Chapter 320: Netflix

"$600 million in cash plus 5% of Capet Pictures' shares?" Charles rested against the chair beside his desk.

"That works. Right now, Netflix's market value is under $1 billion, it's about right. They see the potential growth of Capet Pictures," Charles was satisfied with the price they discussed.

Anyway, continuing to acquire other entertainment industries was part of the plan, and once Capet Music and Capet Holdings are included in the future listing, he would still be the largest shareholder.

"Bridgewater Associates and Texas Pacific Group issued us $500 million in convertible bonds," Anne Depp explained from the other side.

"They didn't suffer greatly from this subprime mortgage crisis?" Charles asked.

"Yes, they had losses, but not significant ones. Like Citibank didn't invest much in subprime mortgages, their losses were insignificant compared to their prior profits," Anne Depp laughed.

"Did Blackstone complete the leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels?" Charles suddenly asked while leaning back in his chair.

As Capet Pictures' CFO, Anne Depp would know about this kind of thing. She wondered why her boss was asking.

"Yes, it was a $26 billion acquisition. You know Blackstone, a private equity firm, went public in June this year. Last year, Blackstone led the $39 billion acquisition of America's largest office property group EOP, then quickly split and sold it for a profit of at least $4 billion. It's not surprising they made such a big move like acquiring Hilton right after going public this year!"

"Private equity firms can even find ways to go public," Charles shook his head. A significant part of Blackstone's business was real estate investment funds, which constituted over a third of their total capital.

U.S. law didn't allow private equity firms to go public, but Blackstone somehow changed its fund's nature and went public.

But essentially, Blackstone was still a darn private equity firm!

"Alright, I was just asking. Acquiring Hilton might cost them heavily for years."

"In the past two years, the real estate market has been sluggish. Look if there's good land in Manhattan. I want to build a skyscraper as a headquarters for our group in New York," during economic recession, the government provided tax support. Capet Pictures' business was booming, so it was the perfect time to acquire more real estate.

Anne Depp nodded, "Understood, with the economic situation worsening, having cash on hand is our best guarantee!"

"By the way, tonight, representatives of the Royal Bank of Canada want to discuss building a new film studio in Toronto. You guys have a good talk. Compared to the U.S., Canada has advantages in film production regarding exchange rates, taxes, rents, talent, and labor," Charles didn't want to worry too much about the initial preparations.

"Besides, not only does the scenery resemble the U.S., but there are also many European-style buildings. Toronto is an international metropolis with urban vibrancy, bustling markets, financial arts, and fashionable universities - all kinds of locations are available for filming.

Ontario's policies support the cultural industry a lot. Toronto is indeed suitable for building a large film studio!"

Capet Pictures had already acquired Netflix, and future film production would increase significantly. Running their overseas studio would save a lot of costs.

Anne Depp smiled, feeling that Charles seemed less interested in these small businesses now.

Capet Pictures had previously acquired Atlantis Pictures in Canada, so they were already well-established there.

With the economic downturn, investing in a factory there would help their economy and solve their unemployment issues.

If we don't fight for tax exemptions, what's the point? Within the U.S., there's Atlanta, Georgia, which Charles specifically chose as the future main filming location for Marvel movies.

In the evening, Charles met with Olga Kurylenko after a long time. He wasn't in the mood for drinking with some old men from the Royal Bank of Canada.

Charles drove a white BMW Z4 with Olga Kurylenko along Highway 101 towards Malibu.

"So, how do you feel about Hitman and The Mist being released soon?" Charles asked while driving.

Olga Kurylenko smiled, "It feels exciting, and both movies are being released in November!"

Charles only cared about The Mist. He didn't expect 20th Century Fox to also schedule Hitman for November.

"The Mist is a thriller ensemble, while Hitman is just an R-rated action flick, not much acting needed," Charles said casually.

Olga Kurylenko didn't mind. After all, she was breaking into Hollywood, "Recently, I'm auditioning for the new Bond girl role in the next James Bond movie!"

"Quantum of Solace? Yes, they're indeed casting. Your chances are high. It's a tradition to cast European actresses as Bond girls," Charles said while placing his right hand on her thigh.

"Really? But I've heard there are over 1,500 actresses competing!" Olga Kurylenko certainly wanted the Bond girl role. Look how big Eva Green got.

"Of course, you're beautiful and sexy!" Charles smiled.

Olga Kurylenko's eyes lit up. She looked at Charles driving, "Want to do something thrilling?"

"How thrilling?"

Olga Kurylenko giggled, then unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned down.

"Dang, it really is thrilling!" Charles gripped the steering wheel tightly.

After driving from Highway 101 to Highway 27 and then onto the Pacific Coast Highway, Charles pulled over at a roadside corner.

Soon after, Olga Kurylenko adjusted Charles' pants, licked her lips and smiled, "Thrilling enough?"

Charles leaned back in the seat, catching his breath with a face of satisfaction, "In Quantum of Solace, you are the Bond girl, and not even Jesus can stop it!"

*****

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