Chapter 294: Interest in MCA
With September arriving, Pulp Fiction, which had won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes, was released across North America and immediately sparked a wave of discussion.
Its opening weekend brought in $12 million at the box office, already surpassing its production budget.
Although North American critics were divided in their opinions of Pulp Fiction, the film was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about movies of the year.
The Los Angeles Times praised it as a "mad, ruthless, arrogant, insolent, and astonishing film."
A review in the Denver Post, however, argued that the movie was hollow and failed to evoke anything beyond itself.
That night, at the InterContinental Tokyo Bay, Aaron stood by the window, admiring the glittering night view of Tokyo Bay.
"Oniisan."
Norika Fujiwara, dressed in a sensual silk nightgown, wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Feeling her curves against him, Aaron pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
"Hmm. I heard you've started filming a television drama recently?"
"Yes, a TBS drama."
Norika still looked excited about it.
Aaron nodded before scooping her up and carrying her into the bedroom.
The following day, Aaron met with executives from Sakura Bank at the hotel. Under the name of Dawn International Japan Pictures, he secured a loan of 15 billion yen from the bank.
The funds would serve as capital for Dawnlight's expansion into the Japanese market. At the prevailing exchange rate, 15 billion yen was worth more than $160 million.
Sakura Bank was an important asset of the Mitsui Group, one of Japan's major zaibatsu. Mitsui & Co., New Oji Paper, Toshiba, Sony, Sanyo, Toyota, and numerous other companies were also associated with the Mitsui Group.
Alongside Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda, the Mitsui Group was considered one of Japan's four major financial conglomerates.
After finishing his meeting with Sakura Bank, Aaron ran into Mike Medavoy, the former chairman of TriStar Pictures and now an executive associated with Sony.
"Aaron, are you also here in Japan for the Tokyo International Film Festival?"
Mike Medavoy was serving as chairman of the jury for the seventh Tokyo International Film Festival, which was scheduled to take place later that month.
"The Tokyo International Film Festival?" Aaron shook his head with a smile. "Not particularly. I haven't even been paying much attention to the Venice International Film Festival that's currently underway."
Mike Medavoy shrugged.
"Fair enough. Then don't tell me you're here because you're interested in MCA Universal?"
Recently, news had broken that the Matsushita Group was looking to sell MCA, with Herbert Allen of Allen & Company and Michael Ovitz of CAA serving as the two financial advisers on the deal.
Aaron tapped his fingers against the table.
"MCA. If I remember correctly, the Seagram Company is also interested in acquiring it, right?"
Mike Medavoy took a sip of his drink and gave Aaron a meaningful glance.
"With Dawnlight making one major move after another in Hollywood, it would be strange if MCA's assets didn't interest you."
Aaron's expression remained unchanged.
MCA Group owned Universal Pictures, MCA Television, MCA Home Video, MCA Music Group, Putnam Publishing, a 40 percent stake in the Cineplex Odeon theater chain, the Universal Amphitheatre, a 50 percent stake in USA Network, Universal Studios Hollywood, and 50 percent of Universal Studios Florida.
For Dawnlight, these were unquestionably premium assets.
Universal's film and television libraries, music division, publishing group, home entertainment business, and European theater chain were all areas Dawnlight desperately needed to expand.
In fact, MCA was even more attractive to Aaron than the TBS Broadcasting Group.
Aaron smiled.
"Looks like I really do need to start paying closer attention to MCA."
Mike Medavoy nodded.
"I'm planning to establish Phoenix Pictures soon. Perhaps we'll have another opportunity to work together in the future."
Aaron gave an indifferent smile.
"I'm sure we will."
After spending three days in Tokyo, Aaron immediately headed to Matsushita's headquarters in Osaka.
Matsushita president Yoichi Morishita received Aaron Anderson in his office. Michael Ovitz and Herbert Allen were also present.
During the formal meeting, Aaron made Dawnlight's interest in MCA clear from the outset.
Morishita remained relatively calm, but Michael Ovitz was visibly surprised.
"Dawnlight really intends to acquire MCA Group?"
Aaron narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Given Dawn's current momentum, isn't it perfectly natural for us to be interested in MCA?"
"Dawn belongs entirely to me now. Wall Street investment banks and various funds are all willing to support me, so funding isn't going to be a problem."
Across the table, Herbert Allen took a breath.
"Aaron, I thought your main interest was in the cable television business."
Aaron smiled and turned toward Morishita.
"I understand that Matsushita wants to sell MCA as quickly as possible. If our negotiations go smoothly, Dawn can provide the acquisition funds to you in cash without unnecessary delay."
Morishita nodded.
"I've certainly heard of Mr. Anderson. Dawnlight has become one of Hollywood's new leading companies."
"If MCA were to be entrusted to someone like you, I would consider that one of the better outcomes for the company."
Aaron glanced at Michael Ovitz.
"I know the Seagram Company is also interested in MCA. I wonder whether young Edgar Bronfman Jr. can convince the rest of his family."
Michael Ovitz smiled faintly.
"Edgar Bronfman Jr. is effectively in charge of Seagram now. I believe he'll be able to convince his father and uncle."
At that point, Morishita stood up.
"Why don't we all go have dinner together?"
Matsushita was still conducting its valuation of MCA's assets, and a transaction of this size was never going to be completed overnight.
Aaron's trip to Osaka was primarily intended to make Dawn's position clear.
From here, everything would depend on the offers Dawnlight and Seagram ultimately put forward for MCA.
That evening, Michael Ovitz and Herbert Allen discussed Aaron Anderson in a bar.
"I didn't expect Aaron to make his move so quickly. He's going after the whole of MCA."
Herbert Allen shrugged.
"Dawnlighy is one of the most profitable film companies in Hollywood. The margins on Dawnlight's movies are astonishing."
"Despite being a relatively young company, nobody in Hollywood dares underestimate Dawnlight anymore. If Aaron Anderson really wants to acquire MCA Universal, he'll undoubtedly receive substantial support from Wall Street."
Michael Ovitz sighed.
"I need to head back to the United States…"
Later that night, in the bedroom of the InterContinental Osaka, Aaron lay on the bed while speaking with Wang Zhuxian over a long-distance call.
"I might be heading straight back to the United States. I probably won't be coming to Beijing this time. I'll come see you when I have the chance."
Aaron needed to return to America as quickly as possible to assemble an acquisition team and begin negotiations with Matsushita, conduct the necessary asset valuations, arrange bank financing, and handle the other details of the transaction.
"Okay. When you have some time, I can always come to America and see you."
Joey Wong traveled to Vancouver for vacation almost every year, so her trips to North America had become increasingly frequent.
"Sure. When the time comes, I can send my private jet to pick you up."
Aaron's breathing grew slightly heavier before he ended the call. He then reached out and gently ran his fingers through Norika Fujiwara's hair.
(End of Chapter)
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