Chapter 182: Ian's Revenge

[Chapter 182: Ian's Revenge]

In early April, at the Carr Media Group headquarters, Ian smiled as he signed the contract, while the bigwigs from UTA applauded and laughed joyfully.

Marty Bauer, over fifty and a co-founder of UTA, warmly embraced Ian, saying, "Partnering with you is our greatest triumph. Together, we'll make UTA the best talent agency in all of Hollywood in no time!"

Tracy Jacobs chimed in, "The most important thing is that we don't poach our own talent."

Tracy, a top agent at UTA, managed the most valuable client, Johnny Depp. The only other agent who could rival her was Frank DiLeo, who had recently parted ways with Michael Jackson but still worked with UTA.

Even now, DiLeo, although no longer representing Michael, remained his friend -- much preferred over the notorious Dr. Murray -- to ensure he still had a roster of star clients.

Apart from these prominent agents, Jason Heyman represented Christopher Nolan, while Martin Lasek, the agent for comedian Will Ferrell, secretly opposed the merger and sabotaged it from the inside.

Last year, UTA brought in around $230 million in revenue, with an $80 million profit, most of which went to agent salaries. Although they dabbled in film production, those ventures brought modest returns.

Ian infused $600 million to acquire 77% of UTA, becoming the absolute majority shareholder. The second-largest shareholder was Chairman Marty Bauer, followed by co-founder Jim Berkus, with the rest being other co-founders and several high-profile agents.

The current valuation of UTA stood between $800 million to $1 billion, making Ian's deal a genuine bargain -- Chatham had managed to gather UTA's internal financial reports, revealing an extensive array of insider operations. Consequently, Marty couldn't inflate the valuation without exposing any hidden leverage.

Moreover, Ian made numerous commitments: he assured that he wouldn't interfere in UTA's management, that each artist under UTA would receive special promotion, that Carr Media would assist in eliminating competition, and that any projects involving UTA would receive ample publicity.

Simply put, money wasn't the key; Ian Carr's media resources were. From then on, UTA's artists would always be at the forefront of the news, and scandals would never taint their image!

...

As everyone mingled, Ian sat down with them, personally pouring drinks and smiling, "Now that we're all in the same boat, there's something I've been wanting to discuss with everyone."

They turned to him expectantly.

Ian opened his laptop and played a video. As they watched George Boyce speak, everyone gasped and looked toward Martin Lasek, startled.

Tracy Jacobs exclaimed, "Fuck, Martin! How could you do this?"

Martin's face darkened. "Ian Carr, I'll admit I didn't like this at first -- primarily because your offer was too low, and you want to be the biggest shareholder. UTA is a professional agency and must maintain its independence! You paid too little for too much equity. Regarding Jennifer Connelly, I heard Universal and DreamWorks have invested considerable effort into this. You haven't done anything for her! You're just capitalizing on an already established situation!"

He paused. "I never directed him to alter the list; that was entirely George Boyce' action! I have my limits!"

"Yet your limits cannot meet my needs," Ian smiled.

He raised his hands. "It doesn't matter how much effort I put into Jennifer Connelly's situation; what's important is that you all see someone's trying to sabotage, and without me, the Oscars could become a massive joke. Do you know how severe the fallout could be?"

Martin shouted, "That's not my concern! You insulted ABC! This isn't a simple incident; you've offended many people, including the Jewish community -- that's exactly why I oppose this!"

Ian nodded. "You're right; I have offended many, but I have the power to resolve those issues. But you, Mr. Lasek, cannot smooth over even one grievance!

That's the difference between us. The focus isn't on how many people you anger, but whether you have the ability to clean up afterward!"

Marty Bauer interjected, "Martin is a great agent; he messed up, but I hope you can forgive him."

Ian looked coldly at Marty Bauer. "Is that all?"

He understood the emotion behind Marty's words. The most crucial aspect of an agency was the ability to keep top agents happy, as they held the essential resources.

Even if Martin had plotted against Ian, it hadn't cost the company much; if successful, it may have even raised UTA's value.

So, Martin hadn't offended UTA, but rather Ian Carr personally.

Marty's attempt to protect Martin would undoubtedly help him within the company's morale.

Indeed, Marty smiled and said, "I hope you can be magnanimous. If you'd discussed this with me beforehand, UTA might have offered you a better price."

What nonsense!

Ian chuckled softly, "What if I insist on resolving this guy's issue myself?"

Marty shook his head slightly, "You're just a shareholder, not in charge of the management; that's what we agreed upon."

It didn't surprise Ian. He stood and pulled out a stack of documents, tossing them at Marty. "What about this?"

Marty took a look, finding it filled with Martin Lasek's dirt.

Others crowded around to see, astonished.

Tracy Jacobs yelled, "Ian Carr, you can't do this! You promised you wouldn't harm UTA!"

"Not reporting negative news about UTA isn't in the contract. So what if I breach a verbal agreement?" Ian smirked. "I won't interfere in UTA's management, but if UTA's people cause me trouble, how can I not teach them a lesson? Do I really look that easy to bully?"

Everyone fell silent, turning to Martin Lasek, their expressions conveying, "Sorry, you're on your own now."

If Martin Lasek were to stay, Ian Carr, who had just become the majority shareholder, would immediately deal a fatal blow to UTA.

Damn, a backstab from one of his own people!

Perhaps Ian would clinch a righteous vendetta, where everyone in the news was equal under his honor.

Martin Lasek realized he was finished. He hopelessly nodded, "I'll submit my resignation immediately."

Fuming, he stormed out.

In this situation, he had no choice but to resign; otherwise, Ian would ruthlessly destroy him!

He had once envisioned many things but never expected that the first day of Carr Media's investment in UTA would also be his last day.

...

As he watched Martin leave, Ian Carr chuckled softly to himself.

He turned to the others and said, "Notify CAA, WME, not to accept Martin Lasek's membership."

Marty Bauer raised an eyebrow, concerned.

Wasn't he supposed to refrain from management responsibilities? Yet here he was, taking a strong stance right from day one?

Now everyone understood why Ian Carr could so freely delegate responsibilities.

He didn't need any overt power at all, but if you defied him, he'd obliterate you!

That's precisely why he waited to act until post-signature.

After seizing the opportunity, Ian Carr revealed his true predatory nature -- what was reflected in many capitalists.

Before taking the stage, they spun a web of sweet words; once in office, they committed despicable acts.

Recently facing a similar circumstance were those at Signet Daily, Mayhill Construction Company, and the shareholders of Lino Bank.

Jim Berkus, another co-founder, pondered, "We have no influence over CAA or WME; they won't listen to us."

Ian grinned broadly, "That's exactly what I want."

He threw up his hands. "There must be some excuse to initiate a war, right? I've promised you all some things; in our collaboration, my promises always stand firm!"

His eyes shone with a bloodthirsty excitement. "Hollywood could use some excitement!"

Soon enough, Hollywood would dread him. Once they sensed the terror of Ian Carr, everyone would bow down, making it less convenient for Ian to leak stories... because eventually, they'd realize everyone was part of his domain!

So taking this opportunity to gather info, unleash leaks, and pull off a massive AOE hit, he'd score a slew of press while enhancing his left eye.

From this angle, Ian didn't care too much about fully controlling Hollywood.

It was essential to leave some enemies as stepping stones.

Fortunately, Hollywood was vast; there were always headstrong characters around.

Looking back, everyone felt an unsettling chill at the same time, realizing the weight of what lay ahead.

*****

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