Chapter 232: Snapple

After meeting with the Clintons at the Warner Estate, Arthur ran into Thomas H. Lee, head of the THL Private Equity Fund.

"Snapple?" Arthur was surprised. Thomas H. Lee was trying to persuade Arthur's California Pacific Investment Company to support his acquisition of Snapple.

In the 1980s, many small soft drink brands emerged, and Snapple stood out with its trendy, alternative style, becoming a market leader.

"Arthur, Snapple's annual revenue is currently $95 million, but it hasn't reached its full potential. If we jointly acquire Snapple, we can significantly increase its annual revenue. Whether we manage it ourselves or sell it to a major food company, we'll make a fortune!" Thomas H. Lee enthusiastically described Snapple's future.

"Acquiring Snapple requires at least $100 million in cash. Does THL have that capability?" Arthur seemed to remember something. Snapple only thrived for a few years before its sales plummeted after being acquired by Gatorade's parent company.

Arthur recalled this because Gatorade, the famous sports drink, was later acquired by Pepsi.

Thomas H. Lee smiled, "The Snapple acquisition needs $100 million, and THL has raised about half of the funds."

Arthur nodded. THL was a private equity fund, adept at leveraged buyouts, likely having only a fraction of the needed funds on hand.

"Let me think about it. I'll have California Pacific contact you. Collaborating on Snapple's acquisition shouldn't be difficult," Arthur was indeed interested.

After all, once Snapple's sales soared, a big company would definitely want to buy it at a high price.

With Galaxy releasing The Bodyguard and A Few Good Men, cash wasn't an issue, and there were also funds invested in the forex market. Arthur wasn't short on money.

After talking with Thomas H. Lee, Arthur found Nicole Kidman. "Arthur, I just met Woody Allen!"

"Woody Allen?" Arthur was stunned. Wasn't this guy embroiled in a scandal for allegedly sexually abusing his adopted daughter?

"Alright, it's no big deal," Arthur couldn't care less about such scandals.

"Hi, Arthur, good evening!" Suddenly, veteran Hollywood star Warren Beatty approached Arthur.

Arthur nodded, holding Nicole Kidman, and shook hands with Warren Beatty. "Good evening, congratulations on your daughter!"

Warren Beatty, 55 this year, had married 34-year-old actress Annette Bening and had a daughter with her.

"Thank you, Arthur. Let me introduce some friends." Warren Beatty then called over Hugh Hefner, James Caan, and Mick Jagger.

Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy.

Mick Jagger, one of the founders of the Rolling Stones.

As for James Caan, he was just a Hollywood character actor, known for playing Sonny, the eldest son of the Corleone family in The Godfather.

Arthur's eye twitched. Introducing a bunch of old guys to him? These geezers were notorious, frequently making headlines for drug use and prostitution.

"Arthur, if you have time, come to my villa for a party," said Hugh Hefner, dressed in pajamas and reeking of Viagra.

"Playboy is also very interested in producing movies. We can have a good chat about films!"

"Hey, he's Hollywood's golden boy now. Not everyone qualifies to collaborate with Galaxy," James Caan said, seemingly uncomfortable with Arthur's lack of respect for his elders.

However, Arthur didn't like this tone.

But Hugh Hefner, feeling confident, said, "Playboy's influence isn't something an average magazine can compare to. What do you think, Arthur? With Playboy's reputation, you're bound to make a fortune. This is your shortcut to success."

Arthur felt this guy wasn't thinking straight. Did he take too much Viagra and lose his mind?

"Arthur, any chance we can collaborate on a film?" Warren Beatty seemed eager. His self-directed and starred movies, Dick Tracy and Bugsy, hadn't met expectations.

Warren Beatty wanted to work with Arthur.

Arthur looked at Mick Jagger, indicating if he had anything to say.

Mick Jagger shook his head and smiled wryly at Arthur. "We were just chatting. They had a few drinks and joked that you're the most powerful person in Hollywood now. It was just a joke, Arthur. Don't take it to heart!"

Mick Jagger then pulled Warren Beatty and Hugh Hefner, "Let's continue drinking."

Arthur couldn't be bothered standing around with these washed-up old guys. "I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now!"

"Arthur, aren't you going to introduce this beautiful lady by your side before you go?" Warren Beatty tried to change the topic sensing Arthur's displeasure.

Arthur smiled, "Just wanted to get some fresh air outside. See you next time!"

"Hey, Arthur, you really don't want to collaborate with Playboy?" Hugh Hefner asked again, still confused.

Arthur looked at Warren Beatty and laughed, "When your friend sobers up, remind him that taking too much Viagra can lead to brain damage!"

Arthur then pointed at James Caan, "I didn't like your tone earlier. Drink all the alcohol on the table, and I'll consider it drunken babble. Otherwise, you might find yourself out of work in Hollywood!"

Arthur spoke lightly, still smiling, but it made everyone around him freeze, especially James Caan and Warren Beatty.

They were well aware of Galaxy's influence and Arthur Smith's power in Hollywood.

"Arthur, it was just a joke. Caan just had a bit too much to drink," Warren Beatty tried to laugh it off, seemingly sobering up. Mick Jagger pulled the confused Hugh Hefner away.

Nicole Kidman's heart raced, wanting to pull Arthur away but didn't dare to.

Arthur's gaze grew colder as he looked at James Caan, ignoring Warren Beatty. "Looks like you want to leave the acting business?"

James Caan clenched his fists and quickly drank the three glasses on the table.

Arthur smiled, "In Hollywood, dignity is the least valuable thing. Remember the survival tactics of the small fry."

He then glanced at Warren Beatty, "Hollywood hierarchy is based on strength, not age. You were once in the limelight, how did you end up associating with such marginal figures?"

With that, Arthur directly pulled Nicole Kidman and left.

*****

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