Stroke of luck

A stroke of bad luck.

April 5.

The maneuvers of Disney and Warner have specific reasons for their development. On the one hand, the mouse company aims to acquire incredible 3D technologies and advancements in 2D animation. Previously, they secured a deal with Pixar for the production of certain details using 2D technology. However, this gain has diminished for two main reasons. Disney ended the partnership in 1989 as they had adapted the program to their needs and didn't want to enrich a rival company. The progressive leap seen in movies like Hercules and Toy Story has generated some doubt. Faced with the refusal to associate or buy Pixar, the mouse has decided on the easier route – to overshadow Pixar, but this is something that must be planned carefully.

On the other hand, Warner aims to acquire the IPs of Lux Comics. In the first three years, they earned $550 million with the Yu Yu Hakusho series, which was quite glorious. Shows like Johnny Bravo, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain are fantastic and have gained popularity on television. Warner started paving the way for Lux Animation by first severing ties with Dark Horse Comics. The second step involves initiating lawsuits against contracts for various reasons, segregating the company by blocking shares in many emerging distribution, production, and agency companies as much as possible.

The real blows have not yet landed successfully because it's not possible to attack without a glaring scandal or some issue worthy of attention. After all, unfair competition is punished, and in the business world, it's better to play more elegant cards. Well, when Billy turns 21, it might cause different repercussions.

However, shocking news hit the business elites on April 3, 1994. Disney's president, Frank Wells, tragically passed away in a plane crash. This event caused various repercussions. Firstly, a man died, leaving a grieving family and many friends who lost a strong and considerable friendship. Everyone has dependents, whether it's a father raising children, a husband loving his spouse, a son helping his parents, or a friend sharing trust. However, something unexpected happened, as Frank Wells was the president of Disney and chief operating officer. He played crucial roles necessary for the company's growth. This event triggered a power struggle in the board of directors like never before – a struggle of personal, group, and economic powers, which was common but quite disheartening.

On one side, Frank Wells, the one who directed the board of directors and made decisions. Although Michael Eisner is the CEO, Frank Wells, a more measured and intelligent person for crucial decisions, had entrepreneurs seeking market shares from the shadows. There are no movements yet, but it's evident that there are considerable divisions among everyone.

Now Michael Eisner is devastated, hit, and totally incredulous about the events. The smile disappeared, and corporate comfort also vanished.

Michael Eisner, who had been brought in specifically by Sid Bass and Roy E. Disney, an investor in the company, had cunningly brought in Jeffrey Katzenberg as the president of Walt Disney Studios. However, Jeffrey is not satisfied with just being the president of an animation company, which he does not consider now, but in the coming months, he will launch a campaign-like bid for the presidency. The growth in this 10-year period is impressive, and the Frank/Michael duo has tripled Disney's wealth. Numerous plans have already been made for the company's growth in many meetings.

With the purchase of ABC, how does it benefit Lux Animation? With the future acquisition of ABC, Frank Wells' death, and the required corporate reorganization, Disney has temporarily set aside the fight for Pixar, at least until the case is resolved. The board's concerns are now focused elsewhere, and the noose around Lux Animation has loosened.

Sid Bass, a prominent businessman and shareholder who always operates behind the scenes, is not a well-known wealthy man associated with the company. He lives in a gigantic residential neighborhood even more secluded than the mansions of Beverly Hills. His children socialize with politicians, landlords, landowners, and businessmen. It's not to diminish opulence; it's just a plain fact that they prefer privacy – something simpler like Greenwich, Connecticut; the Upper East Side, New York; or the Hamptons, New York – hidden, private, and protected. That's what the elites prefer, especially if they can relate to each other.

-Sid, now that the company is entering a transition period again, don't you think it's good that we clean up a bit of Disney's blood? We need new people who align with our values, - said a Morgan Stanley representative, a new shareholder. The Morgan group has bought several ABC shares and percentages of other companies to carry out the purchase discreetly. With other purchases and investments in Disney, the Morgan group now has an 11% say in the shareholder board, a significant influence.

-Well, I think we should let Michael handle it. The company continues to grow under his wings. Frank Wells' death is a pity, but there's already a plan in place, and I have full confidence. Irwin has said the same, - replied Sid Bass.

-I see. For now, I think it's best for me to continue buying ABC shares, - said the representative.

-Cheers to that, - Sid said, clinking glasses.

Very few know about the ABC purchase. Only a select few are aware of this merger, and all that's left for them is to speculate.

-Although I doubt, we'll be allowed to buy NBC and CBS television networks, financial analyses may be conducted in the coming days. You can speculate on Wall Street, - said Sid.

-Well, for now, we see that there's only one source of making money, and it's with internet and technology companies. These companies are perfect for speculation; you can make money very easily and quickly, - added the Morgan representative.

-Internet? - Sid questioned.

-Yes, but it's not the time to play. The gains are minimal. What's in fashion is currencies and crude oil, - explained the representative.

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Michael Eisner sat in his office, somber and silent, reviewing accounts and issuing some statements. However, he repeated these tasks every thirty minutes. He was deeply depressed.

-Sir, the Warner contact is on the line for the meeting about policies with the Federal Communications Commission, - said Michael's secretary.

-Go ahead, you can put him through, - Michael replied.

-Michael, it's a pleasure to talk to you. I'm sorry to bother you at this time. I was going to leave a note with your secretary, but she mentioned you were in the office, and I wanted to offer my condolences, - said Bob Daily.

-Oh, Mr. Daily, thank you for your consideration. Is there any business between us? - Michael asked.

He didn't seem like a man afflicted by the death of a close friend. His voice was cold, earning him the nickname "the dictator." People face their spiritual problems in many ways, and Michael confronts them by internalizing.

-Well... the new policies from the Federal Television Commission for animated channels have doubled. We are also warning about many new educational and financial policies to block the Lux Comics company, - explained Bob Daily.

-What financial policies? I'm not aware of them, - Michael Eisner asked.

-Well, nothing too complicated. It involves restricting the creation of new animated channels. The board considered specific details, such as a fiscal committee to review the true content of new channels (censorship rules). The cost falls on the channel directors, meaning Lux Comics. However, this rule applies only to new children's programming channels. The time, costs, and fines are rather unpleasant, - explained Bob Daily.

-Yes, I see. Keep me informed, Mr. Daily, - said Michael.

-Well, the thing is, we have a new action on our hands that could upset our dear competitor even more, - said Bob Daily.

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