Entertainment, I just like making movies

Hengyu Media Group.

Strategic investment department office area.

Director Liu Minghui strode in from the outside. While pushing away the people in the office, he said to the assistant who was playing with his mobile phone in the right-hand office area: "Xiao Chen, find the information on UC Browser, I want to use it right away."

"Okay, Director!"

Xiao Chen threw down his cell phone, stood up, opened the information cabinet behind him, and quickly found a thick document.

On the front page of the document, there are the words "Feasibility Report on the Acquisition of UC Browser" written clearly.

Liu Minghui took the document, flipped through it casually, and dialed Andy's office on the 20th floor using his landline phone.

"Mr. An, I have the documents here. Do you need them now?"

"Okay, I'll come up now."

After hearing Andy's instructions, Liu Minghui's eyes flashed, he hung up the phone, picked up the documents and hurried upstairs.

The company's "Hypnosis Master", which is currently being released, was rejected by Alibaba Pictures. It is said that Director Fang got angry and decided to retaliate against Alibaba.

Liu Minghui originally thought that Hengyu would retaliate by targeting subsequent film projects controlled by Alibaba Pictures.

Their strategic investment department couldn't get much out of this counterattack.

He did not expect that Mr. An would choose to start from the investment department and restart the UC investment project that had been shelved for a long time.

UC Browser, Hengyu Media and Alibaba once took a fancy to this platform software.

At that time, Alibaba was very popular and Hengyu Media was not well-known enough.

He Xiaopeng, the founder of UC, chose Alibaba’s capital injection in the first round of financing for the launch of UC mobile software.

Hengyu had no choice but to give up investing in UC and made a win-win plan to acquire Sogou Browser, a subsidiary of Sohu.

Zhang Chaoyang did not want to cooperate with Alibaba, so Hengyu and Sohu hit it off and successfully acquired 40% of Sogou's shares with 5% of Hengyu Games' shares and a high premium.

Sohu also repurchased 10% of Alibaba's Sogou shares, still occupying the absolute majority shareholder position.

Two days ago, UC launched its second round of financing, and many investment banks in the industry were ready to take action.

Among them, Alibaba is the most arrogant and wants to win the status of UC’s major shareholder.

To be honest, Liu Minghui is not optimistic about Hengyu’s acquisition plan to restart UC Browser.

Hengyu's main business is the film and television industry, and it is still a little short of time to compete head-on with Alibaba in its Internet listing.

However, Andy is the official president, and she has made up her mind, so the strategic investment department can only keep up.

dong dong

Liu Minghui took the plan and knocked on Andy's office.

"Mr. An, Director Lin, and Mr. Mo."

As soon as he entered the door, he saw Hengyu's three carriages, and the three female generals Andy, Lin Feifei, and Mo Xiangwan were all there.

Lin Feifei and Mo Xiangwan were sitting on the sofa. There was a high-end laptop on the coffee table in front of them, and a camera was erected next to them.

The two of them nodded towards Liu Minghui. Lin Feifei pointed to the seat next to her and said, "Here you go, sit down first and I will hold a video conference later."

Liu Minghui smiled, handed the document to Andy behind the desk, and sat down on the sofa.

Director Fang held a video conference?

In other words, this plan to restart UC Browser was proposed by Director Fang!

Liu Minghui's heart moved, and he felt a little more confident about this acquisition plan.

Andy took the file and looked through it carefully.

Then, she waved to Mo Xiangwan, indicating that he would contact Fang Ziheng.

A few minutes later.

The video was connected, and Fang Ziheng's figure appeared on the computer.

He was in a hotel in Dunhuang. He had just taken a shower and appeared in a bathrobe.

Lin Feifei glanced at Fang Ziheng, nodded to Andy, and asked her to preside over the meeting.

Andy looked coldly, took the documents, came to sit next to Mo Xiangwan, and said in a solemn voice: "Everyone, let's start the meeting now.

Director Liu, please first talk about UC’s current valuation and size. "

"Okay, leaders."

Liu Minghui coughed lightly and spoke slowly.

“In the middle of last year, UC Browser proposed a valuation of US$1 billion, which was higher than Baidu’s expectation of US$816 million, but the two parties did not reach an agreement.

Industry insiders analyze that as operators' data subsidies increase and WiFi deployment expands, UC Browser's unique advantages of saving traffic and fast speed are reduced, which affects the valuation of UC Browser! "

But starting this year, due to the 360 ​​bidding, the valuation of UC Browser has been further improved.

Last week, UTV Technology (UC Browser) announced its second round of financing valuation at US$1.2 billion. In terms of market value, it is equivalent to one-third of Qihoo. UC’s 400 million users are worth US$3 each. ! "

"Judging from the known information, Alibaba, Baidu, Tengxun, Goldman Sachs, and Hongshan have all proposed a holding agreement plan to UC and fully agree with the valuation of US$1.2 billion."

After finishing speaking, Liu Minghui paused and expressed his opinion.

"Director Fang, the three leaders, according to the analysis of our strategic investment department, the company must give a higher valuation if it wants to steal from several major investment banks!"

Higher valuation!

As soon as these words came out, Concubine Lin and Mo Xiangwan looked surprised and stopped talking.

UC is currently valued at US$1.2 billion, equivalent to 8.5 billion soft sister coins.

If Hengyu wants to achieve its goal of repaying Ali, it must at least acquire 15% of the shares, which means that it must invest at least 1.2 billion soft sister coins.

Of course, the more you invest, the more you will earn in the future. In recent years, the valuations of high-quality Internet projects have been rising almost every month.

UC Browser can be valued by many large investment banks, so it is naturally a top-quality project with no worries about making money.

But even in excellent projects, investing large sums of money requires caution.

Lin Feifei wanted to raise a different opinion, but felt that it would be too humiliating to raise it at this time.

Opposite the computer, Fang Ziheng thought for a while and asked, "Andy, how much cash flow can the company mobilize now?"

The sound came out through the computer speaker, and the four of them could hear the seriousness in Fang Ziheng's tone.

This is going to be serious and hard on Alibaba!

Andy recalled for a moment and blurted out: "The company still has a total of 1.2 billion on its books, of which 400 million belongs to the promotion funds of the movie project, 200 million belongs to the production funds of the TV series project, and the actual cash that can be used is only 600 million. !”

"If it can be delayed for two months, when Hengyu Games' subsequent profits come in, the company will be able to mobilize more than 1.5 billion in cash!"

"No, absolutely can't delay!"

Fang Ziheng's resolute voice sounded, and he disagreed with delaying time to allow Alibaba and other investment banks to contact UC first.

He lit a cigarette, looked at Lin Feifei and Andy through the video, and said with a chuckle: "The purpose of acquiring the shares of UC Browser is not just to embarrass Ali. I'm not that superficial."

"Let me tell you the truth, the reason why UC Browser is coveted by Baidu and Alibaba is because it has made many configurations that browser platforms have not done, that is, it is compatible with all Android phones.

People only know that Android mobile software is used by major global and domestic mobile phone manufacturers, but they do not know that the Android platform is extremely complex.

It is very painful for a mobile browser to match smartphones of different manufacturers and models.

This kind of thing not only requires certain skills, but also requires someone to be willing to do it and constantly adapt.

Baidu and Tengxun have the technology, but they are unwilling to do it.

Their own browsers are unwilling to cooperate with major mobile phone manufacturers to adapt to Android smartphones of different types, sizes, and configurations.

After all, smartphones are constantly being introduced, and major manufacturers are releasing new models of mobile phones all the time in order to stimulate consumers' purchasing psychology.

Currently, only UC Browser has successfully done this!

I had chatted with Zhang Chaoyang several times before, and it took a lot of effort to persuade him to set up a trial adaptation center for Sogou Browser to learn the concept of UC Browser being compatible with Baijia. "

After hearing this, the four people in the office were stunned.

They have never thought about why UC Browser can lead Tengxun and Baidu Browser.

Browsers owned by Tengxun and Baidu have spent countless resources on promotion in order to seize the market, but they are still surpassed by UC and become the number one browser in the country!

Because of this, Tengxun and Baidu obviously have their own browsers, and they are still thinking about acquiring UC.

In addition, Alibaba, 360, Goldman Sachs, Sequoia, and several top domestic investment banks are all coveting UC, agreeing that its valuation is US$1.2 billion.

"Lao Fang, what you mean is that UC Browser is the real hot potato!"

Lin Feifei's eyes lit up and she understood the key to the problem.

Investing in UC is a sure-fire deal!

"Of course it's delicious!"

Fang Ziheng smiled, took a puff of his cigarette and said, "UC currently has the largest market share, but its content is not rich.

From the comparison of competing products collected by Sogou Browser in the first quarter of this year, Sogou has surpassed UC, Tengxun, and Baidu browsers in terms of content! "

“60% of the new content added after Sogou Browser’s revision is delivered by our Hengyu Media Group!

As of the end of May, Sogou Browser's domestic market share was 32%, ranking only below UC at 40.6%. Its total valuation has doubled from last year, to approximately US$450 million. "

"You can imagine, if Hengyu wins UC, the two parties open up links, and Hengyu fills in the platform content that UC lacks, will the valuation of UC Browser be even higher?"

Fang Ziheng talked eloquently, as if he had a winning chance.

He is not worried that UC will not accept Hengyu’s investment. He previously looked down on it because Hengyu Media was not well-known enough.

Now Hengyu Media ranks among the four giants in the entertainment industry. At the same price or even a premium, the competitive advantage is very large.

After some popular science, the worries of Lin Feifei, Mo Xiangwan, and Liu Minghui completely dissipated.

The meeting continues.

Several people set a preliminary quotation, a bottom-line price, and will soon lead the team to the UC headquarters to launch a fierce acquisition.

Fang Ziheng's next general principle is that during this trip to UC headquarters, it is best to get 15% to 20% of the shares.

July 10th.

Fang Ziheng put down the filming at hand and returned to the Imperial Capital with Wang Dong, the person in charge of Hengyu Cinemas, to meet with the bosses of the four cinemas of Baoli Wanhe Cinemas, Wanda Cinemas, Hengdian Cinemas, and Jinyi Zhujiang Cinemas.

Its purpose is to establish a film distribution company that can reach all parts of the country.

According to his development expectations, starting from next year, Hengyu's main department and Hengyu Interactive Entertainment will invest in and participate in more and more film projects.

If you include the studios of Five Elements Director Company, Liu Qianqian, Damimi and others, the company is expected to release more than 20 movies a year in the future.

There are so many movies, and it will be difficult to fully absorb them all based on the publicity and distribution capabilities of the Hengyu family.

Moreover, Ali and Tengxun are eyeing each other, and they have a tyrannical attitude that is not short of money. It is imperative to attract people to join forces.

In terms of film production, Hengyu can win over Guangxian, Bona, and Wanda Films. In terms of film distribution, it can naturally also win over some reliable theater chains.

Wanda Reign Hotel.

In a luxurious box, Fang Ziheng greeted everyone to sit down with a smile.

"What are you guys thinking about? I still say the same thing. As long as the new distribution company is established, Hengyu will not only come up with the previously planned "National Security 1" project, but also be willing to make "The Ex 1" a promising hit. Let me share this urban romance film with everyone."

In the room, he sat in the main seat.

Liu Ge from Wanda Cinema, Liu Debing from Baoli Wanhe Cinema, Zhang Yibing from Hengdian Cinema, Yi Hai from Jinyi Zhujiang Cinema, and Wang Dong from Hengyu Cinema sat on both sides.

Wang Dong smiled and said nothing, and took the initiative to pour wine for everyone.

He came here this time just to praise Fang Ziheng. If the matter goes through, he will connect several theater companies in the future.

Liu Ge and the others did not answer the question immediately, and fell into silence while holding their wine glasses.

It’s not that they don’t want to cooperate, on the contrary, they want it. If they can cooperate with Hengyu Media to distribute movies, almost no theater chain will refuse.

Their only worry is that there are too many allies and that the benefits will be unevenly distributed in the future.

Originally, Star America Cinemas would also join in, but because President Tan of Star America Group took a back seat, Star America changed its helm.

Not long after the new helmsman took office, China Film Group took back most of its rights, and the helmsman had no choice but to give up the alliance.

This time the four of them came here because they wanted to cooperate with Hengyu Media alone and work together to capture the projects released by Hengyu every year.

But Fang Ziheng is not stupid. He either doesn't want to do it, or if he wants to do it, he has to recruit two more companies to establish the largest distribution company in the country.

It cannot be said that it is the largest in the country. To be more precise, it is the largest film distribution company among domestic private enterprises.

As the movie market grows, the number of new screens in the country continues to increase, and many theater chains have also embarked on the path of distribution.

But no theater chain can sit still and have the ability to release a blockbuster movie alone.

Wanda Cinema is not good, even adding Wanda Film and Television is not enough.

Neither can United Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Demon Shadow Group. Even with the support of the Demon Shadow Group, it is almost meaningless.

Only China Film Group can do it. China Film Group is the big brother and does not need any allies.

Among the top 15 theater chains in the country, China Film Holdings controls six theater chains including Xingmei Cinemas, New Film Alliance, China Film Digital, Liaoshen Northern, Southern Shinkansen, and Nishikawa Pacific. Cinemas are spread across the country.

All the theater chains under China Film Group, combined, can beat a giant theater chain or even a joint theater chain at will.

The main reason why Fang Ziheng established a joint distribution company is to establish a good scheduling advantage for future movies controlled by Hengyu.

In a few years, the number of screens in China will exceed 100,000!

Without a nationwide distribution company, even if your movie is popular, it will become a puppet of capital.

"I'm Not Pan Jinlian" by Feng Trousers is the best negative example, which was easily arranged by Wanda.

As the film's main controller, Hua Yi Brothers had no solution at all and could only watch the loss of tens of millions in box office.

Among the four cinema chains present this time, Wanda ranks second in the country and will soon be number one, becoming a giant cinema chain.

Polywand, which ranked third last year, fell to fourth this year. PolyOne Group has slowed down its construction of theater chains.

Jinyi Zhujiang Qianguo ranked seventh. He has been playing steadily, paving the way unhurriedly, clinging to the big brother in front and not letting go.

Hengdian Cinemas ranks 14th, which is a bit weak, but the Hengdian Film and Television Group behind it is a behemoth.

Most of Hengyu Media's projects will be filmed in Hengdian Film and Television City. Instead of queuing up frequently for filming, it is better to turn Hengdian Film and Television City into an ally and achieve win-win benefits for both parties.

"I agree with Director Fang's proposal."

"I agree!"

“Count me in for Wanda Cinemas!”

Everyone was silent for a while. Seeing that Fang Ziheng looked a little unkind, they no longer dared to be reserved, and they all agreed to the alliance proposal.

Fang Ziheng smiled, picked up the wine and clinked glasses with everyone.

Damn it!

You greedy devils, it would be nice to have meat to eat, but you still want to eat alone!

Soon, everyone discussed the details of the alliance and jointly invested 100 million soft sister coins to establish a new issuing company.

There are five companies in total. Fang Ziheng proposed that the newly established company be named Big Dipper Publishing Co., Ltd., leaving two spots open for the future.

Hengyu Media invested 45 million soft sister coins and the distribution rights of the two movies, accounting for 48% of the shares.

Wanda Cinema Line, Baoli Wanhe, and Jinyi Zhujiang each contributed 15 million soft sister coins, each holding 14% of the shares.

Hengdian Film and Television offered 10 million soft sister coins, accounting for 10% of the shares.

Hengyu Interactive Entertainment’s Wuzhou Distribution Company, which was previously established jointly with Guangxian, Xingmei, and PolyOne, is not included in the list. It is still placed under Hengyu Interactive Entertainment and is used to distribute low-cost movies with a production cost of less than 30 million.

After settling all the details, Fang Ziheng left Wang Dong behind and left early.

When he returned to the imperial capital this time, in addition to uniting several major theaters, he also had another important matter.

Andy led the team to the UC headquarters three times. After some persuasion, UC founder He Xiaopeng offered to have a private chat with him.

This is a good thing, it shows that He Xiaopeng is tempted.

After chatting alone, the two parties got to know each other and exchanged ideas, and the investment matter was settled.

July 13th.

In a private restaurant, Fang Ziheng met He Xiaopeng.

The founder of UC is only 35 years old and looks somewhat similar to Rebus.

"Director Fang, I have admired you for a long time!"

"Director He, thank you for giving Hengyu Media the opportunity."

As soon as the two met, they spoke at the same time, smiled and stretched out their hands to hold each other tightly, as if they were old friends they hadn't seen for many years.

After the pleasantries, He Xiaopeng directly showed his cards.

He looked at Fang Ziheng's young and handsome face and sighed leisurely: "Director Fang, to be honest with you, last night I was still considering whether to accept the capital injection from Hengyu Media Group."

"I guess you also know the pattern of the domestic Internet industry. There are very few companies that can arbitrarily refuse the olive branch offered by BAT."

"To be honest, as the founder and chairman of UC, I feel a lot of pressure to abandon the three giants Alibaba, Tengxun and Baidu and choose to cooperate with Hengyu Media."

"I very much hope that Director Fang can teach me today."

He Xiaopeng stretched out his hand to invite Fang Ziheng to sit down, his eyes smiling and full of expectation.

The meaning of his words was very straightforward. If he was persuaded, he would choose to cooperate with Hengyu Media.

Otherwise, there is no need to discuss cooperation, and everyone should just make friends.

The reason is very simple. UC Browser cannot afford to offend the three major gangsters on the Internet, Alibaba, Tengxun, Baidu, or any of them.