Chapter 142: First Glimpse of Fangs
After the script read-through, the lead actors had a clearer grasp of their roles.
With only a few days left until filming, Li Chen did not plan to hold a Premiere like he did for “those years.”
He also strictly required all lead actors to keep the script content confidential.
That afternoon, Ye Ning, the Vice President of Wanda Group Cinema Line, came to Splendid Diamond.
Ever since Wu Bin returned from Hong Kong Island, Li Chen had him contact Ye Ning.
He revealed his intention to acquire TVB to Ye Ning.
Li Chen never intended to acquire TVB alone from the start.
Even if he had the financial strength, he wasn't arrogant enough to think he could accomplish it by himself.
Moreover, for an acquisition involving billions or even tens of billions, sharing the risk was the right approach.
Big Boss Wang was just the first partner he had chosen.
Ye Ning's reaction upon learning of Li Chen's plan to acquire TVB was similar to Wu Bin's first reaction when his boss mentioned acquiring TVB.
Ye Ning dared not delay and immediately reported the information to the group.
The group meeting lasted a whole day, with endless debates.
Similar to when Big Boss Wang wanted to establish Wanda Group Cinema Line Co., Ltd. last year, 90% of the shareholders did not approve.
The group's real estate projects and investments this year had already left Wanda Group with no spare capacity to support a major move like acquiring a television station.
However, Big Boss Wang overrode all objections and directly set the tone.
But for the sake of caution, he still wanted to hear what the other party had to say first.
In fact, at this moment, Big Boss Wang was already tempted.
Ever since he decided to enter the cultural industry, his layout for the cultural industry had never been confined to one place or corner.
Nor would he be content with just the downstream cinema chain in the film and television industry.
Ye Ning's visit today was to bridge the gap for a video conference between Li Chen and Big Boss Wang.
He had already contacted Li Chen before coming.
Ye Ning and Wu Bin met, exchanged brief greetings, and then went together to Li Chen's office.
Seeing Li Chen again, Ye Ning felt a sense of unfamiliarity, as if facing his own group's CEO.
Their last meeting was during the share allocation and signing for “the thieves.”
At that time, Li Chen gave him the impression of an excellent young entrepreneur.
In just over half a year, Li Chen had transformed into a capital magnate.
There were only a few private enterprises in the country with the strength to acquire a television station.
Moreover, Rongchen Film and Television had no other shareholders; all shares were concentrated in Li Chen's hands.
Nor had he heard of Rongchen Film and Television planning to go public.
Li Chen's assets had always been a mystery in the industry.
Industry peers could only infer Li Chen's wealth from the overseas copyright transaction amounts of Rongchen Film and Television's many films over the past two years.
The industry generally believed that Li Chen's personal assets were no less than 2.5 billion.
As soon as he entered, Ye Ning, dressed in a white shirt and grey trousers, looking refined, extended his hand with a smile: “Director Li, I've kept you waiting.”
Li Chen smiled and said, “It's alright, good food is worth waiting for.”
The three of them did not exchange too many pleasantries; after the video connection was established, Ye Ning and Wu Bin both left.
Neither Li Chen nor Big Boss Wang were people who dragged things out.
“Director Li, your time and mine are both precious, let's get straight to the point,” Big Boss Wang said directly.
“Alright, Wang Dong, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.”
Big Boss Wang nodded: “I have two questions.”
“First, how do you plan to acquire it?”
“Second, what will be the capital contribution ratio between our two sides?”
In fact, Big Boss Wang was more concerned about the second question.
Li Chen and Big Boss Wang's video conference lasted for half an hour.
Ye Ning and Wu Bin did not know what the two bosses discussed.
But judging from Li Chen's expression after the discussion, the two should have had a pleasant conversation.
After seeing off Ye Ning, Wu Bin hurried back to Li Chen's office.
“Director Li, was it successful?”
Li Chen smiled, without directly answering: “Wang Dong is a very bold and capable partner.”
Recalling Big Boss Wang's remark just now: “One hundred billion, we'll just buy it!”
It made Li Chen sigh with emotion; he truly was someone who could talk about earning a small goal of one hundred million.
Wanda Group's commercial real estate path and cinema chain layout had just begun to unfold.
The Wanda Group Plaza in Beijing's CBD had only just been completed.
Whether Big Boss Wang's funds were truly that solid, Li Chen didn't know.
But in terms of personal wealth alone, Big Boss Wang was certainly not as rich as him at this stage.
According to Li Chen's estimation, Big Boss Wang's personal wealth would not exceed four billion at this stage.
Towards the end, Big Boss Wang brought up another condition.
He actually wanted to invest in his Rongchen Film and Television, even at a premium of one time the value.
The stake requirement wasn't high, just not less than 20%.
And he stated that he would not participate in the daily management of Rongchen Film and Television.
This condition made Li Chen momentarily lose his composure.
While you are thinking about acquiring TVB, others are also thinking about investing in your Rongchen Film and Television.
Many people had this idea before, including Wang Changtian.
But without exception, Li Chen refused them all.
Although Big Boss Wang had a good reputation, even when he acquired Legendary Pictures, he did not interfere with Legendary Pictures' operations.
However, Li Chen still politely declined, only saying that if one day there was a real need to add shareholders, Wanda Group would definitely be the first to be considered.
Having reached a consensus with Big Boss Wang, Li Chen then raced against time to arrange a meeting with Wang Changtian at the Chang'an Club.
Wang Changtian arrived right on time; when he got there, Li Chen had already arrived.
Seeing Wang Changtian walk in with a smile.
He wore a dark blue shirt, perfectly ironed, and a pair of sharp, bright eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses.
“I didn't keep you waiting this time, did I, old friend?” Li Chen stood up and said with a smile.
Wang Changtian sat down and looked at Li Chen: “It's rare for you to wait for me, something unusual must be happening. I'm afraid you need my help, don't you?”
Li Chen laughed heartily: “Not just help, I'm afraid you'll also have to contribute money.”
Wang Changtian picked up his tea and took a sip, his mind racing.
Li Chen asking him for help didn't surprise him, but what could possibly require him to contribute money?
In terms of wealth, he considered himself far behind Li Chen.
“You still need me to contribute money, tell me about it,” Wang Changtian said, putting down his teacup.
Li Chen explained the matter of acquiring TVB to Wang Changtian.
Wang Changtian was stunned by Li Chen for the first time.
He studied media and deeply understood how important a television station was.
It was a trump card that controlled the lifeline of public discourse.
Especially a dominant television station like TVB.
Its importance was self-evident, not just for an enterprise, but even for a region.
In the mainland, you could cooperate with a television station, but trying to acquire one? Don't even think about it.
Even their Enlight Media only had good relations and established cooperative relationships with a few television stations.
He never expected Li Chen to pull such a move today, to acquire TVB.
There were many tycoons on Hong Kong Island, and quite a few could be called magnates.
But only that 99-year-old head of TVB could be called the godfather of the entertainment industry.
Even Xiang Zuo and Yang Siwei would have to call him Uncle Six when they saw him.
Wang Changtian's emotions were fluctuating at this moment, and he quickly analyzed the pros and cons and weighed the possibility of the matter in his mind.
At the same time, he didn't stop talking: “My brother, your ambition makes me feel ashamed.”
“However, you should know that I'm not as wealthy as you are, even if I get involved, I can't help you much financially.”
Li Chen laughed heartily: “I didn't expect you to provide significant financial help; the bulk will come from me and Big Boss Wang.”
“Listen to my acquisition plan first before making a decision.”
Li Chen brought in Old Wang, firstly because Old Wang was a professional in media.
In the future, after taking over TVB, he could have Old Wang's side send people to participate in daily operational management.
Secondly, because no relationship was as reassuring as one bound by huge mutual interests.
In business, there are no fathers and sons, let alone brothers and sisters?
Li Chen spoke eloquently to Wang Changtian for another half an hour.
The more Wang Changtian listened, the more shocked he became.
“My brother, the fact that you thought of me for this, no words needed, that's very thoughtful! Give me two days to consider.”
Li Chen was not surprised; for such a big move, Wang Changtian would certainly have to consult other shareholders of Enlight Media.
“Alright, but only two days, I estimate that in a few days, this matter won't be a secret anymore.”
In Li Chen's view, that weathered old man on Hong Kong Island would certainly not remain indifferent.
With so many people bidding, if he were that person on Hong Kong Island, he would directly release the news to the public.
This way, he could both boost the stock prices of his companies and TVB, and also wait for the best offer, reaping the benefits.
Li Chen's prediction was correct; before he even received a reply from Wang Changtian.
Hong Kong Island media had already 'couldn't hold back'.
However, this was exactly what Li Chen wanted.
Sina Entertainment News
“genius gunner, co-produced by Rongchen Film and Television, China Xing, and Yingyi Entertainment, began filming in Hong Kong today.”
“so young held its Premiere in Beijing today, with Andy Lau making an appearance.”
“Children are unwilling to inherit the family business, CCTV, Li Chaoren, and others compete to acquire TVB.”
Several news items in Sina's entertainment section were inextricably linked to Rongchen Film and Television.
TVB, touching the hearts of millions, quickly became the top headline on Sina.
The news itself was captivating enough.
But what astonished the vast number of netizens even more was that among the five major buyers.
Mainland film and television company Rongchen Film and Television was also prominently listed.
The headline listed five major forces.
The first tier was CCTV teaming up with Li Chaoren, the next tier was Little Superman.
Then came the trio of Zhou Xun, Guo, and Li Chen.
Netizens in the mainland might just be watching with a curious, gossipy mindset.
But Hong Kong Island was completely unsettled; what TVB meant was self-evident.
Among the five major forces, CCTV was the most eye-catching, and Li Chen was the most surprising.
Even though this news had not yet been confirmed, it had already caused a huge stir in the industry.
Yang Siwei of Rongchen Film and Television was the first to know about this news.
At the set of 'genius gunner' on Hong Kong Island.
Several main actors, including Director Chen Jiasheng, also learned about this explosive news.
The young people were chattering and discussing, not knowing whether it was true or false.
Shu Chang picked up the phone with a smile: "Stop guessing, I'll call Yifei and it'll all be clear!"
With that, she dialed Liu Yifei's number.
"Yifei, is it true that Chen Ge is going to buy TVB?"
Liu Yifei was a bit impatient: "Why are you all asking me! It's so annoying, I don't care about these things, I want to sleep! Go ask Chen Ge yourself!"
After speaking, Liu Yifei hung up the phone.
Shu Chang shrugged: "Yifei is really open-minded! And her morning temper is even bigger!"
Tangtang smiled and was about to call Yang Siwei to ask, but the call still couldn't get through. However, QQ kept showing message alerts.
"Is the news online true or false? I've never heard Siwei or my senior mention it. If my senior becomes the boss of TVB, wuwuwu, I can't imagine."
"Just now Xiang Zuo and Director Chen also asked me, and I was also confused. Shu Chang called Yifei, and Yifei didn't seem to know either. I just called Siwei, and her phone has been busy."
"What are you talking about? Tangtang, Mi Mi!"
"Go check online yourself, you're such a pig (Zhu)!"
On the beach in Cannes, the cast and crew of 'the banquet' gathered.
Wang Zhonglei answered a phone call, his expression indescribable.
This made Feng Xiaogang, Zhang Ziyi, Ge You, and Zhou Xun, the main actors, very curious.
After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhonglei calmed himself down and glanced at Zhou Xun.
Zhou Xun was puzzled. Seeing Wang Zhonglei walk over, she smiled and said, "Mr. Wang, is it related to me?"
Wang Zhonglei's smile was strange, both sour and sweet, as he said, "Xun Ge'er, do you know about Director Li's acquisition of TVB?"
As soon as Wang Zhonglei said this, the actors didn't even need to act; they naturally showed shocked expressions.
"Director Li acquired TVB?" Zhang Ziyi repeated, looking at Zhou Xun with an incredulous expression.
"I, I don't know! When did this happen?" Zhou Xun asked in surprise.
Looking at Zhou Xun's expression, Wang Zhonglei guessed that she really didn't know.
Thinking about it, it made sense. For such a big move, he wouldn't easily tell others.
"Director Li is truly becoming more and more surprising," Wang Zhonglei said, shaking his head with a sigh.
His Huayi Brothers had only recently partnered with Taobao to use online voting to select a young Wei Xiaobao.
Li Chen, on the other hand, was going to directly acquire TVB, the producer of both versions of 'the deer and the cauldron'.
How could the difference between people be so vast!
Wang Zhonglei muttered under his breath.
Zhou Xun picked up her cell phone and walked to the side to call Yang Siwei, but of course, she couldn't get through.
Yang Siwei was also incredibly shocked at this moment. She knew that Director Wu had gone to Hong Kong Island last week.
But she thought he was just going to TVB to discuss the copyright for 'Fire Dance and Wild Sand'.
She never expected this turn of events.
She couldn't even bother to answer calls from the media; her first priority was to quickly contact her boss.
She felt that working under her boss, she would need a pacemaker within ten years.
To avoid an early demise.
As soon as the call connected, Yang Siwei quickly sought confirmation about the online reports.
After receiving confirmation from her boss about the authenticity of the news, Yang Siwei quickly asked how to respond to the media.
"Wait a few more days, what's the rush! We're not the only ones being exposed."
Alright, Yang Siwei stopped pressing.
With her boss's words, she knew how to respond to the media.
She certainly knew how to use the 'delay' tactic.
Not only were mainland media swarming Rongchen Film and Television like bees and butterflies.
The CEOs of the companies that were exposed were also restless.
However, no one had responded to the matter yet.
This move was merely a probe from the TVB side; once the news was released, the media would naturally dig deep into the truth of the major buyers.
Han Sanping also noticed this news.
He immediately called Li Chen.
Li Chen didn't hide anything from him.
Han Sanping had met countless people in his life, but no one was like Li Chen.
Every move he made could attract widespread attention.
Han Sanping wanted to ask for more details, but Li Chen said nothing, only telling him to wait a few days to find out.
When immortals fight, mortals are most affected.
The artists of TVB were in an uproar, scrambling to inquire about the news.
Ada Choi had just been sidelined for offending high-ranking officials at the 'Fire Dance and Wild Sand' Premiere.
Ada Choi, upon hearing this news, was quite happy. She called her boyfriend to ask if he had any inside information.
Her boyfriend then asked Ning Hao, but how would Ning Hao know?
Like a game of hot potato, Ning Hao eventually called Li Chen.
Li Chen replied with four words: "No comment."
But Ning Hao already had a good idea in his heart, and he was also speechless.
The most shocked person in Hong Kong Island's entertainment industry was Zeng Zhiwei.
Previously, he hadn't really taken Li Chen seriously, even after being warned by Xiang Huaqiang once.
He had only temporarily swallowed his anger.
However, this time, Zeng Zhiwei had no dissatisfaction at all.
He had just gone head-to-head with Wu Yusen, and immediately after, he made the sensational move of acquiring TVB.
This news was told to him personally by his cousin.
It was no wonder such a person received Xiang Huaqiang's attention.
Zeng Zhiwei completely abandoned the idea of ever going against Li Chen again.
Not to mention him, even Xiang Huaqiang's heart was in turmoil at this moment.
He had also confirmed the veracity of this news through his own channels.
Such a grand gesture, regardless of whether the acquisition ultimately succeeded or not, meant that Li Chen had truly entered the sights of the upper echelons this time.
Emperor Entertainment also had its own sources of information. Without contacting Li Chen, they quickly confirmed that the rumors were true.
At this moment, he deeply regretted his redundant actions back then, which caused a rift between the two parties.
But this time was also an opportunity to mend fences.
If Li Chen wanted to acquire TVB, with his participation, it would be even more effective.
As the saying goes, wealth demonstrates strength. The strength Li Chen was now displaying had completely earned his respect.
He thought it through very well, but unfortunately, he was still one step too slow.
Just two days later, the five major buyers began to respond one after another.
The first to respond positively was the 'Little Superman' from Hong Kong Island, though the wording of his response was quite intriguing.
"Up to this moment, and for the past three weeks, I have not considered investing in TVB."
This was the first of the five major buyers to publicly withdraw from the multi-billion dollar bidding war.
Although 'Little Superman' responded to the media in this way.
However, Hong Kong Island learned through relevant channels from people close to 'Little Superman' that.
In fact, 'Little Superman' had always been very interested in taking over TVB.
The reason it ultimately didn't happen was because the two parties couldn't agree on a price.
Even with 'Little Superman's withdrawal, it did not affect Shaw Brothers' stock price, which, influenced by the TVB sale, rose to an eleven-year high in early trading on Friday.
In contrast, TVB's stock price only rose by 0.43%, which was not surprising.
The remaining four major buyers all understood that instead of acquiring TVB.
It would be better to directly acquire Shaw Brothers, because Shaw Brothers Company holds 26% of TVB's shares.
It was already TVB's largest single shareholder, so acquiring Shaw Brothers was equivalent to acquiring TVB.
Now that Shaw Brothers' stock price had risen to a new high, it undoubtedly increased the cost of acquiring Shaw Brothers.
Even if it were Li Chen, he would still follow that person's approach.
Following 'Little Superman's response to the media, Li Chen also began to take the first step.
On May 28th, Rongchen Film and Television, Wanda Group, and Enlight Media jointly held a press conference in Beijing.
"Initiated by Rongchen Film and Television, with Wanda Group and Enlight Media jointly contributing 4.5 billion yuan, the Han-Tang Cultural Industry Investment Fund has been registered with the relevant departments."
"It will be used to provide growth capital, corporate restructuring, management buyouts, and other market-oriented financing for target companies."
As soon as this news was released, it was like a thunderclap.
Over a hundred media outlets gathered at the press conference, making it incredibly noisy. Wang Changtian, Li Chen, and Ye Ning on stage had to whisper to each other to speak.
Media reporters vied to ask questions.
"Director Li, is this private equity fund established for the acquisition of TVB?"
The scene quieted down considerably.
"Of course not, or rather, not entirely. It's still too early to talk about these things. Let's wait until the approval is passed."
"Director Li, if approved, this will be the first cultural industry private equity fund in China."
"According to the rules, the paid-in capital in the first year must not be less than one-fifth. How will your three companies allocate the 900 million cash contribution?"
Li Chen and Wang Changtian exchanged glances; these reporters really knew a lot.
Establishing a private equity fund was just the first step, and a very necessary one.
Using the opportunity of acquiring TVB, Li Chen could both integrate the resources around him for his own use.
He could also conduct the acquisition battle through a professional fund management team.
Moreover, this private equity fund could also participate in Youku's subsequent rounds of financing.
And the rule that four-fifths of the 4.5 billion yuan had to be paid within five years also eased the financial pressure on the three companies.
Within five years, whether it was Li Chen, Old Wang, or Big Boss Wang, their net worth would have long been incomparable to what it was now.