Chapter 605: Custom-Made Super Yacht

In the second round of the English Premier League, Arsenal faced Blackpool at the Emirates Stadium. This season marked Blackpool's first entry into the Premier League.

With such disparity in strength, Arsenal absolutely crushed Blackpool at home with a score of 7-0!

At the exit of the Emirates Stadium, Charles was surrounded by a group of reporters:

"What are your expectations for Arsenal this year, Mr. Capet?"

"Expectations? I only have one expectation for Arsenal, and that is the championship!"

"Do you think Arsenal can defend their UEFA Champions League title?"

"Of course! We have the best coach and the best players. We're definitely confident about defending the title!"

"What do you think about your Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea?"

"I think both Manchester United and Chelsea are great teams. Since the Premier League reform in 1992, Manchester United has won 9 league titles in the 18 seasons, making them the most successful team in the Premier League without a doubt. They also won two Champions Leagues.

Since Roman bought Chelsea, they have won three league titles. But Arsenal has also won five league titles and one Champions League. Since the Premier League reform, apart from Blackburn winning a league title once, the rest have been taken by Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

Next, Arsenal's goal is definitely to surpass Manchester United and become number one in the Premier League. Whether it's league titles or Champions League titles, we will surpass them!"

Financial Times: "Arsenal is determined to become number one in the Premier League, surpassing Manchester United!"

The Guardian: "Arsenal aims to defend their Champions League title!"

The Mirror: "The 90s saw Manchester United dominate the Premier League; the first decade of the new millennium saw a three-way battle between Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. The next decade, Arsenal will reign supreme!"

The Times: "From the 03-04 season to now, Manchester United has only won one league title (06-07) and one Champions League title (07-08) in the last seven seasons!"

Charles didn't pay much attention to the newspapers' praises; he initially planned to look for investment opportunities in Europe.

But after seeing Roman Abramovich's yacht The Eclipse, Charles also wanted a giant luxury private yacht. After all, his Star yacht was only a bit over 130 feet long, and the Starlight docked in Hong Kong was less than 90 feet!

So, he went straight to looking for the top European shipyards for a custom-built giant yacht.

In Bremen, Germany, at the Luerssen shipyard, Charles chose the shipyard.

Charles stayed in Bremen for a few days, discussing his requirements for the yacht with the German Luerssen shipyard. The Italian top yacht designer Nuvolari Lenard was responsible for the yacht's appearance and interior design, while the Luerssen shipyard was responsible for the yacht's construction.

For this custom yacht, Charles asked for a length of around 450 feet with a deck at least five stories high.

"Boss, are we heading to Monaco? The European Super Cup match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid is about to start," Amelia reminded Charles of their schedule after returning to the hotel.

Charles shook his head, "We're going straight back to New York!"

The broadcasting contract for the March Madness of the NCAA, which NBC and TNT were bidding for, hadn't been finalized. Charles needed to return to take care of it as soon as possible.

A single Super Cup game couldn't compare to the importance of Capet Universal's business.

Currently, three parties were competing for the broadcasting rights for the NCAA games: NBC and TNT alliance, ESPN, and the CBS and FOX alliance.

As the world's largest sports broadcaster, ESPN was 80% owned by Disney and 20% by Hearst Corporation.

...

When Charles returned to New York, it was just the last day of August. Meanwhile, Capet Illumination Studio's first 3D animated feature film, Despicable Me, had grossed more than 200 million in North America and 400 million globally.

The success of Despicable Me further expanded the influence of Capet Universal, proving that the company had finally entered the massive animation market!

Midtown Manhattan, Rockefeller Center, NBC offices.

"ESPN's offer is a 6-year contract worth $3.2 billion."

"CBS and FOX seem determined, offering an eleven-year contract worth $7.5 billion."

"Originally, we and TNT proposed a ten-year offer worth $6.8 billion, which the NCAA was tempted by."

Phil Griffin explained to Charles, knowing that was nearly $700 million for less than a month of games each year.

"Are CBS and FOX really being that generous?" Charles frowned.

"What's Time Warner's stance, can they raise their offer?" Charles asked.

Phil Griffin nodded, "They also want to hear what you think, Charles."

After thinking for a while, Charles said, "Fourteen years, $10.6 billion. If the NCAA doesn't agree, we'll pull out. First, let Dick Ebersol and TNT discuss this with them."

Phil Griffin was taken aback, "A $10.6 billion March Madness broadcasting contract would definitely break the NCAA's broadcasting record."

"A fourteen-year contract means the average annual broadcasting fee exceeds 750 million!" Phil Griffin added.

...

That evening, Charles went to Britney Spears' duplex in SoHo, Manhattan.

"Did you go to Europe to custom order a super yacht?" Britney's eyes lit up after hearing Charles' words, interrupting her handstand.

"It'll take a few years to be delivered," lying on the bed, Charles wasn't very excited. Was her handstand a method to get pregnant faster?

Reflecting on his wealth, he wondered why he was still chasing after money instead of enjoying life to the fullest.

"I also want to buy a private yacht, something less than 100 feet," Britney said, kissing Charles on the chest. "Any good suggestions?" she asked.

"Go to European yacht makers. When it comes to yachts, Europe is the best. The ones in the US have poor taste," Charles commented casually. After all, Britney already owned a private jet; a yacht was no big deal.

In fact, the Star was docked in Los Angeles, and Britney could use it anytime.

Charles couldn't help but ask, "Don't I already have one docked in Los Angeles?"

Britney rolled her eyes, "Too many women have been on that one!"

Quickly, Britney, lying on top of Charles, felt Charles' bodily change, "Forget it, next time bring Megan Fox along, considering you knew her the earliest..."

*****

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