NOVEL WEB Chapter 15: The Acquisition
After ten grueling days of negotiations, Victor Sullivan had successfully acquired 98% of Panda House for Sullivan Entertainment. It was a lengthy and meticulous process, filled with discussions, deliberations, and dotted lines. Victor's determination had ultimately paid off, and he was now the majority shareholder of the publishing house. The transaction was finalized in an ornate boardroom where the solemn atmosphere was palpable.
As the shareholders and representatives of the Sullivan Group gathered to sign the documents, the weight of the decision hung heavy in the air. Former shareholders of Panda House exchanged weary glances, and a murmur of uncertainty loomed among them. One of the former shareholders, Mr. Thornton, leaned over to Victor and muttered, "Paying eight figures for a struggling publisher, Victor? Some might call it insanity."
The other shareholders nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of skepticism and curiosity. They couldn't comprehend the motivation behind such a hefty investment in a company that had seen better days.
As the last signature was inked, Mr. Thornton decided to voice his thoughts aloud. "Well, Victor, I hope you know what you're doing. It's a brave move, to say the least. I wish you luck, though I can't help but think you might need more than luck to turn this ship around."
Victor maintained his signature smile, a facade he had perfected over the years, concealing his true feelings. He politely nodded at Mr. Thornton and said, "Thank you, Mr. Thornton. I appreciate your well wishes. Goodbye."
With that, he turned his attention away from the former shareholders, leaving Max and Tony to exchange a look of restrained excitement. They had wanted to say something to address the skepticism in the room, but Victor's response had been deliberately vague.
After the former shareholders departed, James leaned in, his voice lowering to a confidential tone. "Max, Tony, that smile you saw on Victor's face just now? That was his 'fake' smile. He may not have said it outright, but that expression is his way of showing that he's putting his trust in you, Max. After the success of 'Mickey Mouse,' I think he believes you can make this company profitable again."
Max and Tony exchanged glances, understanding the unspoken implications. With the weight of Panda House's legacy resting on their shoulders, they were now entrusted with the task of revitalizing it under the umbrella of Sullivan Entertainment. The challenge was monumental, but the opportunities it presented were equally vast.
In the quiet aftermath of the successful acquisition of Panda House, Max, Tony, and James gathered in a meeting room to discuss their plans for the future. The room was filled with anticipation, a sense of new beginnings, and the shared knowledge that they had a significant task ahead.
Max began by outlining their initial strategy. "First, we'll be shifting our focus more towards creating comics. We have a wealth of copyrights for previously published books and ones in progress, so we'll continue to maintain that list. However, our primary emphasis will be on comics."
Tony nodded thoughtfully, absorbing this strategic shift. "So, we won't actively search for new books to publish for now?"
James chimed in, "That's correct, Tony. Instead, we'll be on the lookout for comic artists, both established and independent. We're keen to offer a platform for artists to bring their stories to life through our publishing house. We believe comics have a unique potential, and we'll concentrate on nurturing that potential to its fullest."
As Tony processed this shift in their approach, he found himself intrigued by the prospect of exploring the world of comic artistry. He had always been passionate about Panda House, and it was clear that the company's transformation was an exciting journey. With a nod of agreement, he expressed his support. "I see the vision here. It's a fresh direction, and I'm ready to embark on this journey with you."
Amid the bustling atmosphere of Panda House, Tony's secretary efficiently gathered the employees in the cafeteria for an important announcement. It wasn't long before the room was filled with the curious and expectant faces of the dedicated staff.
As the crowd settled in, Max, Tony, and James prepared themselves to address the employees. Max stood beside Tony, and James flanked them, forming a trio that symbolized a new chapter in the company's history. The collective energy in the room was palpable—a mix of curiosity and apprehension as the employees waited for the news.
In the spacious cafeteria of Panda House, the employees gathered, their curiosity piqued by the impending announcement. Tony Gruber, the familiar face and interim CEO, stepped forward, clearing his throat, before addressing the attentive crowd.
"Thank you all for being here today," Tony began, his voice carrying a mix of reassurance and excitement. "I'm here to confirm the rumors you might have heard. Yes, Sullivan Entertainment has acquired Panda House, and we are now a subsidiary of this esteemed entertainment conglomerate."
He motioned to his side, introducing the new leadership. "I want to introduce you to the faces behind this exciting change. We have Max Sullivan, the creator of 'Mickey Mouse,' and James, who's been an integral part of the Sullivan Group for many years."
Max Sullivan, a figure whose name resonated through the entertainment industry, stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Hello, everyone! It's a pleasure to greet my new colleagues. I want to share with you the vision I have for Panda House. While we are transitioning to focus primarily on comics, we understand that not everyone may want to be a part of this journey, and that's perfectly okay."
The room held its collective breath, eager to hear more about the changes and their potential impact. Max continued, "In recognition of your hard work and dedication, I'm pleased to announce that each of you will receive a 5% salary increase with this transition. We value the talented individuals here, and we want to ensure you feel appreciated."
Max's words were met with nods and subtle smiles from the employees, who were already starting to embrace this new chapter. Max went on to explain the roles that Tony and James would play in guiding the relocation and managing the changes.
"As we embark on this new path, we've invested in technology to facilitate our work. I've personally purchased state-of-the-art printers, which will cater to both books and, especially, comics."
The announcement of the new printers brought a murmur of excitement through the room, and the employees couldn't contain their applause. Max's open communication and willingness to invest in the company's future reassured the team, setting the tone for a successful transition.
As the applause subsided, Max, Tony, and James were ready to address any questions or concerns from the employees, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration as they embarked on this transformative journey.
Amidst the buzz of uncertainty following the acquisition announcement, one employee stood out with unbridled enthusiasm. Jerome Taylor, an imposing figure standing at a towering 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm), was a beacon of excitement in the room.
Jerome hails from the Trawz ethnic group, one of the world's three main ethnic groups on the Blue Planet. His distinct yet rich roots were grounded in the traditions and cultures of his people, who mostly resided on the Eastern Continent. The Blue Planet, with a global population of around 7 billion people, boasted remarkable geographical and demographic differences from Earth. It was roughly twice the size of Earth, with its landmass divided into three primary regions: the vast Western Continent, the equally sprawling Eastern Continent, and the enchanting Anta Archipelago, home to thousands of islands and four main islands.
The Western Continent primarily accommodated the Tiws, the most populous ethnic group, in parallel to the white population on Earth. Aurelia, on the Western Continent, occupied a prominent position, encompassing almost half of the continent and ranking among the world's largest countries. In contrast, the Orons, a blend of Asian and Native American influences, predominantly thrived in the coastal regions and the alluring Anta Archipelago.
Aurelia itself stood as a microcosm of diversity, where people from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds converged, forming a vibrant and harmonious blend. The Trawz population, akin to Africans on Earth, flourished in Aurelia, making it the largest Trawz community outside the Eastern Continent. Their presence in Aurelia was a testament to the country's inclusivity and reputation as a cultural melting pot.
Jerome Taylor, fueled by his unwavering passion for comics, couldn't contain his excitement. The prospect of working for a growing entertainment company and the potential to contribute to the creation of captivating comic stories filled him with exhilaration. As he contemplated his future role within Sullivan Entertainment, he couldn't help but reflect on the company's recent success, "Mickey Mouse."
Jerome was a colossal comic nerd, and his love for the medium ran deep. The quirkiness of "Mickey Mouse" had managed to captivate his heart, even though it primarily targeted a younger audience. The animation's ability to incorporate subtle humor and creativity that appealed to both children and adults was something quite novel in the Aurelian comic scene.
While the animation's artistic finesse might not have been top-tier, its style was refreshingly unconventional and free-spirited, an element that had been missing in the somewhat bland and conventional comics currently dominating the Aurelian market.
One especially loud and irate employee burst into the room as Jerome considered how he could fit in and contribute to Sullivan Entertainment. This person was vocal about their intention to quit, expressing disdain for working at a company primarily focused on children's entertainment.
Amidst the heated tirade, the employee decried the impending loss of Panda House's integrity, suggesting that legal action was a likely course of action. Their confidence in securing financial compensation was clear. The bold statements created a palpable unease among the gathered employees, with some appearing swayed by the discontented employee's words.
Jerome couldn't help but think that those who blindly followed the brash and shortsighted commentary were destined to shoot themselves in the foot. Their hasty decisions might lead to missed opportunities, especially when the future of Panda House under Sullivan Entertainment holds such vast potential for growth and creativity.