"What did you say? How can they negotiate a lower price?"
"Sir, they're adding three more satellites along with the previous one. If we don't compromise, they'll breach the contract."
"Darn it, that blasted cowboy. Wait, did you say they're adding three more satellites?"
"Yes, they want all of them launched within two years."
"Jeez, why do they need so many satellites?"
"I think, with NBC's breakup, they might be setting up an independent satellite company. With their existing satellites, they could achieve seamless global coverage."
"Wow, going that big, huh?"
"Sir, he just raised funds. That's pocket change for him."
"Get me on the phone with Houston."
William White believed that with the European Space Agency's involvement, concessions would have to be made in the US. If it weren't for ideological issues, he might not even mind letting the Russians handle the launches.
"Launching four satellites at once? Are they planning to go crazy?"
"Reports from Fox. Goldman Sachs is inquiring about the price for Fox Television. That's not typical of them."
"Those partners are a bunch of characters. Seems like our wealthiest gentleman is pretty upset."
"Probably, but there's no further action."
"Heh, normal business conduct. Even if he's upset, he won't show it explicitly. Though, this guy's strategies are becoming more sophisticated."
The old man was indeed troubled. This move was merely a probe, not expecting such a chain reaction.
Compared with the satellite launch business, Murdoch's acquisition was relatively insignificant. More importantly, such a thing must not happen.
American TV satellites, launched by the European Space Agency? You must be kidding. The US's free-market economy is just talk in this regard; military products and agricultural subsidies in the US and Europe are untouchable.
It was clear that someone wasn't planning on playing by the rules anymore. How much could Europeans subsidize you? Definitely not more than your compensation.
From a business perspective, William White had no choice. However, he wasn't being rational, and he might not even care about the money, especially since a substantial portion belonged to the shareholders.
Therefore, price reductions were essential. Without a reasonable cut, that bastard might just flip the table.
...
"William, are you sure about four satellites?"
"Of course, I'll be handling some operations. This satellite company is independent, and there might be more in the future. Is that number too high? This is just the beginning."
"I see, really going through with it. You won't actually bring in Europeans, right?"
"If these jerks don't give me a satisfactory price, I'll make them a laughing stock worldwide."
"Haha, as my old man says, you're a classic bastard."
"Stop messing around. Your old man said I'm a classic cowboy."
"Uh, how did you--?"
"Hahaha, too funny! Buddy, Watergate wasn't my game. I'm smart, you know? It's an intellectual smackdown."
...
Young Bush hurried to find comfort from his old man.
"Ha, he's just feeling threatened, making a timely gesture. Morgan Stanley might suffer a loss this time."
"Those guys are insatiable."
"Ha, how can a businessman succeed without greed? Do you think William White isn't greedy? This guy's still brewing a big move against Japan."
"Sigh, I realize I'm out of my depth with business, just like William White said -- it's an intellectual sweep."
"Haha, everyone has their fields. Comparing yourself to William White? Haha, those old guys get headaches dealing with him. How could it be simple?"
...
Not mentioning the father and son's grumblings, Murdoch was already infuriated. Not only did prices hike, but there were plans to sell the TV station separately.
"You bastard, do we have such a big grudge? You despicable scoundrel."
"Rupert, control your emotions. Blowing your top won't solve anything."
"Carn, this guy's acquisition would never clear a review."
"Rupert, do you really think he's targeting you? Old buddy, you might not be qualified, at least not now." Sensing his words were a bit harsh, Murdoch's pal explained.
"Heh, no need to explain. I know my situation. Worse comes to worse, back to Australia to herd sheep. Wait, are you saying he's deliberately provoking the Justice Department?"
"I am afraid that's exactly what he's plotting. If the Justice Department targets someone's company for antitrust, what would the public think? This is public television; you're not suggesting they want everyone to watch cheap TV."
Guessing William White's motive, the old man grew angrier. This was just giving a kid a beating on a rainy day -- having nothing else to do.
Indeed, the bigwigs at the Justice Department were twitching. If Fox agreed to sell, should they use antitrust laws to block the acquisition?
Seriously, isn't being buddies with the Japanese enough? Now sucking up to the Aussie rogue?
Whose side are you on, really?
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.