Zane knew that superhero copyrights (the right to make movies) were super cheap right now, but he also knew they would be worth a ton of money in the future.
He knew that many of these rights had a time limit, like 5 to 8 years. If a movie company bought the rights to a hero but didn't make a movie in time, Marvel would get the rights back.
But, as the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way."
Zane knew the movie companies had a trick. Just before the time ran out, they would spend a few thousand dollars to make a super-cheap, really awful movie. Because they technically "made a movie," the time limit would reset, and they got to keep the rights. It was a sneaky trick that companies like the one that owned the "Fantastic Four" used all the time.
In short, once Marvel sold the rights, it was really hard to get them back.
Of course, some rights didn't have a time limit at all. The "X-Men" rights (which Fox owned) and the "Spider-Man" rights (which Zane now owned) were forever. As long as the company didn't sell them, Marvel could never get them back.
After Kevin Fitch left his office, there was a knock on the door. It was Zane's new chief assistant, Alexander. (He had a very long Russian name, but that was pretty normal where he came from!)
"Boss," Alexander said with a respectful nod.
"Alexander! Good afternoon," Zane smiled, happy to see him. "You're here, which must mean you finished that little 'homework' I gave you."
"Yes, boss," Alexander replied. "I've gathered all the first reports on Apple's shareholders, just as you asked."
"Great," Zane said. "You don't have to tell me all of them. Just focus on the big ones—the groups or people who own the biggest chunks of Apple stock."
For the next few minutes, Alexander gave his report.
First: A big foundation that protects the environment. They owned 2.7% of Apple.
Second: Microsoft. Back in August, they had bought 3% of Apple.
"Boss, the environment foundation bought their Apple stock a long time ago," Alexander explained. "But Apple is struggling so much, they've been slowly selling it off. The 2.7% they have left is for sale right now."
Zane's eyes lit up. "Perfect. I want you to call them. Tell them I'm willing to buy all of it. The price is $135 million."
Alexander agreed. He knew the foundation would be happy to sell. Apple's stock was doing badly. Even with Steve Jobs back, the company was still struggling. If the internet wasn't so popular right now, Apple's stock would probably be worthless.
"Boss," Alexander said, "if you give me one more week, I'm sure I can get the price down. I think I can save us $10 million and get it for $125 million."
Zane beamed. Save $10 million? He loved that idea.
"Alexander, that's a brilliant idea!" Zane said, his voice full of encouragement. "Yes, absolutely. Go for it! That's exactly why I hired you."
So, Zane was on his way to owning 2.7% of Apple. But his next idea didn't go as well. He tried to buy the 3% of Apple stock that Microsoft owned.
They said no.
He even offered to pay more than the market price. Microsoft still wasn't interested.
"Hmm... why won't they sell me the shares?" Zane wondered, alone in his office.
He thought about it for a long time. He'd learned a lot in the last two years. After thinking about the future, he finally figured it out.
"Ohhh," he said out loud, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I get it. Microsoft didn't buy that stock to make money."
He was right. Microsoft had given Apple $150 million as part of a deal. The deal was that Apple would drop its lawsuit (where they said Microsoft copied their ideas). In return, Microsoft promised to keep making its "Office" programs for Apple computers.
"Wow, Microsoft, that's actually really clever," Zane chuckled to himself. "Well, I guess I can't buy their shares right now."
He wasn't mad. "That's fine," he thought. "As long as I get a big piece of Apple before it really takes off, I'm happy. No need to worry about it now."
That afternoon, he left the company with his two new director friends, Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan. Today was the grand premiere of the movie Titanic.
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