Chapter 243

Chapter 243: Smith Media Group

At the cognac restaurant.

Abel smiled and said to Dayao: "Are you still used to living in America?"

Young Dayao smiled honestly: "Fortunately, the people here take care of me very well.

Dayao is talking about the CAA manager.

At CAA, although Abel only owns about 36% of the shares.

But this part allowed him to gradually become president.

After becoming the boss of MGM and gaining his current social status and reputation. Invisibly, this also strengthened his position in CAA.

Now even Abel's stock is down a bit.

It is likely that CAA shareholders will still appoint him as chairman.

In the United States, Abel has become a famous brand to a certain extent thanks to the famous brand effect.

This also made his influence on CAa unprecedented. Much larger than founder Michael Ovitz.

CAA's shareholders are not stupid enough to let such a big boss not let them be president.

This is also the reason why.

Abel has no business in CAA, but his influence over CAA is growing.

So it was enough to let Caa's representative know that Abel held Dayao in high regard. The attitudes of these spirits towards Dayao naturally became very good.

Additionally, after Abel took control of CAA and Michael Ovitz returned to the company.

caa in addition to continuing to maintain its original entertainment brokerage operations.

Today, it is also developing a strong sports event brokerage business.

The four major US leagues are a feast not to be missed, and the NBA is naturally the focus of caa's attention. Because the boss values ​​this Chinese person very much.

In addition, the company will also focus on developing its NBA business.

caa also paid special attention to Dayao.

One note: Dayao's main manager is the same as Scarlett Johansson's main manager.

This is Mr. Derek Wright. This is the person in charge of Abel calling Dayao.

Because Abel knows Derek Wright is very smart and has the ability to judge his intentions.

After understanding Abel's intentions, Derek Wright will naturally take care of Dayao's life in America.

Even young people in Huaxia have a good impression of this capital.

This makes Dayao feel that the capitalists are very gentle. The little giant didn't know it, it was just because there was a super capitalist who paid more attention to him.

Other small capitalists, or lackeys of capitalists, will take this very seriously.

"It's good if you can adapt." Abel nodded and smiled. He looked at Dayao's figure: "You look too skinny. In my country it's okay, but not in the NBA. The NBA is full of musclemen who are too skinny and too vulnerable."

Yao also knows that.

Da Yao came to the United States with no income, not even a contract.

Derek Wright is sponsored and appointed by CAA.

In just a few days, a professional fitness trainer and nutritionist were found for Dayao.

This part of the cost is euphemistically called upfront investment and it is paid upfront. Later, after Dayao earns income, it will be deducted from his income.

This type of treatment is only for Dayao who is kissed by the boss.

Michael Ovitz signed and endorsed, and Abel, the great Buddha, stood behind.

Even if someone at CAA had an idea, they didn't dare talk about it.

"I've gained muscle and weight, and I'm following the advice of the nutritionist and trainer here." Dayao said honestly. Abel smiled and nodded again.

Abel didn't know what to say after that.

Let's talk about basketball. Actually, Abel doesn't like basketball very much.

The pre-renaissance Abel loved football more, but the early Abel Smith loved baseball. In terms of basketball, this is Abel before he was reborn. In middle school and high school, he ran into Dayao during his years in the NBA.

He watched it with his classmates, enthralled together, and enjoyed the atmosphere together.

In other words, Abel's memories of basketball and the NBA all come from Dayao.

Because of this feeling, he thought of bringing Dayao in when he bought his basketball team. For Abel, this can be considered a kind of feeling.

For normal people, perhaps after growing up, going to work and receiving their first salary.

When I have money, I want to buy back the toys I bought when I was young because I had no money.

But after buying it again, I realized that other than emotions, I no longer needed this toy.

After realizing this, Abel directly asked Alan Baker next to him to call the current general manager of the Houston Rockets, George Postolos. The Rockets' current general manager isn't that attractive.

George Postolos joined the Rockets in October 1998 and is responsible for all aspects of business management.

When Abel bought the Houston Rockets, George Postolos was also chosen here.

Abel did not have the right talent available at that time.

Furthermore, George Postolos can still help the Rockets make a profit under a stingy owner like Alexander, who is already considered a good management talent. Abel did not let George Postolos leave but let him continue as general manager of the Rockets.

Abel wanted to see Dayao today, but George Postolos was waiting outside.

As soon as the call was made, George Postolos respectfully entered.

Abel also doesn't know George Postolos, but the other person does.

After confirming that he is indeed the general manager of the Rockets. Abel pointed directly at Dayao, making the latter a bit confused.

"This big guy sitting in front of you, he's the foundation of my Rockets team for the next ten years."

Abel told Georges Postolos:

"His mission is to serve as the foundation of the team and fight for the Rockets."

"My mission is to support you and provide you with support, including but not limited to money."

"And you, George, your job is to connect him with players capable of winning championships, as well as other profiles. Can you do it, George."

George Postolos was very surprised at his boss's concern for this Chinese man.

When I arrived, even before that. George Postolos read Dayao's information.

Honestly, after George Postolos saw it.

The Rockets general manager thinks this is out of line.

Compared to many NBA rookies this season, Dayao's diverse physical condition can only be said to be excellent in some statistics, and overall it is beyond the norm.

To be frank, Dayao is not the best at statistics. Additionally, Dayao had one year less experience working with ABC in 2001 than in 2002.

He is actually younger and less effective.

But reality is reality, the boss's will is the boss's will.

Compared to the two of them, George Postolos naturally paid more attention to his boss's will.

"Understand. I can do that. » George Postolos seriously said to Abel:

"I will definitely adjust a system that best suits Yao! It will definitely bring good results for the Rockets!"

Abel nodded with satisfaction, although it was actually just emotion.

But after gaining Abel's level of wealth and power.

Many times, love is something that people like him appreciate very much.

It's like a reign in heaven. Rich people also have a lot. What they really remember is not something from the past.

What they really miss is their lost youth.

It turned out that it was something that brought back memories of their youth.

Things like this have become a past that they cherish.

These are called emotions. Dayao, for Abel, is one of those people who carries the lost youth of middle school and high school.

Abel is willing to spend a little money on her eyes for his feelings.

Abel stood up and patted George Postolos on the shoulder.

"Then I'll leave it to you. I should be here watching this year's NBA tournament."

What do you think, George Postolos doesn't know why. Abel will appreciate this Chinese man very much.

But Abel's last words immediately pleased George Postolos.

Since Abel bought Rockets until now, he has not been to Rockets headquarters once.

This was cruel for the Rockets, who at the time were delighted to be acquired by Abel.

When it was first acquired, the Rockets team was very excited. Everyone was fed up with Alexander's greed.

If you can change your boss without being stingy, everyone will be happy.

Then the stingy boss changed, and a super rich man who was the best match directly became the team boss.

This super-rich man is also recognized by the media as one of the most generous bosses towards his subordinates.

At this time, everyone felt that the Rockets had also become a rival company. Doesn't that mean they can also welcome America's most generous boss?

So can people's treatment be improved?

Regardless, all of the Rockets, including the players, think so.

As a result, Abel bought the Rockets. Right. But he simply sent a professional manager around and re-claimed his sovereignty.

After that, two more financial sources were sent in to take over the Rockets' finances.

In other words, not to mention Abel himself.

Even the people next to Abel didn't come to watch.

Rockets, acquired by Abel, felt abandoned over time. Former boss Alexandre was certainly stingy but Alexandre would appear in the team at least a few times a week.

Now it's better to change to Abel and don't come here once.

The Rockets are a bit freaked out by this.

I'm afraid Abel will sell them, and I'm even more afraid that the next buyer will be a greedy person like Alexandre.

George Postolos came to New York this time, apparently because of Dayao. In fact, there are also attempts to portray team management to find out what the boss means to the Rockets.

George Postolos doesn't feel ownership means anything to the Rockets.

But now George knows that the boss attaches great importance to this Chinese big man.

He even paid attention to the fact that he was going to the NBA Draft and watched the broadcast.

George Postolos felt that if the boss really went to the scene. The owner will likely become the wealthiest and highest-ranking audience member in the history of NBA draft broadcasting.

At this time, the Rockets are destined to become one of the most followed teams in the NBA thanks to this boss.

This also means that George Postolos thinks in his heart that he must let the boss focus on the team.

Maybe it will fall on the big man Huaxia in front of him

This makes the general manager become more friendly with Dayao.

It's like looking at a baby. This also makes Dayao even more proud. The little giant felt that after coming to the United States, he seemed to have become a favorite.

Are all Americans that nice?

The little giant thought about it, still a bit confused.

But in fact, it was simply an attitude of remembering and protecting one of Abel's many feelings. In this way, CAA's George Postolos and Derek Wright had a similar attitude towards Dayao as if they were looking at a grown child.

What is good at the top will be worse at the bottom.

That's probably what I'm talking about.

After meeting young Dayao once, he realized his youthful feelings.

Abel's work has moved away from F1 and the NBA, which are more entertaining for him. Its focus is on integrating its media companies.

Nowadays, many media companies carry the Abel banner.

MGM and its subsidiaries (Marvel, Dark Horse, DreamWorks, Pixar, etc.).

AMC Television, AB Smith Newspapers, AB Smith Entertainment, Elizabeth's Backyard and more.

Between these companies, with the exception of AB Smith Entertainment, which has a small jurisdiction, they are basically fighting each other. At most it is a commercial cooperation between sister companies.

This situation is clearly not conducive to the circulation between resources and sectors.

With advice from the advisory group.

Abel decided to integrate them and group them all into one group.

Like Time Warner, News Corporation, Hearst Corporation, ABC Disney Group.

The difficulty of this job is actually not high. Mainly the above companies, most of which are wholly owned by him.

He himself is the chairman of many companies.

They all have the greatest power, and they cannot challenge the integration imposed by Abel.

So May 25th.

Abel summoned all the heads of these companies to New York. All were called to the Woolworth Building.

Negotiations to buy the Woolworth Building are almost underway.

The shares of several large corporations, at Abel's sincere offer, agreed to sell him the shares they held in the building.

Currently, only the last 10% of minority shareholders are still negotiating.

But it is only a matter of time and the allocation issue will be resolved next month. At that time, the entire Woolworth Building will be owned by Abel.

Abel plans to locate the headquarters of the integrated media group there.

Calling people is also a way to let everyone know in advance the route and where the corporation's headquarters is.

Smith Media Group's first high-level meeting.

Also that day, the event was held on the 33rd floor of the Woolworth Building, the original headquarters of Smith Capital. Robert Iger, Michael Levine, Dylan, Richard Plepler and other famous media companies were also present at the scene.

CAA's Michael Ovitz heard about the meeting and Ovitz wanted to attend as well.

But Abel only owns about 36% of CAA's shares and he does not have absolute control.

Abel is too lazy to do any stock work after the integration, plus he has a new love, MGM.

caa, this old love, is no longer as important as before. Not including CAA in the territory could also prevent CAA from being boycotted by other media giants.

It's good for its own good.

But Abe ended up bringing Michael Ovitz to the meeting.

Ovitz attended this meeting only in his personal capacity and not in his capacity as CEO of the caa.

The meeting took place at ten o'clock in the morning. At half past nine, the CEOs of these media companies all came to the meeting room to wait.

The meeting hasn't started yet and the boss hasn't arrived yet.

These media elites smiled and got acquainted first.

Because if there is no accident, once the group merger will be complete.

Then everyone will become colleagues. One of them can become everyone's direct boss and the CEO of the company within the group.

In terms of relationships, being more compatible is natural, so let's be more compatible.

The meeting room was very lively for a while, everyone was talking to each other and the atmosphere was very friendly.

At about ten o'clock, the meeting room door opened from the outside.

Abel walked in first, and everyone in the meeting room fell silent. Everyone looked towards Abel, Abel walked in front with a smile on his face, behind were Alan Baker and David Jones of the consulting group.

"Everyone, hello." Abel greeted everyone as he approached the main seat.

Everyone naturally smiled back at the boss, the atmosphere was filled with joy.

After Abel sat down in the main chair, he smiled and said:

"Everyone should know the purpose of today's meeting. That's right, you can't fight alone like this anymore. I want to bring you together and make you one of the most powerful media corporations in the United States and even the world!

"Now, first I want to announce something, which is that Smith Media Group, ranked eighth in the world and sixth in the United States, was officially established today!"

As soon as Abel's voice fell, Michael Ovitz, who was closer to him on the conference table, was the first to clap.

The other leaders were stunned for a moment and quickly followed suit.

For a moment, thunderous applause rang out in the meeting room, until Abel smiled and raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

The applause disappeared.

Abel's voice rang out again: "The specific integration work, as well as the internal structural adjustment work will take place later." This aspect will not be discussed during the meeting.

"Today's meeting will mainly focus on two things."

"first thing"

Speaking of this, Abel deliberately stopped and smiled at those present: "The first thing is probably the issue that you care about the most.

"The first thing is that in addition to myself, I will serve as president of Smith Media. The group will also internally appoint a general manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the group and will coordinate the work of various departments and subsidiaries. i.e. CEO!"

Just like Abel said.

Who will become the CEO of this new large media corporation is what worries everyone present the most.

The person with the qualifications to be a CEO was smiling on the outside, but inside he was a little worried.

Those who are clearly unqualified will seek out some who are. Among them, it seems that the person most qualified to be CEO today is the CEO of MGM Entertainment, that is, Robert Iger.

Who is that? In today's Smith Media Group, MGM Entertainment is the highest subsidiary in terms of size and importance.

It also makes sense for the most important executive in the group to be the group's CEO.

Therefore, everyone believes that Robert is most likely to become the first CEO of the corporation. But besides Robert, there are two other people who can take on this important position.

One of them is Michael Levine.

Everyone in Abel's media company knows that Abel trusts him.

Michael Levine can be considered the first journalist to join and work for Abel.

Furthermore, everyone knows that although there are many female bosses, there are always one or two who have special status. Among them, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Alba are quite special.

As the son of Anne Hathaway's mother's godfather, Michael Levine has a natural advantage in this regard.

Although Robert is the most likely to become CEO, Michael Levine also has some hope.

In addition to these two people, another Michael, Michael Ovitz, is also very hopeful.

Michael Ovitz currently has the highest level of expertise in media and entertainment across the entire company. In the late 1980s, Michael Ovitz was one of Hollywood's big men.

At that time, Robert and Levine had just started their careers not long ago!

And Michael Ovitz was also one of the first media personalities to work for Abel, just a few days after Michael Levine.

In addition, he is also the CEO of CAA and CAA will not be merged into the group.

can join this meeting at the highest level of the team.

This means that the boss also trusts him a lot. Therefore, Michael Ovitz should also take this position.

Now I just don't know who the boss will choose.

(end of this chapter)