The Race to Become the World's Number One Business Family

"Hi, Zucker!"

"Hi, David!"

When the little fox met the old fox, the atmosphere was naturally excellent.

After all, both Zucker and David Koch were seasoned men of the world, and the two soon found themselves enjoying a lively conversation.

"David, are you really interested in investing in Wald Pictures films?" Zucker asked.

"Of course. As far as I know, the vast majority of Wald Pictures' films have made money since the company was founded. Spider-Man, 300 Spartans, and Harry Potter, in particular, have all been huge hits. The investors in those films, like Mexico's Carlos Family and India's Mountain Fund, have made a fortune."

David Koch smiled. "Two months ago, when I went to Mexico to discuss a business deal, I met Carlos Slim. He told me quite a bit, including about Wald Pictures' returns on investment."

Zucker looked a little surprised. "He—he told you about that?"

David smiled mysteriously. "I've known him for over thirty years. We're very close friends."

So that was it.

Wald Pictures was an undeniable force in Hollywood these days, but it was a privately held company, and its annual profits and returns weren't made public. Investors in its films generally wouldn't go around talking about them. After all, the desire to make a fortune was the same all over the world.

And yet!

Carlos Slim, Mexico's richest man, had still talked about it.

Zucker asked seriously, "Let me ask you again: are you sure you want to invest in Wald Pictures' films?"

"Of course!"

David's reply was resolute, as firm as a rock.

Zucker nodded. "In that case, I accept. But I'll be blunt: you'll only have the right to a share of the profits from the films you invest in. You won't have any say in the filmmaking process."

Never letting outsiders