The Tyrant Billionaire

"If they don\'t want to sell, then forget it," Hardy said indifferently.

When the Paramount Decree comes into effect, the major movie studios will face tough times. Perhaps then, it might be possible to talk to Warner.

"Boss, we contacted Marvel\'s owner, Goodman. He\'s very interested in Hardy Group\'s acquisition. He expressed a desire to meet with you," Andy reported.

"Meet with me? Sure," Hardy smiled.

Marvel was his real target, and with Goodman wanting to sell, Hardy was eager to meet him.

Two days later.

Two young men walked into the Hardy Group headquarters.

Hardy met them in his office. Goodman, a slim man in his thirties wearing black framed glasses, was accompanied by a young man in his twenties.

"Mr. Hardy, hello. I\'m Goodman, and this is our editor in chief, Stan Lee," Goodman introduced himself.

Hardy looked at the handsome young man with black hair and a long face standing behind Goodman, thinking to himself, "So this is the true creator of the Marvel universe, Stan Lee." Stan Lee became Marvel\'s editor in chief, lead writer, and art director at just 19.

Hardy walked over to shake Goodman\'s hand and then shook Stan Lee\'s hand, inviting them to sit on the nearby sofa with a smile.

"Let\'s sit down and talk. What would you like to drink?" Hardy asked.

The two men relaxed significantly. Initially, they had thought that someone as wealthy as Hardy might be aloof and condescending, but they were pleasantly surprised by his friendliness.

Martin Goodman was originally a magazine editor but later established his own small comic book company. He had his own principles: if a work became popular, he would replicate the formula, ensuring it would also make big money.

At that time, DC was the leader in the comic book industry. From the moment Marvel appeared, it followed closely in DC\'s footsteps. Whenever DC released a comic, Marvel would inevitably imitate it.

Stan Lee was Goodman\'s wife\'s cousin and joined Marvel after graduating from high school. However, at that time, Marvel was called "Atlas Comics," not the Marvel Comics we know today.

When World War II broke out, Stan Lee joined the army. However, he didn\'t see combat but instead worked on illustrations and propaganda. After the war ended, he returned to the comic book company and is now Marvel\'s editor in chief, lead writer, and art director.

Hardy knew that Stan Lee was the soul of Marvel. Even if they didn\'t retain Goodman, they had to keep Stan Lee.

"I\'m interested in acquiring your comic book company. What are your thoughts?" Hardy asked Goodman.

"Are you considering investing, or do you want to acquire the entire company?" Goodman inquired.

"Partial equity purchase. If you\'re willing, you can continue running the company, and Mr. Stan Lee can remain as editor in chief," Hardy replied.

Goodman breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Currently, Atlas is only a medium sized comic book company with about 40 employees. Last year, they sold over a million copies, netting a profit of tens of thousands after expenses.

This income was already quite good, but like every entrepreneur, Goodman had his own ambitions to grow bigger and stronger and make more money. He also hoped that Marvel\'s characters could make it to the big screen.

In fact, there were many comic book companies in the U.S. similar to Atlas. Goodman was pleasantly surprised that the Hardy Group had taken an interest in them.

He knew the strength of the Hardy Group, especially in the media industry, with ABC Television, HD Film Company, the newly rising Global Times, Playboy magazine, and the recently launched new magazine Reader\'s Digest. All of this indicated that the Hardy Group aimed to build a comprehensive media empire.

Perhaps it was for this reason that the Hardy Group noticed his small company.

"How much of the company do you intend to purchase?" Goodman asked.

Hardy had already thought this through. "I intend to acquire more than 80% of the shares. You can retain 20%. Of course, you will still be responsible for the company\'s operations, so I\'m willing to give you a portion of the management shares, 5%."

After speaking, Hardy turned to Stan Lee. "Mr. Stan Lee, I also hope you stay. If you continue as editor in chief, you\'ll receive 5% of the profit shares."

Stan Lee was slightly taken aback.

"I get a share too?"

"Of course, technical shares with profit dividends," Hardy said.

Stan Lee immediately showed a look of surprise and joy.

Hardy then turned back to Goodman. "What do you value the company at?"

Goodman thought for a moment. "I believe Atlas is worth $1.5 million."

Hardy shook his head.

"I had professionals assess it. Your company\'s valuation is at most $800,000. DC now has over a dozen well known comic book characters, while you don\'t have anything substantial to show for it, maybe except for Captain America."

Hardy\'s words made Goodman a bit embarrassed.

But that was indeed the case.

"$1 million, not a penny less," Goodman insisted.

Hardy paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, we\'ll value it at $1 million. I\'ll purchase 80% of the shares."

A million dollar deal was thus concluded.

Both parties were willing to cooperate, which is why it went so smoothly.

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The Hardy Group had a vast team of lawyers, and a purchase contract was quickly drafted. As he signed, Goodman remarked, "Originally, I thought this meeting was just a preliminary contact, and that there would be several rounds of negotiations later. I didn\'t expect the contract to be signed so easily."

Andy, who was beside him, chuckled. "For a million dollar acquisition, there\'s no need to waste so much time. Mr. Hardy always works efficiently and decisively, not liking to quibble over small sums. As long as everyone agrees, the deal is done because the time saved could have already earned back any extra money spent."