Chapter 251: USA Network

Once decided, Arthur immediately sent an acquisition request upon his return to Los Angeles, aiming for a 50% stake in USA Network, owned by Paramount Communications.

In Paramount Pictures' headquarters on Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, the CEO Charles Bluhdorn and Chairman Martin Davis of Paramount Communications were both surprised by the message.

"Arthur Smith wants to acquire USA Network?" Martin Davis had just met with Viacom's Chairman Sumner Redstone in New York, who expressed interest in acquiring all of Paramount Communications.

Charles Bluhdorn wasn't too shocked. "In recent years, Galaxy has been investing in BET, ESPN, and Arthur Smith has always shown a significant interest in cable networks. Besides, Galaxy's financial situation is very strong!"

Martin Davis, being a major shareholder of Paramount Communications, indeed had thoughts of selling, and Paramount Communications was very attractive. Viacom, Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, Ted Turner's Turner Broadcasting System, and John Malone's Liberty Media had all shown interest in Paramount Communications.

"Even if we sell 50% of USA Network, it won't affect the big picture. Our most important assets are still Paramount Entertainment Group," Martin Davis didn't mind selling half of USA Network's shares.

Paramount Entertainment's Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Network, and Paramount Licensing were the main attractions.

Charles Bluhdorn smiled. "Arthur needs to deal with Panasonic first. After all, Universal has the right of first refusal on the remaining shares of USA Network. Let's see if Panasonic is interested in buying them."

Neither Charles Bluhdorn nor Martin Davis felt too pressured about selling USA Network.

...

North Hollywood, at Galaxy's office.

"Does Panasonic still have an interest in American cable networks?" Arthur smiled. Since last year, the yen's value had been rising, from an exchange rate of 140 to the current 120.

With domestic consumption downgrading and reduced exports, Japan finally entered a mode of economic recession. The dual bubbles in real estate and the stock market were the only things slowing it down.

However, Japan still boasted a trillion-dollar GDP, making it a behemoth. Its massive overseas investments were particularly striking!

"Annie, have you talked to the banks yet?" Arthur looked at Galaxy's CFO, Annie Depp.

Annie Depp nodded. "Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are all willing to provide financial support for Galaxy."

"Arthur, you need to realize that Galaxy is now a shining star in Hollywood!"

Arthur nodded and said, "Make an offer, quoting both Universal and Paramount Communications. Galaxy wants to fully acquire USA Network for a billion dollars."

"Paramount is willing to sell, but Universal's Lew Wasserman and other top executives have gone to Japan to report to Panasonic," Annie Depp said with a shrug and a chuckle. "Universal's performance this year can't be ignored by Panasonic!"

"Indeed," Arthur chuckled as well. Universal had been overshadowed by Galaxy this year, and Lew Wasserman going to Japan to explain to Panasonic's President Akio Tanii was understandable.

Moreover, selling the shares of USA Network also required Akio Tanii's approval.

"Aren't you worried that Universal might buy Paramount's shares?" Annie Depp suddenly asked.

Arthur scoffed, "Universal wouldn't spend money on that right now. How much could Panasonic afford to lose? Christmas is around the corner. I wonder if we'll get good news before the year ends."

As Galaxy's last movie of 1992, Emma, hit theaters, the company also began planning for the next year's schedule.

However, Neil Jordan's controversial work The Crying Game gave Arthur a pleasant surprise.

It had already grossed $50 million in North America, making a strong impression!

...

In the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, Arthur brought Sophie Marceau to a villa. "Prepared especially for you, French style."

Sophie Marceau hugged Arthur. "Are you trying to make me stay in Hollywood for a long time?"

Having just finished filming Fanfan in France, Sophie Marceau came to Los Angeles specifically for the Golden Globe nomination luncheon.

Galaxy's Schindler's List, A Few Good Men, and Scent of a Woman were all nominated for Best Drama.

"What else? A Few Good Men is nominated for Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay at the Golden Globes, just second to Schindler's List," Arthur smiled. "You're the leading actress. Even though you weren't nominated, you've definitely raised your Hollywood profile!"

European actresses were in short supply in Hollywood, and Sophie Marceau was a great choice to fill the gap.

"Well, if European scripts come my way, I'll still go back to Europe to shoot them!"

Sophie Marceau said, kissing Arthur.

"Mmm," Arthur responded, slipping a hand into the bodice of the girl's dress, expressing his longing through actions.

Soon, Sophie Marceau was pressed onto the sofa, clinging to Arthur as they weathered the storm ...

After some time, Sophie Marceau wearily touched the face pressed against her chest. "Didn't Christiane Reali come to the U.S. recently? Didn't she find you?"

"She went back to Brazil first, then plans to return to France," Arthur said, squeezing the softness of Sophie Marceau.

"Is that so," Sophie Marceau wasn't too concerned. "By the way, Three Colors: Blue, co-invested by Galaxy, has wrapped up. I saw the rough cut, and it looks good!"

"American audiences don't have a high acceptance of European artistic films. Galaxy's investment in this project is mainly for the European market," Arthur aimed for commercial success, though some European filmmakers were fixated on artistic films.

Whether to gather European film talents or tap into the European market, artistic films were an indispensable part.

Sophie Marceau smiled. "Hollywood has the world's largest entertainment market and film industry, it can do whatever it wants."

"Business rules!"

*****

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