10 billion within two years and $20 billion within five years (after Murdoch provided an additional $23 billion after the prerequisites were met), Ian did not intend to wait that long.

Moreover, the agreement with Murdoch stipulates that LANN's investment will not exceed 2 billion, but if Ian can achieve the goal within a year, then Murdoch can accept it even if the investment exceeds the limit by no more than 1 billion... Of course, subsequent funding will be reduced by 500 million as a result.

Who would complain about their company growing too fast? Spending hundreds of millions to buy a year of time is something many big bosses are willing to accept.

This included buying back WND News Network from CBS, a subsidiary of News Corporation. At this time, WND's valuation was 3 million, more than double the price Ian sold it to CBS.

But worth it.

WND still has huge potential for improvement, which is one of the benefits Murdoch promised him.

It can be said that these two shameless big bosses have both kept their promises for the first time this time, fulfilling their respective verbal commitments... If this gets out, it will be a miracle in business history!

When did verbal agreements become so effective?

As a result, Carl Media's size surged further, with its valuation once reaching 350 billion, attracting numerous bigwigs eager to invest in Carl Media.

But Ian refused.

Carl Media should be able to reach around 500 billion next year.

………………

As usual, Ian continued his habit of picking up news while driving.

But unlike before when he would just walk around with a camera in hand, Ian now has a team.

He was driving his newly bought Rolls-Royce, followed by a press car driven by Bridexton, suitable for any unexpected situation, with Vincent sitting next to him.

As they drove through an apartment complex, Ian suddenly stopped the car, picked up the walkie-talkie, and said, "There's a rape happening on the third floor next door. Vincent, go cover the scene. Remember, we're reporters, don't disturb other people's activities."

Vincent laughed and said, "That's difficult. I don't think rapists would have the courage to continue moving in front of the camera."

He parked the car and watched Vincent and Bridexton go upstairs, with Bridexton acting as the photographer.

As Vincent said, once such a rape is discovered, it is difficult for it to continue; most of the time, it is just ordinary fighting.

This means it's difficult to create more buzz, so Ian wasn't very interested in going up.

Ian, who was smoking downstairs, suddenly paused and looked into the distance.

A black sedan drove out of a garage not far away, and although the windows were opaque, Ian still saw it.

Inside the car sat several men wearing black masks and carrying submachine guns.

This usually means only one thing: they're about to do something big.

Is the Palos Bank case about to reach its third iteration?

Ian was excited.

He quickly threw away his cigarette butt, got back into his car, and picked up the phone: "Vincent, how are you?"

"We are currently conducting an interview, but the other party is not very cooperative."

"A major case is about to occur. Quickly end your interviews there, then notify headquarters to send two helicopters over immediately! You can follow them by helicopter."

"clear."

Ian made the arrangements while driving after them.

The car continued on its way and soon reached the highway, merging into the congested traffic and continuing its journey.

They soon left the city and got on California Highway 1.

The number of vehicles has decreased significantly here.

The car continued to move forward, and after reaching an open space, the black car in front stopped.

Several people got out of the car.

They were wearing black masks, pointed guns at Ian's car, and gestured for him to pull over.

"We've been spotted." Ian laughed as he parked the car on the side of the road.

Two men in black hoods walked over, and Ian rolled down the car window and smiled slightly at them.

With a gun pointed at Ian's head, Ian smiled and said, "Hey guys, don't be nervous."

An invisible giant appeared silently, blocking the gun barrel from being pointed at it.

"You're following us... Oh damn, are you Ian Karl?" The hooded leader was taken aback.

The latest novel is first published here!

Ian nodded. "Yes, gentlemen, I see you... I think this is going to be interesting. I mean, you know who I am. I'm not a cop; I just want to do an on-site interview. You don't need to worry about me."

Given Ian Carl's current immense fame, no one doubts that he simply wanted an interview.

This is a madman born to do journalism.

Even the leader in the black hood laughed: "This is really interesting."

The man in the black hood next to him got excited too: "Boss, we're going to be on TV! We can be like those fools Gan Lun, publish a book, and make a fortune!"

"Shut up, I have a better idea. Maybe we don't need to rob the armored truck at all. Wouldn't it be better to just kidnap Ian Carl? He's richer! And he said he welcomes being kidnapped!"

Ian laughed, "I could be kidnapped anytime, but an armored truck is a rare opportunity. I mean, I still want a highway chase today."

The man in the black hood next to him asked, "How much money can you give us?"

Ian said, "That depends on news sales. Since similar incidents have happened twice already, the news value of repeated events always decreases. More importantly, you must successfully escape before we can talk... Would you be willing to tell me where you're going? That way I can follow up."

The hooded leader shook his head repeatedly: "I don't want to be on the show. Gan Lun and his gang haven't had a chance to rob banks since they started working with you. I don't want to have to end my career because of that, so... I think it's better to kidnap you."

Ah, you regard robbery as a career?

They're really dedicated.

"I like dedicated people. How about this, you can kidnap me and then rob an armored truck. We can do two things at the same time, which will have a greater news impact. After all, news needs to be novel. We've covered street shootouts before, but we've never covered kidnapping, robbery, and reporting all at the same time... You'll have to let me bring my camera."

The hooded man at the head of the group looked at Ian speechlessly.

After a long pause, he nodded and said, "You're the most unimaginable guy I've ever met; you're a complete madman. Are you sure you'll give us the money?"

"Of course! You know I have a good reputation in this area. I can pay a million for the interview and filming fees, and we'll discuss the kidnapping fee later!" Ian laughed, a glint of brilliance in his eyes.

The hooded leader laughed loudly, "Alright then, you go drive. Ian Carl, you ride in our car. The cameras are on."

"Don't worry, it's not a live broadcast, the content will be edited." Ian got out of the car with a smile, changed into a black balaclava, and drove his car.

He walked to the car in front and greeted the men in black hoods inside: "Hello everyone."

The men in black hoods remained silent.

The car got back on the road and continued its journey. Ian had already begun his interviews, which at this stage were simply asking them about their thought process and the robbery plan.

At that moment, Ian asked, "By the way, which armored truck are you planning to rob?"

The man in the black hood replied, "The armored truck from Linuo Bank will be passing by here in twenty minutes."

"Fuck!" Ian cursed. "This is my bank!"

The hooded men stared at Ian in astonishment, then burst into laughter: "This sounds like a breaking news story!"

(End of this chapter)