"3 billion US dollars… is too low."
George Lucas smacked his lips and spoke slowly.
It was now time for negotiations, and all the bigwigs present had released their aura, and no one was willing to take a step back.
The terrifying aura filled the small table, making even the usually brave Lily become silent.
Lucas, who is always amiable in front of fans, now looks like a monster that chooses its prey. He has completely entered the [businessman mode].
However, Nanaya didn't seem to be affected at all. He just smiled calmly and looked at Lucas.
"George, you're too impatient. I'm talking about $3 billion... in cash."
Nanaya's words made Spielberg, who had nothing to do with the matter, look surprised.
You should know that for this kind of full acquisition, the payment method is generally cash plus stock.
There are cases like Nanaya who directly shouted out 3 billion US dollars in cash, but no one thinks that Washimine Entertainment has the strength to do so.
In the past two years, Washimine Entertainment has indeed earned a lot of money and its business situation is also very good.
But in order to make various arrangements in Hollywood, Washimine also spent a lot of money.
$3 billion in cash.
Lucas and Spielberg felt that it was a question whether the entire Washimine Group had enough cash flow now.
"Cash? Can you guys at Washimine come up with that?"
Lucas chuckled mockingly.
"Of course, we Washimine don't need to make such jokes."
Nanaya put his hands on the table and spoke very calmly, as if he could come up with 3 billion US dollars right now.
As for whether Washimine can take out the money directly now.
Of course...it can be taken out.
But Shion definitely wouldn't do that.
In fact, few people know that Washimine's cash flow has always been quite abundant.
Even as a listed company, its debt ratio is shockingly low.
Of course, because Washimine spent a lot of money on various aspects in order to expand the global film market in the past few years, the cash flow is much less than before.
But the $3 billion can still be taken out, but paying out $3 billion now will definitely affect the company's overall operations.
But the problem is, buying a company is not like buying vegetables in the market.
Not to mention that today's meeting was just a preliminary test between the two sides.
That is, if Nanaya really agreed on a price with Lucas, counting from today, it would be considered fast if it could acquire Lucas Film by the end of 2010.
How long did it take Disney to acquire Fox in the previous life?
It took several years from the time the intention was announced to the time the acquisition was officially announced.
This does not include the initial contacts between the two parties and the finalization after the acquisition was announced.
Anyway, before the Seven Nights Travel, Disney had just completed the acquisition process and modified the company logo.
But it will probably take a long time for Disney to ensure that he can fully control Fox.
If Lucas really agrees to the acquisition, Washimine will have enough time to raise funds.
After all, Washimine's initial layout in Hollywood has been completed, and the next step is to collect money.
The already released "Madoka Magica", the "Avengers" to be released next year, and the FGO which has already begun preparations are all the money-making tools for Washimine in the next period of time.
On the other hand, even if Washimine really does not want to use up his own cash flow, he can choose to apply for a loan from the bank.
After all, even if the payment was really made in cash, Washimine would not transfer all $3 billion to Lucas' account at once.
As long as Washimine can get the first batch of payment, the rest can be settled through bank loans.
Given Washimine's current development situation and the benefits brought by the acquisition of Lucas Cinema, I believe that many banks will take the initiative to offer assistance.
Even if Wall Street in the United States fails, Japanese banks will be happy to facilitate this acquisition.
You have to know that since the bubble economy, it has been a long time since Japanese companies acquired North American companies.
For the Japanese who value their reputation very much, such proud things definitely require everyone's help.
Therefore, Nanaya and Shion never worried about money issues. Even if Lucas raised the cash limit to 3.5 billion US dollars, there was no problem.
"Since you said so, Nanaya, I'll assume that you Washimine can take it out."
Lucas drummed his fingers on the table.
"But I still think it's too little."
Nanaya did not respond. He just waited quietly for Lucas's offer.
Lucas stated his price: "$5 billion, $3 billion in cash and the rest in Washimine Group stock."
[The lion opened his mouth wide...]
Nanaya raised his eyebrows slightly.
Lucas will definitely not easily sell the company he has run for most of his life.
However, the other party's appetite was really beyond Nanaya's expectations.
You should know that in the previous life, David Disney acquired Lucas Film for a total of 4 billion US dollars in cash and stock.
Ask for a high price and pay low.
Nanaya didn't think Lucas would sell it for $3 billion at first.
Disney and Lucas have been working together for so long, but the final transaction price was still $4 billion.
Although the 5 billion offer is higher than Nanaya and Shion's bottom line, since Lucas is willing to ask for it, it means he is willing to sell.
This attitude is very important.
"George, your price is a bit high."
Nanaya looked a little embarrassed, and he carefully observed the expression on Lucas's face.
"So how much do you think is appropriate?"
Nanaya tentatively offered a price: "US$2.5 billion and US$1 billion in Washimine stock."
Lucas looked at Nanaya teasingly and shook his head slightly.
Nanaya took a sip of tea and said, "It looks like this will be a long negotiation process."
"It all depends on what you, Washimine, want to gain."
Spielberg then interrupted and said, "If you want a 100% complete Lucas Film, then Nanaya's offer is really disrespectful to George."
"You want to buy my child for $3.5 billion? That's impossible."
"We certainly know how much George has given to Lucas Film."
Nanaya continued, "We at Washimine will abide by the basic rules, please rest assured."
"Whether it's the placement of employees who have worked in the film industry for many years or the planning of existing products, we at Washimine have it all figured out."
"As long as you two can cooperate with us Washimine to complete the company acquisition normally."
Hearing Nanaya's assurance, Lucas nodded slowly.
Although this is just a blank check from Nanaya, there will definitely be more detailed terms when the contract is signed in the future.
But at least the other party's attitude made Lucas and Spielberg feel comfortable.
At least they don't have the overbearing attitude of the Big Six.
Even though these two are top bosses in the Hollywood industry, they have suffered a lot from the Big Six.
Otherwise, Lucas would not have been the first to contact Washimine after he had the idea of retiring.
Are they really going to buy Lucas Film?
Through conversations among several people, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lily discovered that this plan, which seemed whimsical to outsiders, seemed to have reached a cooperation intention.
The only disagreement now is on price.
But for a company of Washimine's size, price is the least of its problems.
[As expected of my brother-in-law! He is really amazing! ]
Lily certainly knows the influence of the "Star Wars" IP series in Europe and the United States.
She was truly happy and proud of Nanaya.
[Are they really going to buy Lucas Film? ]
Gwyneth Paltrow on the other side was secretly shocked.
Of course, she knows that Washimine Entertainment's biggest disadvantage in its current development in Hollywood is that it has too few outstanding IPs.
Apart from the currently popular "Madoka Magica", the projects operated by Washimine Entertainment are basically at two extremes.
Either it's a big project from the Marvel and Fate series, or some low-budget movies.
However, Washimine Entertainment has no chance of finding movie series IPs that are at an intermediate level and have stable profits.
Not that Washimine could have solved the problem directly after acquiring Lucas Film.
But it will definitely allow Washimine Entertainment to take a big step forward.
[This man…]
If this acquisition is really successful, then the status of the man in front of him, who is at the center of Washimine Group, will also rise further in the industry.
You have to know that Nanaya Kiryu is not yet 40 years old, which is unique in Hollywood history.
[It seems that we must build a good relationship with the other party. ]
Gwyneth Paltrow's gaze towards Nanaya became even more passionate.
"Um?!"
Perhaps sensing the change in Gwyneth Paltrow's eyes, the alopecia on Lily's head stood up.
[The thieving cat discovered! ]
Lily secretly pulled Nanaya's arm tightly and looked at Gwyneth Paltrow with a very vigilant look.
After that, there was no discussion of price between Nanaya and Lucas.
After all, the gap between US$5 billion and US$3.5 billion is too big, and continuing to focus on the price will only lead to a deadlock in the negotiations.
Then, Lucas Film's subsidiaries began to express their opinions.
The two sides seemed to be chatting, but everyone present knew that they were finalizing some details of an acquisition.
However, as the big boss of Washimine and Lucas Film, what Nanaya discussed with Lucas were basically some framework things.
The details involving specific numbers and personnel will be completed by the negotiators of both sides at that time.
After going through the entire negotiation process, Nanaya found that it went much more smoothly than he had imagined.
Nanaya originally thought that Lucas would insist on many things, but the other party actually offered very good conditions for Washimine.
[It seems that Lucas is really planning to retire. ]
So when faced with some requests from Lucas and Spielberg, Nanaya agreed quite readily.
After all, as long as both parties in the negotiation can remain happy, there is no need to force them.
The only thing that Spielberg mentioned was the reboot plan of the "Indiana Jones" series, which was vaguely mentioned by Nanaya.
This series just suffered a setback in the fourth film. If this series is really to be revived again.
Nanaya felt that there were only two ways.
Either make drastic changes and then restart completely;
Or they can wait a few years and then make a purely sentimental movie to make money.
For the former, Nanaya will definitely not use Spielberg.
In the latter case, Nanaya and Shion would not start this series so soon.
Therefore, Nanaya could only say sorry to Old Spiel's eagerness to prove himself again.
To be honest, Nanaya has always felt that Old Spiel can really retire. Wouldn't it be better to learn from the old friend next to you?
During the entire negotiation process, Lily just sat quietly beside Nanaya without saying a word.
And it's not just because of Gwyneth Paltrow.
It was even more because the man stretched out a hand from under the table and pressed it on the thigh of the girl with the blonde ponytail.
Just listen.
Lily naturally understood what Nanaya meant, so she not only listened to Nanaya's negotiations obediently.
She also secretly grabbed the other person's hand, preventing him from leaving her thigh.
There weren't many opportunities like this to let Nanaya secretly take advantage of her, and Lily felt that she must make good use of it.