American Gossip King

Chapter 283 The Banquet

Moderna is a biopharmaceutical company that was founded in 2010 in the old timeline.

However, in this timeline, its predecessor, the Moderna Biotechnology Research and Development Laboratory, already existed, though it was still a small-scale operation.

This company primarily focuses on drug discovery, development, and vaccine technology based on mRNA technology, and has experienced rapid growth, especially during the pandemic, when it has made a fortune.

Now is a great time to buy.

Because he had been following Ian for some time, Van Nistel knew that Ian's main focus this year was the financial industry, followed by penetration into oil and arms companies, but he was still paying attention to the pharmaceutical sector, which would likely be included in next year's plans.

Therefore, Ian is already learning about Modena's situation.

Although Moderna is currently just a laboratory, it is backed by some big names, mostly pharmaceutical giants, who will not easily sell their shares unless you buy them at a high price.

Ian Carl never makes exorbitant acquisitions!

He looked at Van Nistelrooy: "Pasacco is a shareholder of Moderna?"

Van Nistel nodded: "Moderna's research has recently made a breakthrough, and its shareholders are very optimistic about it and are continuing to invest. They won't give up easily."

Ian gave a soft "hmm" and said, "The pharmaceutical company is not in this year's development plan. The earliest it will be is next year, and more likely the year after."

Ian's plan is to focus on building a strong financial empire this year, and with next year being an election year, he will consider further enhancing his political influence, with his main focus on arms, shipbuilding, oil, and even chemical products.

These are all major deals; it would be good if we could handle these four next year, so pharmaceuticals will have to wait.

Van Nistel smiled. "Isn't that perfect? ​​Ilzer is a very capable man. He's a Marine, an excellent marksman, agile, can use a variety of weapons, and is skilled in demolition. I'm sure he might not be your match, but he could definitely take on two Bridesons."

Bledson shrugged. "What I'm good at is racing."

Van Nistel continued, "You need quality men, not always a bunch of sickly fools. We men may be fearless, but our bodies are weak, and there are things we're simply powerless to do. Wouldn't it be better to have healthy assassins? Just promise him you revenge within three years, and he'll give you his life, forever! He keeps his word!"

Ian let out a long sigh of relief.

He looked at Van Nistel: "What's your relationship with him?"

Van Nistel replied, "His wife is my sister."

Ian: "..."

So revenge is also something you need?

Ian smiled.

He thought about it carefully for a while and said, "After we get back to Los Angeles, we'll find a time to invite him for an interview."

Van Nistel was overjoyed: "Thank you, boss!"

………………

At dusk, the passenger plane landed at New York Airport.

Murdoch personally came to pick him up at the airport.

The old man laughed heartily and gave Ian a warm hug.

He looked at Ian with admiration: "The world is yours, Ian!"

Ian smiled and gently kissed Murdoch's forehead: "The world belongs to us!"

The two laughed as they walked out of the airport, got into the Rolls-Royce, and chatted all the way.

Upon his return, Ian first went to New York, mainly to negotiate with the White House, Wall Street, and other parties.

Cooperation needs to be discussed for the Missan oil field complex, arms procurement, and the acquisition of Lockheed Martin's shares.

There was another reason behind the scenes: Ian was a little hesitant to go back to Los Angeles... because a group of girls were waiting for him there.

Even Kate Scarlett and the others have some free time lately, and they're all eyeing him covetously. If Ian goes back, he'll probably be skinned alive. At that point, it won't be just feeding one girl, but feeding a whole bunch of girls.

Even going back in time wouldn't be enough to sustain this demand.

So Ian will hide for now.

At that moment, Murdoch clinked glasses with Ian and said, "To be honest, I don't think investing in Lockheed Martin is a good idea. I don't understand what you're thinking."

Although Lockheed Martin is very powerful, its market capitalization has remained relatively stable and its growth has been extremely slow.

In the next 20 years, its size will only increase by about four times, to about 130 billion. Lockheed Martin's current value is only about 20 billion, and even that has to take inflation into account.

A large part of the reason for this is that its main single customer is the US government... 90% of its orders come from the US government.

This means it lacks pricing power!

Furthermore, because they are engaged in cutting-edge technology, they are restricted from globalization!

This prevents it from actually achieving global sales, despite its claim to be the world's number one defense company.

For these reasons, Lockheed Martin has found it difficult to increase its size. Of course, its profits are still good, with annual earnings of two to three billion, but in reality, it has been shrinking more and more in the later stages.

Simply put, Lockheed Martin's technology is worth 100 billion, but it can only be used for 20 billion. This is Lockheed Martin's dilemma and its unavoidable predicament.

In comparison, Boeing, also a defense technology company, is in a better position... at least they still have passenger planes to sell.

The latest novel is first published here!

If it weren't for the technology and the powerful influence these arms companies have over the government, no reborn would buy its shares.

At that moment, Ian laughed and said, "Of course, it's because of their ability to infiltrate the White House."

Murdoch shook his head and laughed: "I knew it was this, but Ian, your main job is media, I don't recommend you get too distracted."

Currently, Ian's role in the rebirth process is mainly in film and television works, at most involving Shanda, a Chinese company. Therefore, it is normal for Murdoch not to be optimistic about his investment capabilities.

Ian shrugged. "Then we should get involved even more. This is America; what media outlet doesn't serve politics?"

Murdoch nodded: "That's true."

The two chatted as they walked through the streets of New York and arrived at a building.

Murdoch led Ian into the building, into a brightly lit lobby.

A large number of high-ranking American elites had already gathered there, and upon seeing Ian Carl arrive, they clapped and applauded: "Welcome America's hero, the great, legendary journalist Ian Carl!"

A thunderous applause erupted.

These were all important figures with good relations with News Corporation and Carl Corporation. They arrived one after another, raising their glasses to congratulate Ian, who politely returned their toasts.

Ian has attended so many banquets like this that he can rattle off polite phrases with ease.

"It's a pleasure to see you, Mr. Trod."

"Wow, Mr. Buchanan, what kind of magic potion did you use? You look so much younger than before!"

"Mrs. Burman, you are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. Oh my God, Mr. Burman, may I pursue her?"

"Ms. Paris Hilton? Your name is legendary!"

During their casual conversation, Ian spotted a tall, slender blonde beauty.

Paris Hilton!

This wealthy heiress, who has been controversial since high school, is a household name, just like Ivanka Trump.

Interestingly, she and Ivanka were already best friends—in 00, 19-year-old Paris Hilton signed with Donald Trump's modeling agency and became a well-known model.

Standing before Ian, the stylishly dressed Paris Hilton, like a proud peacock, sized him up and smiled, "Ivanka has mentioned you to me. Every time she speaks your name, her eyes light up like stars. Are you really as amazing as the rumors say?"

Ian smiled: "Does it need verification?"

(End of this chapter)