Chapter 286 Invitation and Acquisition of Hollywood Film Companies

Anthony Edwards saw that Liu Zhou's expression suddenly became much more serious, and knew that he had something important to say, so his expression also became much more serious.

"Liu, what's the matter?"

"I'm planning to acquire a film company in Hollywood, and I hope you can help me."

Hearing Liu Zhou's words, Anthony Edwards said with a smile:

"You really know how to pick your time. Hollywood movie studios are having a hard time right now, even Lionsgate.

I actually came here with a mission. I wanted to persuade you to start a new project, but I didn't expect you to persuade me to change jobs. "

"Actually, the two things you mentioned are not contradictory. If you come to work for me, you can also cooperate with Lionsgate. You have completed the mission assigned to you by Lionsgate." Liu Zhou also replied with a smile.

"Liu, why didn't I realize you were so humorous before?"

"Okay, no more jokes, Anthony. I'm formally inviting you. Do you accept my invitation?"

“How can I reply to you if you don’t even tell me about your treatment?
And I am now the vice president of Lionsgate. If my salary is not as good as Lionsgate, I think we can still be friends. "

In fact, Anthony Edwards had previously guessed that Liu Zhou would set up his own company in Hollywood, and he had also given Edwards a hint.

So Edwards was not too surprised by Liu Zhou's invitation now.

However, his current position in Lionsgate is not low, and Lionsgate is now also a leading company among Hollywood's second-tier film companies.

Therefore, if he is still allowed to be a deputy, it will not be attractive to him at all. And even if he is allowed to be independent, it will not be attractive if the company acquired by Liu Zhou is too small.

Liu Zhou certainly understood what Anthony Edwards meant, and said with a smile:

"Annual salary of one million dollars, position as company president, the company has been profitable for three consecutive years, and there will be dividends at the end of the year."

"Very tempting. Which company are you going to acquire?"

"That depends on your ability. Apart from the Big Seven, I can pay any company in Hollywood as long as you can negotiate a deal."

"Liu, aren't you afraid that I will cheat you and run away?"

"Don't be afraid, I believe you are not that kind of person!"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Well, if you can do it under the nose of Goldman Sachs or convince Goldman Sachs to cheat the clients together, then I will have to admit defeat."

"You've hired Goldman Sachs? It seems you are serious this time." Edwards said with some surprise.

"Anthony, did you think I was joking just now?"

"Of course not. I didn't expect you to have made sufficient preparations."

"As you just said, the United States is experiencing a financial crisis right now. This is a good time to take action, so of course we can't miss this opportunity."

Anthony Edwards pondered for a moment and said:
"Liu, how much money have you prepared to acquire a Hollywood film company this time?"

“It seems that you are still worried about my determination this time. I told you that, apart from the Big Seven in Hollywood, I will pay to acquire any company you reach an agreement with Goldman Sachs this time.

Even if you can convince Gustave to sell Lionsgate, I will raise funds to take it over."

If Lionsgate is really sold this time, Liu Zhou will definitely not miss it.

But he also knew that this was impossible.

The financial crisis is not a crisis for everyone. Instead, it is an opportunity for some people.

This is the case for Gustavo. The financial crisis has not had much impact on him.

So he took this opportunity to lead Lionsgate to develop and expand rapidly when the seven major Hollywood studios were all in trouble.

When the seven major Hollywood studios wanted to suppress Lionsgate again, they found that they couldn't do it at all.

Later, the only shortcoming of Lionsgate compared to the Big Seven was that it did not have a seat in the MPAA and a huge film library.

After listening to Liu Zhou's words, Anthony Edwards also fell into deep thought.

Liu Zhou didn't disturb him. After all, for him, this was an important decision that concerned his career.

After a long while, Anthony Edwards let out a long sigh and said:

"Liu, I hope you won't make me regret the decision I made today this time!"

Hearing Edwards' words, Liu Zhou immediately smiled and said:
"Anthony, don't worry, you won't regret it. I think we can make a career together, and you can become a big shot in Hollywood like Gustav."

"Should I call you Boss now?"

"No, we are still friends in private."

"Then I will apply for resignation from Gustav when I return. I wonder if he will turn against you when he finds out that I am here to work for you."

"Don't worry, he won't do that. As long as there is enough profit, he will welcome it with a smile even if Lionsgate is hollowed out."

At this time, Anthony Edwards sighed and said:

"I have worked at Lionsgate for several years and watched it grow little by little. Now that I am leaving, I suddenly feel a little reluctant."

This is not because he is being pretentious. He has truly accompanied Lionsgate in its growth from a small, newly established company to the current second-tier Hollywood film company.

The reason why he chose to leave was because he knew that his promotion path in Lionsgate had reached the top. Unless Gustav gave up the position of president, he would have to remain vice president.

But given Gustav's current strength and prestige, it is impossible for him to give up the position in the short term. Even if he does, he will most likely be sidelined by Eisner just like Michael Ovitz was sidelined by Eisner when he went to Disney.

Moreover, in Hollywood, it is not easy to jump from deputy to president.

Since Lionsgate has no room for growth, and now there is such an opportunity, Edwards certainly wants to give it a try.

With such qualifications, even if I leave Liu Zhou's company in the future, whether to start a business or switch to another company, I will be more confident.

"There's nothing to be reluctant about. You don't owe Lionsgate anything."

"I just felt like speaking my mind, so what do you need me to do next?"

"Of course, you should first complete the resignation procedures. Then I will let the people from Goldman Sachs work with you to look for suitable acquisition targets. It is best to choose a company that has the ability to issue shares in North America."

"no problem."

"Ok, you've been in Hollywood for so many years, you should know which company is more suitable, right?"

"I'll have to look into it in detail, but don't worry, I will pick a very high-quality company for you."

"I believe in your vision. When you go to negotiate, you can tell the other party that I can pay all in cash."

Liu Zhou knew clearly that cash is king in this period.

In fact, during the financial crisis, many companies went bankrupt, not because of problems in their development, but simply because of a cut-off in cash flow.

Acquiring with all cash is also a big temptation for sellers.

"In this case, that's perfect."

"Then how long will it take for you to resign?"

"At least one month, at most three months."

"Ok, then complete your resignation procedures and contact me directly. You also have my contact information."

After the business was settled, Liu Zhou personally cooked and treated Edwards to a Chinese meal in the evening.

The next day, he left and returned to Los Angeles.

Shortly after Edwards left, Liu Zhou also welcomed a vice president from Goldman Sachs.

Although he is called vice president, he is equivalent to a middle-level position in Goldman Sachs.

In the financial industry, the job titles in most companies look quite impressive, with a large number of vice presidents and senior vice presidents.

Liu Zhou had nothing much to talk about with them, so he just dealt with the matter of acquiring a Hollywood company by handing it over to them.

There are many details to deal with when a foreigner acquires a company in the United States, especially for a Chinese, who may have more restrictions.

But Liu Zhou really didn't have the energy to deal with these trivial matters, so it would be better to just pay someone to solve it.

Goldman Sachs is undoubtedly a very good choice. With their strong strength in the United States, they can not only help you find high-quality acquisition targets, but also help you deal with a series of matters including acquisition negotiations and follow-up.

Although their fees are not low, they are worth it.

Not only did Liu Zhou entrust the acquisition of a Hollywood film company, he also entrusted Goldman Sachs with the preparation for the acquisition of an NBA team.

Liu Zhou sold off his stake in Penguin shares and cashed out the money just to satisfy his own pleasure.

His hobby is basketball. When he was a child, he liked to watch NBA broadcasts and videos. Now that he is rich, it is impossible for him to play basketball, but he can buy an NBA team for fun.

As for the money used to acquire the Hollywood film company, it was of course in the name of Golden Harvest.

Otherwise, if Liu Zhou paid for it himself, he would have to pay more taxes to the United States when the company was transferred to Golden Harvest.

Therefore, it would be better to acquire it directly in the name of Jiahe. If Jiahe does not have enough money, Liu Zhou can inject some funds into it.

Moreover, given the current trend, acquiring a Hollywood company under the name of Golden Harvest will have more stories to tell when it goes public, and the stocks will be more attractive.

The acquisition of a Hollywood film company will be the last major move by Golden Harvest Group before its listing. Once the listing process begins, the use of large sums of money will not be allowed.

After spending two days and hiring a lawyer to confirm that there were no problems, Liu Zhou formally signed a power of attorney agreement with Goldman Sachs.

After the people from Goldman Sachs left, Liu Zhou also breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Tong came over with a cup of tea, put it in front of Liu Zhou and said:
"Is everything settled?"

"It's settled, Xiaotong. I'm so sorry. I originally said I was here to accompany you, but suddenly there were so many things to do."

"It doesn't matter, as long as you are here."

Liu Zhou drank a sip of tea, pondered for a while and said to Zhang Tong:

"Xiaotong, I may have to go back. There is still a lot of work waiting for me in China."

"I think you should go back soon. Don't worry, I will take good care of the baby."

Liu Zhou held Zhang Tong in his arms, smelled the fragrance of her hair, and said softly:
"I'll come back to see you and the kids after I finish filming The Martian."

"Well, I'll wait for you."

(End of this chapter)