Chapter 137: New World Entertainment

In an apartment with red-brick style on East 79th Street, near Third Avenue in the Upper East Side, a modestly sized party was taking place, hosted by the Rebelde family. The gathering consisted of close friends and family, numbering just over twenty people.

After initial pleasantries in the living room, James Rebelde brought up a topic of great interest to Simon as they settled into the adjoining sitting room: "I've gathered some information on New World Entertainment, Simon. If you'd like, you can take it with you when you leave. Before the stock market crash, the company was doing quite well. Although their film division wasn't spectacular, their television and comics divisions were profitable, with NBC's fall hit 'Ultimate Cop' produced by New World Entertainment."

New World Entertainment had been restructured from the previous New World Pictures.

James mentioned this company primarily because it was now the parent company of Marvel Entertainment, which New World had purchased from a bankrupt entity in November of the previous year.

Simon, momentarily distracted by a middle-aged man employed at ABC Television Network among the guests, refocused and asked, "And now?"

"After the stock market crash, New World Entertainment's stock price has plummeted by 51%, leaving it with a market cap of just under $190 million," James explained. "However, the company's debt exceeds $220 million, with General Electric as the principal creditor."

Simon didn't need further explanation to understand the dire situation New World Entertainment was likely facing.

Film and television production companies heavily depend on external financing. New World Entertainment might have been in decent shape before the crash, but now, with its stock value less than its debt, financial institutions would certainly not provide any funding.

With a lack of funds, projects would stall, and without profits, the company would spiral into bankruptcy.

However, Simon was curious, "How did New World Entertainment get involved with General Electric?"

James elaborated, "GE acquired NBC last year, and due to several FCC regulations from the mid-1970s that limit networks from producing their own shows, GE supported New World Entertainment as its supplier of television content."

Simon hadn't expected that New World Entertainment, a company he was primarily interested in for its Marvel assets, was backed by a powerhouse like General Electric. Yet, piecing together the information James provided, another idea formed in his mind.

The film division of New World Entertainment was lukewarm, but its TV and comics divisions were profitable. This company could complement Daenerys Film perfectly. If he could acquire New World Entertainment in its entirety, not only would he gain Marvel, but he could also venture into television production. Moreover, Daenerys Film would transcend its current small-scale operations.

The risks, however, were also clear.

With a market value of $190 million, a full acquisition would undoubtedly require a premium. Beyond that, the over $220 million in debt would need to be managed in the future.

While purchasing the company was straightforward—just a matter of paying—the operational challenges were something Simon had no experience with, and he wasn't sure if Amy could handle them.

As Simon continued to mull over these thoughts, he noticed Robert Egge, a middle-aged man who later led Disney to another peak in an alternate timeline, approaching with two young girls, his daughters.

"Simon, these are my daughters, Kate and Amanda. They're big fans of yours," Robert introduced them.

As soon as Robert finished speaking, Amanda, slightly shorter, eagerly moved closer and said, "Simon, you play the guitar so well. Could you teach us? Just 'Flight of the Bumblebee' would be enough."

Simon smiled and responded, "There's no secret to that piece; it's all about practice."

Amanda shook her head, "Not true! Kate and I have been practicing for over half a year, and we still can't play as well as you."

"If only there was a guitar here, you could play, and I could see what's going wrong," Simon suggested.

The girls looked disappointed, having not brought a guitar to the party.

James, seeing an opportunity, chimed in, "Jennifer has one; you can ask her to bring it down. I also saw that 'Good Morning America' video, and honestly, I'd love to hear Simon play live."

The girls excitedly ran off to find Jennifer and soon returned with a guitar. The attendees, aware of Simon's rendition of 'Flight of the Bumblebee', gathered around with interest to watch him give pointers to the young girls and even play a few pieces himself.

After putting down the guitar, sensing the teasing glances from his father, Simon, and Robert, Jennifer realized her personal secret hadn't stayed hidden after all. Slightly embarrassed, she stood at the doorway, watching from a distance as Simon engaged with the guests.

Soon, a figure in wine red appeared beside her. Noticing it was Janet, Jennifer gave a subtle nod.

Holding a glass

 of wine, Janet didn't approach further, instead quietly observing. After a while, she turned to Jennifer, noticing her usual ponytail and said in a soft voice, "He likes it."

Feeling Janet's gaze and already somewhat self-conscious, Jennifer's cheeks flushed a deeper red, and she tried to appear unbothered.

Janet, not minding her embarrassment, continued, "But be careful; that rascal can be quite naughty."

Jennifer waited for more, but Janet didn't elaborate.

After a moment, unable to resist, Jennifer glanced at Janet, whispering so low she could barely hear herself, "What do you mean?"

With a playful gesture, Janet grabbed and gently stroked her ponytail, quickly letting go and whispering with a smile, "One night, he insisted I tie up my hair, and then, well, you know, it was like horseback riding. He's terribly wicked."

"Like, horseback riding."

That.

Hmm.

She should pretend not to understand.

But the vivid imagery floated in her mind, heating her cheeks. She couldn't help stepping back, making up an excuse, and hurried upstairs.

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