Chapter 571： accept

In the reception room of DreamWorks, Spielberg looked at Ronan quietly, his face full of thoughts.

He knew something about Artisan Pictures, but the bad things that DreamWorks encountered recently made him have no time to take care of it.

The most important thing is that DreamWorks has no capital and strength to eat up the artisan film industry.

Ronan once again said: "Relativity Entertainment is only interested in the film library of Artisan Pictures. All other businesses can be handed over to DreamWorks, including Artisan's global distribution business."

DreamWorks is not doing well recently. Spielberg must consider the actual situation and ask: "If we both contribute together to complete the acquisition, how will the proportion of funds be divided?"

Ronan slowly said, "Seven to three, DreamWorks seven."

Spielberg's face immediately turned cold: "What is the biggest heritage of a film company? Film library resources! We all know this. For companies like Artisan Pictures, the value of film libraries can account for 50%!"

Ronan did not refute, but said: "The distribution channel."

The half of Spielberg's words were blocked instantly. What is the most lacking in DreamWorks? However, he considered it a little and said: “Artisan Pictures’ distribution ability is average, even New Line Pictures and Miramaxes are incomparable. Besides, Artisan Pictures has nothing to do with DreamWorks except for the film library. Useless."

"Indeed, Artisan Films’ distribution capabilities are not very strong." Ronan’s tone was flat, but his words were piercing: "Steven, DreamWorks can also win a more suitable distribution than Artisan Pictures. Channel?"

If it could, DreamWorks would not be what it is now.

Ronan said: "There is no better choice. There are only six major companies and their subsidiaries that have a more complete distribution channel than Artisan Pictures."

Spielberg interjected suddenly: "And your relativity entertainment."

Ronan shrugged: "The distribution business of Relativity Entertainment is not for sale."

Spielberg knew the facts Ronan said. Looking at the entire Hollywood and even the world's film industry, how difficult is it to buy a distribution company? This requires more than just funds, but also opportunities.

Ronan said calmly: "Relativity Entertainment is an open commercial company that can cooperate with DreamWorks or any company. Even if the film library is divested and other assets centered on the distribution business of Artisan Pictures, it will not It’s hard to shoot. Steven, we’ve known each other for many years. You know Relativity Entertainment. I also know your DreamWorks. One of DreamWorks’ core issues is distribution. With distribution channels, you have the capital to negotiate with any shareholders."

Spielberg was not reconciled and said: "DreamWorks can acquire Artisan Pictures alone."

"Really?" Ronan appeared very calm: "DreamWorks can really withdraw more than 300 million US dollars without affecting normal operations? Steven, if you have this attitude, we will not go on talking. If necessary, Relativity Entertainment can complete the acquisition alone. The reason why I came today is because we have common enemies, but enemies will also become friends. Without distribution channels, how long DreamWorks can last, you know better than me. ."

Having said that, Ronan stood up, looking like he had collapsed.

Spielberg hurried to stay: "Ronan!" He sighed secretly in his heart: "I need to fully understand Artisan Pictures, and give me a few days. In addition, I can't accept the 7:3 investment ratio. DreamWorks takes Not so much money."

Ronan looked at Spielberg, and Spielberg said, "Six to four."

"6:5 to 3.5." Ronan also took a suitable step back: "Steven, you should first understand the distribution business of Artisan Pictures."

Spielberg secretly calculated that DreamWorks had just raised 140 million U.S. dollars in India. It can squeeze out a little bit of liquidity, and then borrow a part from the animation studio, and then use the copyright of some of the films as a mortgage. , It is a bit difficult to collect 100 million US dollars, and it is not impossible to get it out.

In this way, DreamWorks funds will be very tight in the next few years, but this is the coveted distribution channel!

Artisan Pictures’ North American distribution channels can improve DreamWorks’ North American distribution capabilities. DreamWorks uses Artisan’s overseas distribution channels as a framework to build a key overseas distribution business.

The overseas distribution channels of PolyGram received by Embassy Pictures were far inferior to Artisan Pictures. Since Ronan Anderson and Relativity Entertainment can do it, he and DreamWorks can certainly do it.

Think of the face of Shirley Lansing, facing Paramount Pictures’ steadfast pressing, and ten years of uninterrupted efforts to dream, Spielberg did not want to and could not miss this opportunity.

Missed, there may never be such a good opportunity again.

Ronan didn't speak any more, just waited quietly for Spielberg to consider the pros and cons.

Since he found DreamWorks, he naturally made various filings. DreamWorks is only one of the plans. Just like the original plan to swallow Artisan Pictures alone, Artisan Pictures will not have other businesses after the film library is separated. In the hands of Relativity Entertainment.

The distribution business will never worry about getting home in Hollywood.

The reason why DreamWorks is the first choice is that Relativity Entertainment requires DreamWorks to continue to be at the top as a buffer zone with the traditional six major Hollywood companies.

Spielberg didn't think about it for too long, and said: "I agree in principle, but Ronan, you have to wait for me for a few days. I need to get a general understanding of the artisan film industry and also need time to raise funds."

Ronan nodded slightly: "No problem." He reminded: "Time can't be too long. Steven, we have competitors."

"In addition." Ronan knew that the cooperation with DreamWorks was only a short-term, and it was impossible to become friends, nor would he be polite: "I have discussed with Jerefu several times about the North American distribution rights of DreamWorks Animation Studios."

Spielberg's face is a bit ugly: "I need to think about it."

It was not until near noon that Ronan left the DreamWorks Park and returned to Burbank when he received a call from Robert Iger, and the two quickly exchanged their own situation.

Subsequently, according to Ronan's request, Robert Iger tried his best to drag with Artisan Pictures. Lionsgate would increase prices. Relativity Entertainment would also follow up, but the bid would not be much higher than Lionsgate.

At the end of January, Spielberg, on behalf of DreamWorks, signed a cooperation agreement with Relativity Entertainment in a very low-key manner.

"360 million U.S. dollars! This is Lionsgate's last bid!"

Facing Artisan Film’s Emile Marin, Frank Gusta almost yelled at this price: "Emil, what is the actual value of Artisan Films? You and I know very well that premium purchases are the norm. , But you are too greedy."

Emile Marin said with a smile: "Fran, nowadays there are not many high-quality assets like Artisan Films, Artisan Films does not lack a home."

Frank Gusta sneered: "Relativistic Entertainment? Who is Ronan Anderson, you and I know very well, you think he will risk the rupture of the relativity entertainment capital chain, and make more than 360 million US dollars. price?"

Emile Marin remained unmoved, still saying: "400 million US dollars, this is my bottom line."

Frank Gusta wanted to curse "shit," but he resisted it and said, "No one will pay 400 million dollars."

Emile Marin knows this, of course, but the $360 million is still a little far from his bottom line, saying, "Your bid is too low."

The US$360 million has reached the limit of Lionsgate. Even if the acquisition is successful, Lionsgate will have to bear a heavy debt burden in the future. Frank Gusta mobilized almost all financing channels and networks to raise funds. To this funding.

Anyone and company have their limits, Frank Gusta can't put all his cards on this acquisition.

Frank Gusta shook his head: "Emil, come here today, you should think about it."

Emile Marin sent away Frank Gusta, took a two-hour break for lunch, and once again saw Robert Iger, who was always smiling.

Although the chief operating officer of Relativity Entertainment looks unusually kind, he is more difficult than Frank Gusta.

Emile Marin saw the smile on Robert Iger's face and said, "Bob, you have been procrastinating about this negotiation. I can no longer feel the sincerity of relativity entertainment."

Robert Iger said with a smile: "The bid of 350 million US dollars does not prove the sincerity of Relativity Entertainment?"

Emile Marin said casually, "Lionsgate is more sincere than you. They bid $360 million."

Now that DreamWorks and Relativity Entertainment have reached an agreement, Robert Iger did not want to drag on any longer, saying: "Frank Gusta is going to put it all together."

Emile Marin knew more or less about the potential purchasers, and knew that Robert Iger was right. If it weren't for Relativity Entertainment, he might have nodded to Lionsgate before.

Robert Iger said cleanly: "US$370 million, if you agree, I will notify Mr. Anderson now."

Emile Marin frowned, and just about to speak, Robert Iger suppressed all his smiles and interrupted him directly: "Emile, this is the last bid of Relativity Entertainment!"

Seeing the face of this guy who smiled like Mickey Mouse was as serious as never before, Emile Marin got a strong hint that this might really be the last bid of Relativity Entertainment.

Robert Iger, who has always been smiling, suddenly put on a dead face, which can only show that the price has reached the limit of relativistic entertainment.

Emile Marin considered it for a moment and said with unprecedented sincerity: "Bob, I need to think about it."

He also needs to integrate the opinions of other shareholders.

Robert Iger doesn’t say much anymore, and the acquisition team is behind the more detailed terms: “Emile, I hope I can get good news.”

Emile Marin shook hands with Robert Iger, and after he left, he immediately notified the secretary to convene the meeting.

Two days later, Robert Iger got good news and Artisan Pictures accepted an offer of $370 million!