[Chapter 193: Private Jet and dia Acquisition]
Back when Linton was still in Paris, Henry and Richard sent so good news.
Due to the Bill Gates family's office announcing a massive stock sell-off, Microsoft's stock market value plumted, causing strong dissatisfaction among all Microsoft shareholders and the company managent towards Bill Gates. He was under trendous pressure.
At this mont, Henry and Richard proactively approached for a large-scale stock acquisition. For the Bill Gates family office, this was undoubtedly a tily relief. They desperately needed such a substantial buyer to boost market confidence. Both parties had a strong willingness to cooperate.
After a brief negotiation over the price for a few days, they quickly reached a consensus. The final transaction price was calculated based on Microsoft's total market value of $22.8 billion, even slightly lower than the bottom line set by Linton.
Linton also inford Winnie and Goodman to cooperate with Henry and Richard to handle bank stock pledge loans and complete the transaction as soon as possible.
Skycrest Capital secured a $230 million loan from a California bank through stock pledging, and the Charity Foundation got a $200 million loan from the sa bank.
By the ti Linton returned to Los Angeles, the deal was already finalized. Linton spent $456 million to acquire an additional 2% stake in Microsoft. Combined with his previous shares, he held a total of 4.48125% of Microsoft, making him a significant shareholder.
However, these shares were spread across three accounts: Skycrest Capital held 2.65625%, the Charity Foundation held 1.715%, and Linton personally held 0.11%. This distribution avoided attracting too much outside attention.
By 1999, when Microsoft's market value broke $550 billion, this investnt would beco an enormous fortune.
After completing the transaction, the Bill Gates family office quickly announced that most of the planned stock sell-offs for the year had been completed and that the remaining shares would be sold through large transactions rather than on the open market.
Once this information was released, Microsoft's stock price rebounded imdiately, with the market value rising back to $24 billion on the sa day -- a win-win deal for all sides.
...
Everyone at the estate was busy with their own work, so Linton invited Winnie to the mansion to enjoy a brief mont of privacy together.
After so intense intimacy, the couple paused and went to the study. Winnie took out several thick docunts and handpicked information about the Gulfstream 4SP to give to Linton.
"The business jet you ntioned last ti -- I did a lot of research. I recomnd choosing the Gulfstream 4SP. Gulfstream is the world's largest luxury private jet manufacturer, and their quality is guaranteed. I think the most important thing about a plane is safety and reliability."
"Yeah, the first principle in buying a plane is quality and reliability. I've heard that most billionaires choose Gulfstream jets."
"The Gulfstream 4SP is a new model released late last year; it's an improved version of the Gulfstream IV. The wing length is 23.7 ters, the fuselage length 26.9 ters, and height 7.4 ters. It can seat up to 19 passengers.
It uses two Rolls-Royce Tay MK611-8 turbofan engines, has a cruising speed of 851 kiloters per hour, and a maximum range of 7,820 kiloters. It's currently the business jet with the longest range, capable of transatlantic flights -- nonstop from New York to any major European city.
However, it can't make the transpacific flight nonstop. For example, a flight from Los Angeles to Japan requires refueling in Hawaii."
"Sounds good. What's the price?"
"The bare jet costs $16 million. The interior fittings are customizable. The cabin layout can be designed as you like, even reducing seats to create a bedroom. The fully furnished price should be around $18 million."
Only billionaires can afford such super-luxury, for Linton, it was no problem. "Okay."
"But I looked into the operating costs of the plane. They're not cheap -- hiring a managent company, crew salaries, airport fees, aviation fuel, etc. At least $2 million annually."
Linton was already prepared for the high costs. "No problem. Do they have any ready?"
"No, these planes need to be ordered in advance. If we order now, the estimated delivery ti is eight months."
"Alright, let's go with that one. I'll leave the interior design to you."
Winnie lit up. This was different treatnt. "Really?"
"Of course, you call all the shots."
"Okay, I'll call them right now."
Soon Winnie scheduled a eting over the phone to sign the order contract for the next day. Linton also notified Goodman and Mary to co to the mansion because the purchase would be made under the movie company's na.
...
"Regarding the entertainnt dia acquisition, I've also had people investigate. Currently, there are two publications potentially willing to sell."
"Already? Which two?"
"Hollywood Tabloid. It has a daily circulation of about 6,000 copies and nearly 20 editors and reporters. Because of the small circulation, the paper is barely breaking even. Its current valuation is $2 million. With proper investnt, the owner might be willing to sell.
Then there's Hollywood Gossip Daily, with a circulation about 4,000 daily and 15 editorial staff. It has been running at a loss since last year, struggling to keep afloat. Its valuation is $600,000, and the owner strongly wants to sell."
"Anything better?"
"There are many entertainnt dia outlets in Los Angeles, but the others are doing well and probably not interested in selling."
"I see. Doesn't matter. I just want a platform. After acquisition, we'll definitely invest heavily and expand. With exclusive news licensing for and my company, it will surely grow.
So, have Goodman arrange people to contact these two and see who's willing to sell. Try to acquire one as soon as possible."
In the early '90s, before the internet wave, print dia was at its golden age. Most owners weren't eager to sell their stakes. Linton didn't want to waste ti, so he straightforwardly targeted these two.
"Will the acquired dia be placed under the movie company too?"
"No, the dia will be under the Charity Foundation, which you will manage."
"Okay, I will get on it ASAP."
"Our Winnie is really capable. Having you assists is such a relief," Linton said with a rare complint after finishing their work discussion, trying to please Winnie.
"Honey, how are you going to reward ?" Winnie twinkled her eyes and climbed onto his lap, wrapping her arms around him like a little girl.
"What reward do you want?"
"I want you to keep company tonight and not rest."
"Baby, no problem. Didn't expect you to have a wild side," Linton scooped her up and headed to the third floor.
"Do you like it?"
"Of course."
Sweet, lodious singing filled the air...
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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