Money Games

Money Games is a riveting tale of one of the most successful buyout deals ever: the acquisition and turnaround of what used to be Korea’s largest bank by the American firm Newbridge Capital. Full of intrigue and suspense, this insider's account is told by the chief architect of the deal itself, the celebrated author and private equity investor Weijian Shan. With billions of dollars at stake, and the nation's economic future on the line, Newbridge Capital sought to become the first foreign firm in history to take control of one of Korea’s most beloved financial institutions. In a proud country still reeling from a humiliating International Monetary Fund bailout in the Asian Financial Crisis, Newbridge Capital had to muster every ounce of skill, determination, and patience to bring the deal to closing. Shan takes readers inside the battle to win control of the bank—a delicate, often exasperating process that meant balancing the goals of Newbridge with those of the government, bank employees, and Korea's powerful industrial titans. Finally, the author describes how Newbridge transformed and rebuilt the struggling bank into a shining example of modern banking—as well as a massively profitable investment. In the secret world of private equity, few buyouts have been written about with such clarity, detail, and insight—and none with such completeness, covering not only the dealmaking but also the transformation and eventual exit of the investment. For anyone who has ever wondered how private equity investors strike bargains, turn around businesses, and create immense value—or anyone interested in a captivating story of high-stakes money-making—this book is a must-read.

“A compelling perspective on the evolution of sports business . . . provides an excellent roadmap to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the pitfalls.” —David Stern, NBA Commissioner The businesses behind Dubai Sports City, the branding of David Beckham, and the popularity of fantasy sports leagues are unmistakable indicators that the sports and the entertainment industries are quickly becoming one and the same. This rapid convergence has been key to the sports business industry’s continued growth and financial success. Money Games not only analyzes how industry stakeholders have monetized this convergence, but also answers this core question: how can the sports business continue to profit from the blurring of sports and entertainment? Author David M. Carter considers a wide array of implications for television content, video gaming, athlete branding, the Internet, mobile technology, gambling, sports-anchored real estate development, venue technology, and corporate marketing—in short, those areas where business opportunities exist now that sports and entertainment have become one. “Fans, sports and media executives, and even investors will find that Carter’s examination . . . of the changing landscape of sports and entertainment helps them understand their own experiences.” —Stephen A. Greyser, Harvard Business School “An invaluable resource for stakeholders hoping to monetize sports as entertainment.” —Kenneth L. Shropshire, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of The Business of Sports Agents “The strategies and tactics that all the players will want—from the boardroom to the locker room—can be found in Money Games.” —John Nendick, Ernst & Young Global Media & Entertainment Industry Leader “Identifies the challenges facing the various sports leagues in delivering fans what they want.” —Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Baseball Commissioner

Imagine the giant smile on your face when: You've broken free from the pressures of debtYou're out from under all those lousy billsYou're saving money like never beforeYou've dramatically changed your financial life for the better The tools are in your hands to bring all of these changes into your life. In Money Games, experienced business professional Randy Petrick offers a collection of eighty-five activities and lessons for people who are not wealthy but would like to be. Twenty-eight years ago, Petrick's net worth was $1,500. Today, he's rapidly approaching multimillionaire status. By following the action steps outlined in Money Games, Petrick believes almost anyone can acquire significant assets and have fun doing it. Money Games includes family games, thinking games, adventure games, magical games, even bedtime games! All of them are simple and easy to play. Ducks, sawdust, sunglasses, and trombones have never been more fun or more financially rewarding. A fun and clever approach to financial planning, Money Games is full of delightful and inventive ideas to help you escape from debt and despair.

Gambling in Papua New Guinea, despite being completely absent prior to the Colonial era, has come to supersede storytelling as the region’s main nighttime activity. Money Games is an ethnographic monograph which reveals the contemporary importance of gambling in urban Papua New Guinea. Rich ethnographic detail is coupled with cross-cultural comparison which span the globe. This anthropological study of everyday economics in Melanesia thereby intersects with theories of money, value, play, informal economy, social change and leadership.

“ Will’s knowledge of F2P comes from years of building games, as well as writing about and consulting with developers on the model. All the topics covered in this book—economics, gameplay, monetization, analytics and marketing—are important to consider when you’re building an F2P game, and Will covers each with an easy-to-digest style.” —Ian Marsh, co-founder, NimbleBit Free-to-Play: Making Money From Games You Give Away is an accessible and complete guide to the business model that has revolutionized the videogames industry, creating huge hits, multi-billion-dollar startups and a new deal for players: Play for free, spend on what you like. Written by respected game designer and consultant Will Luton, Free-to-Play gives you the in-the-trenches insight you need to build, run and make money from games you give away. In it you’ll find: Psychology behind player decisions and the motivations to play Simple and accessible explanations of the math and economic theories behind F2P, including working examples Processes for capturing and using player data to improve your game Marketing tips on positioning your game and attracting players Plus: A downloadable F2P spreadsheet, articles from the author, a foreword by NimbleBit co-founder Ian Marsh and an interview with Zynga CEO, Mark Pincus.

The nine Continental Op stories written by Dashiell Hammett in 1924. The Tenth Clew – There were enough clews in this crime to give Mr. Hammett’s nameless detective a year or so of work. But solving a mystery in that length of time didn’t appeal to him. He wanted faster action—and he got it in good measure. So will you if you begin this entertaining novelette. I “Do you know. . . Emil Bonfils?” II “That’s Something!” III “A sleek kitten that dame!” IV “Maybe that ain’t so foolish!” V “Meet Mr. Smith” VI “Those damned horns!” VII “You have a lot of fun, don’t you?” VIII “I hope you swing!” Night Shots Zigzags of Treachery -A twelve chapter novella. One Hour – A three chapter novelette The House In Turk Street – We wouldn’t consider an issue complete without one of Mr. Hammett’s stories in it, and after you’ve read this tale, you’ll understand why. The Girl With The Silver Eyes – Mr. Hammett has written some lively and unusual tales about his realistic detective from the Continental Detective Agency, whose name has never been disclosed; but for action, shrewd detective-work, sheer interest, and surprise, his latest, herewith, surpasses them all.” A nineteen chapter novella. Death On Pine Street The Golden Horseshoe – In our recent voting contest for favorite Black Mask authors, Dashiell Hammett received thousands of votes because of his series of stories of the adventures of his San Francisco detective. He has created one of the most convincing and realistic characters in all detective fiction. The story, herewith, is one of his best to date. We know you’ll enjoy it to the last word.” A nine chapter novelette. Who Killed Bob Teal? – Operative Teal went out to shadow a thief, who didn’t even know he was suspected. Seven hours after Teal left his agency’s office, he was found—shot to death. Whose hand cut him down?”