novelraw Chapter 144
Chapter 144
At two o'clock in the afternoon, Josie got off the plane and went straight to the San Francisco headquarters of SkyEye Network.
After a year of vigorous development, TT has successfully defeated ICQ and occupied the largest market of instant messaging software. Up to now, the number of users has approached 1000 million.
At the same time, the Internet giants who failed to suppress TT finally gave up the previous vicious competition, but offered olive branches to Tianyan Network one after another, and proposed plans to acquire Tianyan Network.
But this was apparently directly rejected by Michael Shute, the president of Tianyan Network, so they settled for the next best thing and aimed at TT itself.
At this time, America Online (AOL) had to give a quotation far exceeding expectations, 3.5 million US dollars, because TT's business field is very important to it.
Today's AOL is still a legend.
Founded in the early 20s, this company was originally called trolVideo Corporation, a small company supporting video game consoles.
In 1985, it changed its name to Quantum Computer Corporation, and its main business became to provide dial-up Internet access.
In October 1989, it changed its name to the famous "America Online" (Ameriline), referred to as AOL-this is the origin of AOL, which is known as the originator of Internet companies in the world.
In the early 90s, the Internet began to spread across the United States, and America Online's business also skyrocketed, becoming the largest Internet service provider in China, and the number of users quickly exceeded 1000 million.
For most Americans today, AOL is the Internet. Without AOL software, they don't know how to play online games, chat, and send and receive e-mail.
As the current ruler of the Internet, AOL's advertising revenue last year reached a staggering 2.56 million US dollars, but since Microsoft released Windous98 in June this year and integrated its own free browser IE4.0, AOL CEO Steven Casey felt that an unprecedented crisis was coming.
As we all know, the reason why AOL can quickly occupy the market is largely due to its Netscape browser.
But Microsoft has almost monopolized the computer operating system. Its software, including IE, is given away for free with the system. This action directly disabled the Netscape browser, the pillar business of AOL, forcing it to seek new development. direction.
At this time, TT, which was also targeted by Microsoft, once again entered the eyes of America Online.
Over the past few days, the top management of Tianyan Network has discussed the quotation stage with the acquisition specialists sent by companies such as America Online and Microsoft, and all the quotations from various companies have been summarized in front of Qiao Qian.
Except for AOL, Microsoft is a little more stingy, only paying 3.2 million US dollars. If Tianyan Network is willing to sell itself and Timi in a package, they can raise this price to 4 million US dollars.
And Amazon, which has just acquired IMDB, has also shown interest in Tianyan Network itself, and tends to control the emerging Internet company Tianyan Network by means of equity replacement and cash.
In addition, IAC's Barry Diller - this is David Geffen's good partner when he was an agent at WMA - is also willing to personally buy out the entire company, and directly gave an exciting Shocking $[-] million offer.
"So, our company is so valuable now?"
Jimmy McGill, a lawyer who provided legal advice to the company, couldn't believe it.
He was a slender, middle-aged man with a long, bitter face and a dangerous hairline. At this moment, because he was so shocked that he opened his mouth to breathe, he looked a little funny.
At the beginning of the establishment of Tianyan Network, Archie Dano found this unknown little lawyer, James Morgan McGill, also known as "Jimmy" from the back door of a nail salon in Chinatown, Los Angeles.
Of course, Archie dared to guarantee that Jimmy's professional ability could pass the test, but they didn't expect that this small company, which was just a subsidiary of Tianji Films, would soar into the sky in a blink of an eye and become a behemoth worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Jimmy McGill was so excited that tears flowed from the corners of his mouth.
But obviously Josie doesn't expect Jimmy McGill to be in charge of this big deal, she has long let herself publicize Eve—many Hollywood publicists are from the rich second generation with high gold content, and their connections are all over all walks of life— —Contacted the well-known Jones Day law firm in the United States, and the latter provided a professional team to assist.
"The asking price is too low." Josie threw the quotation back on the table, frowning in dissatisfaction, "Whether it's a round of negotiation, it's a process of asking for prices at the beginning, so I think TT is worth at least five billion, and SkyEye Network is even more priceless.”
The oval-shaped conference table sat on top of Sky Eye Network, respectively, the company's president, vice president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, etc. Because the company was developing too fast, many people were recruited directly through headhunting companies. And the interior is also faintly divided into two factions.
One group is the senior wage earners headed by the company's president Michael Shute, who strongly hope that the company will go public first before discussing acquisitions, with the goal of rewarding equity; There is a subtle sense of belonging.
"I think you're right, Miss Horton." Michael Shute gave Josie a smile.
But I was thinking in my heart: [-] million?How dare the lion open its mouth.
But just to scare those people away, thanks to this Hollywood actress with big breasts and no brains, but it would be even better if she is willing to list this company, these people work hard not just for that little annual salary.
"...Is it too high?" The chief financial officer hesitated.
In fact, the market value of TT should be between 3.5 million and 3.8 million. The power of Timi cannot be seen at all due to the problem of Internet speed and Internet popularity. People in our company only think that it is an enhanced version of blog.
But former Hollywood executive Barry Diller was very interested in it, and his bid was the highest among all potential buyers.
But Josie didn't want to make a deal with him.
First, Barry Diller is not a real Silicon Valley player. He is good at the TV network field, and there are not many resources behind the SkyEye Network;
Second, the future e-commerce tycoon was David Geffen's partner during his tenure in the WMA. He suddenly came out and quoted such a high price, making people wonder whether he really wants to make an acquisition—not to confuse the situation. Water wreaks havoc.
This is not aimless, but because the Weinsteins used this trick at the Cannes Film Festival: quickly push back potential opponents with the highest price, and then the price can be set at will.
So far, Josie prefers America Online.
Although in a few years, the main business of AOL will be gradually eaten away by competitors, such as email is monopolized by free models of companies such as Google and Microsoft, Netscape browser is completely replaced by Microsoft's IE, the most terrible thing is the core business Dial-up Internet access failed to keep up with the tide of broadband technology, leading to the rapid collapse of the Internet giant.
But for now, at least, AOL's future looks bright, and it will reach a $3500 billion de facto merger with Time Warner two years later to form AOL-Time Warner, the media giant. giant.
All Josie wanted was a ticket to the AOL-Time Warner board.
"Hey, remember the 'exorbitant prices', gentlemen." Josie tapped on the table with her fingers, whispered a few words to her financial advisor, and was about to end her trip on the SkyEye Network and set off to meet Frank in the city center. Holden.
At this time, she glanced at her former assistant, El Kayser, and signaled that the other party had something to say.
Compared to being overqualified by Josie's side before, Mr. Keizer has adapted well to his life in San Francisco, and he has played his role in Tianyan Network well, so that Michael Schutt, who was recruited through a headhunting company, only dared to do it. With these small actions, she dared not and had no chance to really harm Josie's interests.
Josie asked as she walked, "El, if I ask you to replace Michael Shute next, can I rest assured about San Francisco?"
El habitually took the suit jacket from Josie's hand, helped her put it on her shoulders, and replied, "I think it's okay."
He was tall, so when talking to Josie, he kept leaning slightly and kept a proper social distance.
"Okay, I understand." Josie spoke quickly and clearly, "I think you know my quarrel with David Geffen, the old guy Barry Diller is his lackey, so even if Barry Diller No matter how much money Diller pays, I will not let them get involved in my company. And, the partner I am most optimistic about right now is America Online, what's your opinion?"
The heels of her high-heeled shoes tapped the company's marble floor regularly, making a crisp and quick sound.
El's pace is much calmer.
"This is exactly what I've always wanted to talk to you about, Josie." El stopped in front of the elevator, stretched out his hand to block the elevator door to let Josie go in first, followed by himself and pressed the floor of the parking lot, "Most Internet companies need financing because this emerging industry burns too much money in the initial stage, and it is normal for them to lose money year after year. However, Tianyan Network is different. TT's profitability is good, and the number of active users is still growing steadily, so I Don't understand why you're selling - neither you nor Mr Frank are short of funds."
Josie nodded and replied: "Yes, but my problem is that I don't have the energy to devote myself to SkyEye Network. My job is in Hollywood, and running a company is not my strong point. And most importantly, with With the rapid expansion of the Tianyan network, many people will try their best to solve us, so it is better to find a backer for the company in advance."
The dispute with ICQ is just a small fight, and the confrontation with these industry giants is the most important thing.
So when it really came to that point, it was impossible for Josie to go home and find her father to solve everything, but her own contacts in the political and business circles were almost zero.
"In this case, my suggestion is to introduce multi-party capital and start the listing plan." Elton paused, but still said bluntly: "Although Mr. Horton's Tianmu Capital was founded not long ago, it invests in high-tech and Internet companies. Already have relatively mature experience, I suggest that you can chat with him as boss to boss.”
Josie didn't answer right away, but turned her head and looked at El generously, from his very Silicon Valley-style top to that Italian-style face.
Then, she smiled at him and said, "Okay, I will. Is there anything else you want to tell me besides that?"
El obviously hesitated, lowering his eyes to avoid her gaze, "...you may already know that I was able to successfully complete my studies because of the funding from the foundation under your parents' name."
"Yes, I know." Josie admitted bluntly, having a premonition of what El in front of her would say.
Sure enough, El took a not-so-obvious deep breath, raised his eyes and said, "I've completely paid off the money."
"Oh, so?" Josie used a question, raised her eyebrows, and said with a smile, "What do you think I'll ask, El—I don't care about those things, well, maybe I did care a little when I first found out , but not after you confessed."
As she spoke, she walked out of the elevator room on the floor she had just arrived at first, and saw that Old John had already driven the car and parked it not far away, so she turned around and said: "Work hard for me, my friend, first help me in the elevator." Get Barry Diller out of the company early, okay?"
"I will, Josie." El couldn't help smiling, and stepped forward to open the door for Josie, "I mean, leave it to me."