Chapter 311 15 billion!
The foreshadowing has been almost done, Cheng Wu got straight to the point.
"Arc Light's strength in film and television production is obvious to all, and its ideas on IP development coincide with our development concept." Cheng Wu said: "We hope to work with President Meng and grow together."
Meng Bai tapped the table lightly: "President Cheng, why don't you just tell me your needs."
"President Meng has a straightforward personality, so I won't waste words." Cheng Wu looked straight at him, "Reading Group hopes to acquire Arc Light Film and Television at a price of 15 billion."
15 billion!
Meng Bai's finger on the table suddenly paused.
Even though he guessed that Tencent would definitely pay a high price, this price was still far beyond his expectations.
You know, even Huace Film and Television, which is known as the "No. 1 film and television stock", currently has a total market value of only about 20 billion.
Tencent wants to acquire it at a premium, and it is still an extremely high premium!
Seeing Meng Bai's surprise, Cheng Wu smiled and continued, "This 15 billion acquisition will be completed in the form of new stock replacement and capital combination. And we can promise that after the acquisition, Mr. Meng will still be in charge of Arclight."
Meng Bai raised his eyebrows: "This should also be a requirement, right?"
"We believe in Mr. Meng's ability."
Cheng Wu did not answer directly, but his tone has already shown his attitude.
Obviously, the reason why Tencent gave such a high premium is, on the one hand, the development potential of Arclight itself, and on the other hand, it is mainly due to the founder Meng Bai.
Arclight Film and Television without Meng Bai can only be regarded as a decent ordinary film and television company, and its value will inevitably be greatly discounted.
Therefore, leaving Meng Bai to continue to be in charge of Arclight Film and Television can not only reduce the other party's resistance, but also ensure the maximum benefit of the acquisition.
To be honest, the conditions given by Cheng Wu can be said to be quite sincere.
Even though he had made up his mind before coming, Meng Bai still couldn't help but hesitate for a few seconds.
That's 15 billion!
And Arclight is still under his charge, and at most he needs to make a few IP films for Yuewen every year.
What's more, Arclight can rely on Tencent, a big tree, and its future development will basically be smooth.
I have to say, it is really attractive.
After a long silence, Meng Bai took a deep breath and looked at Cheng Wu: "I am very grateful to Tencent and Mr. Cheng for their attention to Arclight, and I can deeply feel your sincerity..."
The words are good, but Cheng Wu's heart is cold.
Because generally, such words are followed by a "but".
Sure enough.
Meng Bai continued: "But I'm sorry, I'm a petty person, I don't have much pattern. I like to be a mountain king or something, and I can't stand someone above me."
"Mr. Meng, if you are worried about this, then you can rest assured that we will never interfere with your operation and development at will." Cheng Wu hurriedly explained.
Meng Bai waved his hand: "I know this, Tencent's reputation is still good in the circle."
It is completely opposite to the style of Alibaba, another of the three Internet giants. Tencent's favorite acquisition strategy is to only take profits and ownership, and not interfere with development and operation.
For the acquired party, this undoubtedly gives great freedom. For Tencent itself, it not only saves administrative costs, but also gains a lot of new and distinctive fields.
It can be regarded as a win-win situation.
However, for Meng Bai, he does not need such limited control.
"Mr. Cheng, let me give you an example. For example, Arclight has to complete its own film and television planning. At the same time, Yuewen also has an IP that it wants to adapt. Which one should be prioritized at this time?" "
I believe that with the scale of Arclight, it is not a problem to run two projects at the same time."
"Then who will be in charge?"
"This..."
Cheng Wu paused and understood what Meng Bai meant.
There is naturally no problem with running two projects at the same time, but Meng Bai is still needed as the core creator of the main control.
Putting Tencent's project first is essentially equivalent to Tencent interfering with Arclight's operations;
but if Meng Bai is not used, what is the point of Tencent's acquisition of Arclight?
"Excuse me, Mr. Cheng. Yuewen has a huge IP, and it also has its own publicity and distribution channels and platforms. What it lacks is the team responsible for production in the middle."
Meng Bai said: "So instead of looking for a company like Arclight that has its own IP, it is better to find partners with rich qualifications and experience but lack content."
"..."
Cheng Wu didn't say anything, but frowned and fell into deep thought.
What the young man said made sense, and it seemed that he had indeed fallen into a misunderstanding.
Previously, because Tencent Pictures insisted on taking the path of IP incubation and expansion, it was somewhat suppressed by Penguin Pictures' platform-based strategy.
So when I saw that Arclight Pictures could successfully create the IP series "Green Ivy Criminal Investigation Universe", I naturally thought that they were on the same path.
Moreover, Arclight involves many types of projects, including online dramas, TV shows, and movies, which perfectly meet the needs of China Literature's huge IP library.
But now it seems that those who are on the same path may not be suitable partners.
On the contrary, what Meng Bai said makes sense.
Tencent Pictures is backed by China Literature Group and has no shortage of IPs. Why must it find a team with "independent IP"?
With this thought, Cheng Wu suddenly felt that his thoughts were smooth.
"Haha, Mr. Meng is right. We are just being too picky." Cheng Wu said with a hearty smile: "Although we failed to reach a cooperation with Arclight, today's trip was worthwhile."
"These are just some of my superficial opinions. I believe Mr. Cheng has a complete strategic plan."
"Since Mr. Meng is not interested, I will not say more." Cheng Wu said: "I heard that Arclight also has a film business. If there is a chance, we can cooperate more."
Meng Bai heard this and his mind moved.
"To be honest, Mr. Cheng, I really have a good film project. I wonder if you are interested?"
Cheng Wu was stunned. He didn't expect the other party to be so direct.
But he was not completely polite. After all, the vision of "Mr. Meng of Arclight" is also well-known in the film and television industry.
The project that he proposed must have something.
"I wonder what project it is?"
Meng Bai showed a kind smile: "Mr. Cheng should know Liu Cixin, right?"
...
They failed to reach a cooperation, and there was no need to discuss specific details, so the dinner ended quickly.
Watching Cheng Wu leave, Meng Bai breathed a sigh of relief.
The production funds of "The Wandering Earth" are still short of about 40 million.
Although I have discussed with Guo Fan and plan to fool Wu Jing, this innocent, uh, kind-hearted person, the final result may not be successful.
So Meng Bai has been making preparations for both situations.
Just when Cheng Wu said this, he took the opportunity to attract investment.
The other party did not agree or refuse, but only said that he needed to go back and think about it.
This is normal. After all, how can an investment of tens of millions be decided in just a few words.
Forget it, if it works, it works. If it doesn't, think of other ways.
"Old Qi, please take me back."
After getting in the car, Meng Bai said to the driver in the driving seat.
Hua Yan has completely given up on getting a driver's license, so Huguang directly hired a full-time driver.
The driver's surname is Qi, a middle-aged man in his 40s. He has a wife and a daughter, a calm personality, and good skills. He is a very suitable candidate.
"Okay, Mr. Meng."
The car had just driven a short distance when Meng Bai's mobile phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the name of the caller, and it was his "cheap niece".
As soon as the call was connected, Meng Ziyi's pitiful voice came over: "Uncle, help me..."
(End of this chapter)
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