Chapter 401: Golden Opportunity

After acquiring 14.5% of Lionsgate's shares, Golden Shell Investment continued to purchase shares from the stock market and other shareholders, spending $210 million to obtain a 26.8% stake in Lionsgate.

Meanwhile, Lionsgate's second-largest shareholder, media mogul John Malone, also joined the race to acquire the remaining shares. He spent $80 million, increasing his stake to 32.2%, surpassing Jon Feltheimer and becoming Lionsgate's largest shareholder.

The competition between Link and John Malone drove Lionsgate's stock price on the New York Stock Exchange from $7.4 to $10.2, with the company's market value exceeding $800 million. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal quoted Lionsgate's value at $850 million, a nearly 30% increase.

To acquire each other's shares, both Link and John Malone would have to pay a higher price than the original. Their next target was Lionsgate's chairman, Jon Feltheimer, who held 28.7% of the shares. Whoever secured these shares would control Lionsgate's board and have decision-making power.

In terms of net worth, both Link and John Malone were comparable. Malone was a shareholder in Liberty Media and Liberty Global, with significant holdings in Discovery Communications. His net worth was around $2 billion. However, at 69 years old, he was a veteran Wall Street investor with extensive connections in the American business world. If he wanted to control Lionsgate, he wouldn't lack funding.

Link, on the other hand, was fighting alone, using his company's stock as collateral for bank loans without seeking external support to share the risk.

Just as everyone expected a protracted battle, Lionsgate's chairman, Jon Feltheimer, suddenly announced the sale of his 28.7% stake to Golden Shell Investment in exchange for 3.2% of Twitter's shares.

This news caused a sensation on Wall Street and in Hollywood, with many calling Link crazy. After its third round of financing, Twitter's development had accelerated, and its market value had risen from $4.2 billion to $5.8 billion in just over two weeks. Professional media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Business Daily predicted that Twitter's market value could exceed $10 billion by the end of the year. If it went public next year, it could become the next Facebook, with a market value exceeding $100 billion or even $200 billion.

Many investment banks on Wall Street were eager to acquire Twitter shares, but Link, as the second-largest shareholder with 16.5% of Twitter's shares, could have become a billionaire next year and entered the top three of the Forbes list. However, he had sold Twitter shares twice this month at low prices, exchanging them for less popular stocks like Nvidia and the struggling Lionsgate.

An article in Business Daily titled "Why is investment star Link Baker making frequent mistakes this year?" analyzed the reasons, attributing them to the negative effects of a rapid increase in wealth. At the beginning of 2010, Link's net worth was less than $400 million, but by the beginning of this year, it had soared to $2.4 billion. This rapid expansion of wealth made Link prone to underestimating the risks of the stock market and making a series of wrong decisions.

In simpler terms, the article suggested that Link, as a nouveau riche, was spending money recklessly due to his sudden wealth. It also warned that if Link didn't wake up soon, he would eventually pay for his mistakes and fall from billionaire status back to millionaire level.

The most worried person after seeing this news was Link's father-in-law, Mr. Trump. He put down the Wall Street Journal and called Ivanka.

"Ivanka, do you know what Link is doing?"

"Dad, what are you talking about?" Ivanka asked, leaning back in her office chair.

"Link is exchanging Twitter shares for Lionsgate shares. 3.2% of Twitter shares will be worth at least $400 million by the end of the year, but he's using them to exchange for Lionsgate shares worth less than $200 million. It's irrational, Ivanka. You should advise him."

Mr. Trump complained loudly.

"Dad, this is Link's personal matter. I don't want to interfere."

"You're his girlfriend, and you'll be married soon. Link's money will eventually be yours."

"Dad, Link's assets belong to him, not me. I have Link Music shares, which are enough for me. Besides, he's only selling Twitter shares this time. He still has Tesla and Link Music. Even if this investment loses money, it won't have much impact. Link is still young, and he has a long way to go. Experiencing failure once will be good for his growth."

Mr. Trump sighed helplessly. "Ivanka, when are you getting married to Link? I talked to him last time, and he said he would consider marriage after he's done with his current affairs. I hope it's within this year."

"Alright, let's do as you say," Ivanka agreed.

"By the way, releasing songs on streaming platforms is different from releasing physical albums. Some artists might be concerned. Before joining Spotify, you and Graham should discuss it with the artists under our label. It's entirely voluntary, and we won't force anyone who's unwilling," Link reminded her.

He said this because he remembered the news about Taylor Swift. Releasing new albums simultaneously on Spotify could affect physical album sales and chart performance. Users who subscribed to Spotify might not buy physical albums, and some artists preferred to have higher physical album sales and good chart results before removing their songs from streaming platforms.

Moreover, releasing songs on CDs and vinyl records seemed more artistic, like works of art, while selling them directly on streaming platforms without physical media felt more commercial and vulgar. This was another reason why many artists didn't want to put their songs on streaming platforms.

However, Link didn't care about this. His main purpose in singing and releasing albums was to become famous and make money. Releasing songs on Spotify and receiving monthly dividends would allow him to earn money faster.

"Link, how's the Lionsgate acquisition going? In September last year, the Wall Street Journal called you an investment genius, but now that you're exchanging Twitter shares for Lionsgate shares, many people are saying you've gone crazy. So, are you still sane?" Ivanka asked with a faint smile.

"Yes, I'm very sane. Twitter has great potential, but it's a golden goose that doesn't lay eggs. Lionsgate, in my hands, will become a goose that lays golden eggs. If it were you, would you choose to have a golden goose or a goose that lays golden eggs? P.S. Golden eggs can hatch golden geese," Link replied confidently.

"I don't know, but I support your decision, all of your decisions," Ivanka chuckled.

"Thank you. Don't worry, I'm very clear-headed and won't make any unprofitable deals," Link said confidently.

"Yes, I've said it before, I trust you," Ivanka said, resting her chin on her hand and showing a charming smile.

In the office, Secretary Vivian witnessed the captivating smile on her boss's face and marveled silently. Usually, the CEO had a stern expression and was very serious, but when she talked to Link on the phone, her smile was radiant, and her voice was incredibly sweet.

"Okay, that's it. I'll come see you this weekend," Ivanka said before hanging up and putting away her smile. She then discussed the Spotify investment with Director Capal, instructing him to continue negotiations and strive for the best possible terms.

(End of Chapter)