Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 643 Microsoft Antitrust

In the early morning, Catherine Zeta-Jones crawled out of bed and snuggled into the man's arms. "Darling, are you satisfied now?"

“Hmm,” Aaron chuckled, stroking the sexy Catherine Zeta-Jones in his arms. “Of course, you’re always irresistible!”

"By the way, are there any projects coming up lately?"

"Ah, yes, I've accepted the script for a romantic comedy film, co-starring Julia Roberts, and it's scheduled for release next year."

Julia Roberts' "Runaway Bride," which she co-starred in with Al Pacino last year, grossed $1.5 million in North America and $3 million worldwide!

"Well, Julia Roberts is pretty good, it's a pity she missed Shakespeare in Love."

Julia Roberts was originally cast as the female lead in "Shakespeare in Love," but she insisted on working with Daniel Day-Lewis, who didn't like the script and refused outright.
Later, the Shakespeare in Love project was transferred to Dawn, and Edward Zwick chose Winona Ryder as the lead actress.

"It is indeed a pity, as 'Shakespeare in Love' was a critical and commercial success!"

The critical acclaim speaks for itself, as do the numerous Oscar nominations. In terms of box office, it has already surpassed $85 million in North America, and breaking $100 million is just around the corner.

Internationally, "Shakespeare in Love" has performed even more impressively, currently grossing $1.2 million overseas...

Meanwhile, while Aaron and others were focused on the Nasdaq index on Wall Street, Sumner Redstone, chairman and CEO of Viacom, publicly discussed the company's succession issue for the first time in an interview with Forbes magazine.

He hinted that his daughter, Sally Redstone, could be his successor, but at the same time made it clear that he preferred professional managers to run the company rather than family members taking over directly.

Sumner Redstone, a man with an extremely strong desire for control, has fought lawsuits with his brothers, wife, nephew, son, and others over control of the group.
Sally Redstone's public statement that she might take over Viacom has undoubtedly planted a major seed of disaster within the Redstone family!
In addition, Bill Gates announced his resignation as president and CEO of Microsoft and appointed Steve Ballmer as his successor.

It is widely speculated that this is a measure taken by Microsoft in response to the ongoing antitrust investigation against the company.

Back in October 1997, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Microsoft of monopolizing operating systems and illegally bundling browser software with Windows operating system software.
In October of the following year, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Microsoft of monopolizing the operating system and illegally bundling browser software with Windows operating system software, and the antitrust case was officially filed!

Recently, Federal Judge Thomas Jackson publicly declared: "Based on the evidence collected, it is proven that Microsoft does indeed engage in monopolistic practices."

Perhaps this is the reason why Bill Gates stepped down and Steve Ballmer took over!
"Aaron, aren't you worried that Microsoft's antitrust investigation will affect Nasdaq tech stocks?"

In the coffee shop of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Charles Johnson and Aaron sat facing each other. As a public fund, the Franklin Templeton Fund had, of course, invested in Microsoft stock.

The U.S. Department of Justice is now thinking about breaking up Microsoft!

Aaron shook his head. "Who knows? Nasdaq is so crazy right now, and Microsoft's market capitalization has exceeded $6000 billion, haha."

"Microsoft will not allow itself to be broken up; there's still a long road ahead in the antitrust case."

Charles Johnson agrees, but he is now both worried about the bursting of the tech stock bubble and unable to resist the allure of tech stocks! "The Nasdaq index climbed to a high of 5132 points in the past few days, and the market seems to be very optimistic about these internet stocks."

Both Aaron Anderson and Charles Johnson knew it was a classic game of musical chairs, but they always thought they wouldn't be the last ones left holding the bag.

Aaron glanced at the other person and smiled. "Franklin Templeton Investments has acquired quite a few securities firms, mutual funds, and private equity firms in recent years."

"Your fame has skyrocketed. What's the internal opinion on this now?"

Charles Johnson sighed, "Most people are inclined to continue investing in internet technology stocks."

"Those hedge funds on Wall Street are really aggressive right now, we can't afford to fall too far behind."

Aaron picked up his coffee and took a sip. He was sure the other person was referring to hedge funds, with Quantum Fund at the top of the list!
Moreover, judging from Charles Johnson's tone, even the Franklin Templeton Foundation couldn't resist the temptation.

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. Aaron, you're quite familiar with the Chinese market. Will you continue to increase your investment in China?"

Charles Johnson changed the subject, saying that Aaron Anderson's investments in China now exceed $10 billion.

"I think so. I've always been optimistic about China's economic development, after all, it's the world's most populous country."

"Moreover, Chinese society is not like India, a populous South Asian country, with its bizarre political, cultural, and class systems;"

"Besides, didn't China and the US sign a bilateral trade agreement last year? Trade between the two countries is changing rapidly!"

Everyone knows that once the US is appeased, China's accession to the WTO is only a matter of time. The White House, represented by Clinton, has always hoped that China would join the WTO.

“I see,” Charles Johnson smiled. “It seems Franklin Templeton Investments will need to strengthen its operations in Greater China.”

"Coincidentally, George is also quite interested in investment business in Asia."

George Johnson, 39, is the son of Charles Johnson and is currently the vice president of the Franklin Templeton Foundation. He is Charles Johnson's long-time successor!

Allen & Co., Fidelity Investments, Franklin Templeton Fund, and other well-known American investment funds all employ a family-run management model.
From father to son, son to grandson.

Aaron glanced at the other person. "Next month, I should be going to Hong Kong to check on PetroChina's listing there."

"However, I am also paying close attention to internet stocks. I want to see what impact this internet technology stock bubble will have."

Charles Johnson also knew that Aaron Anderson's focus was still on Dawn Group, after all, AOL had merged with Time Warner and was already a media group that was in a class of its own in the world;
Dawn is very powerful, and although it dominates Hollywood, it pales in comparison to these booming internet companies!

(End of this chapter)