America 1919

Seeing that Donnie was willing to directly answer his question, Owen Young no longer hid his intentions and quickly said,

"The arrival of Charlie Chaplin and Griffith at the Miss America final has actually proven that you, Donnie, are looking to buy into United Artists. I wonder if my guess is correct?"

Donnie chuckled and said, "There are so many film companies in Hollywood. United Artists is currently at a standstill. Even if I really were interested in buying into one of Hollywood's movie companies, it shouldn't be United Artists, should it?

Besides, Charlie Chaplin is the comedy master of our time. Inviting him to Miss America is a perfect fit, don't you think?"

Owen Young confidently smiled and said, "If it were just about inviting Charlie Chaplin, of course there would be no issue. But as we've come to know, Donnie, you did not invite Griffith, yet he also arrived in Atlantic City.

Furthermore, before Miss America began, you said that you would push Miss America towards Hollywood.

If you don't own a film company, I'm afraid that would not be so easy to accomplish, would it?

Lastly, as to why it would be United Artists? It's actually quite simple—because Donnie, you don't have the ability to become a shareholder in those bigger studios; to put it bluntly, you're not yet in their league!"

"That really is unpleasant to hear!" Donnie glanced at Owen Young indifferently and said, "So if General Electric became a shareholder of Atlantic City Broadcast, that would enable my Starry Entertainment to become a shareholder in one of Hollywood's major studios?"

Owen Young shook his head regretfully and said, "Morgan can't help Starry Entertainment buy into one of Hollywood's major studios, but we can help Starry Entertainment introduce Miss America to those major Hollywood studios, even secure some investment shares in their film projects for Starry Entertainment!"

Donnie shook his head; this was like being promised a pie in the sky. Donnie believed that with Morgan's influence, getting these Miss America contestants involved in the shooting of a Hollywood movie was doable.

But for Starry Entertainment to obtain investment shares in a major studio's films?

That would only happen if it were a project the major studios weren't too confident about, yet still considered worth a gamble, where they'd be willing to let Starry Entertainment come on board as an investor.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

One can forget about the highly popular themes!

"Actually, I am indeed more inclined to cooperate with General Electric, but regarding how to cooperate, I'm afraid Mr. Young may not accept my proposal!"

It was nothing more than a highball offer, and Owen Young had already realized that under the present circumstances, acquiring 50% of the shares of Atlantic City Broadcast had become impossible, and what they'd have to offer would surely exceed his expectations.

"Donnie, you always need to put your terms on the table, after all, only by doing so can we engage in a serious discussion, right?"

Donnie nodded and said, "Alright, first of all, the 50% stake that General Electric mentioned before is impossible. Our company can at most let 30% of the shares go!"

Owen Young simply thought for a moment and then said, "No problem, we can accept that stake. And in terms of the price?"

Donnie shook his head, "We are not looking to trade our stock for cash. If your company is truly intent on a partnership, then we propose a stock swap. Atlantic City Broadcast is presently the only broadcast company in the country, with an audience that has already exceeded 2 million. Once other city's transmitter stations are completed, this audience will exceed 5 million.

Just that figure alone leads me to believe that Atlantic City Broadcast should be valued at 10 million US dollars. Therefore, our company, valued at 10 million dollars, is willing to release 30% of our shares in exchange for an equivalent value in General Electric shares!"

Swapping stocks was Donnie's true intention. General Electric, standing tall for over a century and constantly accumulating wealth, especially over the next decade—referred to as the roaring twenties—would see the rest of the US economy soar, with shares of these large companies rapidly increasing in value.

Securing shares of General Electric at this time would be a very worthwhile endeavor for Donnie.

More importantly, if he became a shareholder in General Electric, he could utilize their countless patents and channels to his advantage!

Owen Young indeed found Donnie's terms surprising, as his appetite appeared bigger than expected. Until now, Owen had thought Donnie was merely going to ask for a higher acquisition price, yet he had set his eyes on General Electric's shares.

"Donnie, about your terms..." Owen Young deliberated and then said, "First of all, Atlantic City Broadcast is definitely not worth 10 million US dollars. What you just mentioned, those are all unrealized objectives, and can't be considered in the current valuation!"

Donnie countered, "Mr. Young, there's something you might not be aware of. Right after we reached a formal partnership with Major League Baseball, Atlantic City Broadcast has been busy with a new venture!"

"Don't tell me what you're talking about isn't constructing transmitter stations in other cities?"

"Of course not. Just today, Atlantic City Broadcast has sent out invitations to major companies across the country. They are going to hold an advertisement auction soon, following the Miss America advertising recruitment model. I expect that just from annual ad revenue, Atlantic City Broadcast should easily bring in no less than 2 million US dollars."