Reborn Action Star: Starting in Hollywood

Chapter 304 The Joy of Playing Both Sides

"What I mean is that I can do my best to help you achieve the purpose of this trip."

Seeing Lin Yuan in a daze, Betty added another sentence.

She didn't know what Lin Yuan was thinking at that moment: "Is this what it feels like to cling to capital? It's so sweet."

Lin Yuan then said, "As you know, MGM and Columbia Pictures have been targeting me, so I have developed a plan to attack their valuations. The final step is to bring in other companies to acquire them.

I can only be at peace if those two companies go under. I hope Sony buys Columbia Pictures."

"This isn't difficult at all. Even without my help, Idei Nobuyuki would probably agree to your plan. Sony has always wanted to enter Hollywood. After all, full IP operation can bring greater profits to the company.

Sony holds numerous anime and game IPs and also hopes to monetize its own films. Acquiring Columbia Pictures fits in with Sony's strategic vision," said Betty.

"I feel relieved when you say that." Lin Yuan replied.

Although Sony did acquire Columbia Pictures in the previous life, that was several years later.

In 2003, Lin Yuan was still a little uneasy about whether Sony had any plans in this regard.

He was originally worried that the trip to Japan would not go smoothly, but after Betty gave him the lowdown, he was completely relieved.

"But I want to ask one more question. Is there any benefit for you in facilitating Sony's acquisition of Columbia Pictures?" Betty asked.

"Making a profit by shorting the stock price, eliminating a malicious opponent, and adding an ally in the circle, isn't that enough?" Lin Yuan replied.

“I mean, you’re going to have an investment bank, so why not take advantage of it?” Betty said.

"Clam?"

"I have two suggestions. The first is that you can use Long Island Investment Bank to directly intervene in the acquisition of Columbia Pictures in the future. Although it is not suitable for direct controlling stake, it is still feasible to obtain 30% of the shares. This will greatly enhance your influence in Hollywood." Betty said.

"What's the second suggestion?" Lin Yuan asked with a smile.

Generally speaking, when someone gives you two ideas, the first one is often just for the sake of making up the number, and the second one is his real idea.

"That's why you don't take a bigger step and directly invest in Sony?" Betty said.

"Is this feasible?" Lin Yuan asked.

"Of your $30 billion investment in Long Island Investment Bank, $20 billion will be used to repay maturing debts and purchase shares from shareholders. The remaining $10 billion will be injected as working capital. Considering the need to retain a portion of cash flow, you should be able to immediately mobilize $5 million for investment." Betty explained in detail.

"Sony's current market value is around $250 billion. Considering the price difference of the agreed transfer, a $5 million investment should allow you to acquire 3% of Sony's shares, which is enough to get a seat on the board of directors," said Betty.

Lin Yuan nodded. According to the Company Law, shareholders who hold more than 3% of the shares individually or in total can submit proposals to the shareholders' meeting, which means they have the right to recommend directors.

"Will my Chinese identity be an obstacle?" Lin Yuan asked further.

Betty was stunned by Lin Yuan's question, then replied with a smile, "You're still too cautious. Contrary to your expectations, not only will you not encounter any obstacles, but you'll actually have many unique advantages!" "You invested in Sony under the name of Long Island Investment Bank. You represent the interests of Wall Street and American investors. Your potential enemies can only play against you within the rules and can't resort to shady tactics."

"In this case, all you need to worry about is whether Sony's shareholders will resist you and exclude you from entering the market."

"But don't you have an answer to this question? Don't you know how much the Japanese people like you?"

"But as far as I know, aren't Sony's main hidden investors mainly American investors? Shouldn't my ability to enter Sony depend more on the attitude of American investors? The attitude of the Japanese people shouldn't have much impact, right?" Lin Yuan asked.

"This is your advantage. As the principal entity, Long Island Investment Bank, you represent the interests of American investors. However, the actual controller is you, Lin Yuan, and the Japanese are very receptive to you.

"Don't think the attitude of the Japanese people is unimportant. Is Sony's complex equity structure just used to confuse business competitors?" Betty said.

Facing Lin Yuan's curious gaze, Betty continued, "Sony's revenue comes from North America at 28%, but Japan also accounts for 26%, so they're roughly on par. For a company like this disguised as a Japanese company, the vast majority of its profits go to North American investors, so the necessary disguise is necessary."

Today, American investors can secretly own Sony, relying essentially on a powerful military force. This is coercion. If the US power declines one day, it is highly likely that they will lose control of Sony's shares.

You don't have this problem, Mr. Lin. You rely on your conviction. As long as the equity is legally acquired, there will be no side effects. The Japanese people may even be happy and hope you invest more.

You may not yet realize that your advantage in winning the hearts and minds of people around the world will become an extremely powerful lubricant, helping you enter the economic spheres of various countries with minimal obstacles. In fact, this is what we at Morgan Stanley value most about you."

After Betty's explanation, Lin Yuan finally understood.

It turns out that I am on the path to becoming a humanoid succubus and a global killer?

Charm seems to be invisible and intangible, but in many cases it can exert extremely powerful potential effects.

A certain uncle of the Three Kingdoms period is the best example.

"Okay, I accept your opinion. I will communicate with Nobuyuki Idei." Lin Yuan said.

"I'll help you make some early communications. If a board vote is required, we'll support you," Betty said. "If there's an opportunity in the future, I suggest you increase your stake in Sony."

Lin Yuan nodded. A company with a complex equity structure like Sony is the most suitable shield to secretly advance some of his plans.

But the prerequisite is that he can gain more say.

Today's meeting with Betty ended successfully, so Lin Yuan stood up and said goodbye.

The moment he got off the luxury yacht, Lin Yuan suddenly realized that he seemed to have become a financial tycoon?

The price he paid was $110 billion in debt risk.

Thinking of this, Lin Yuan felt that he had to speed up, speed up, and speed up again to make money.

(End of this chapter)