Carlos Slim: The Man Who Almost Owned the New York Times
So, you've heard the rumors, right? That Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire who could probably buy your entire town (and maybe even your soul), was once on the verge of owning The New York Times. It's like something out of a dramatic telenovela, only with fewer sobbing and more money.
A Match Made in...Financial Heaven?
Now, let's get one thing straight: Carlos Slim never actually owned The New York Times. He was, however, a major shareholder. Picture it: A billionaire with more zeros in his bank account than you have hairs on your head, taking a keen interest in the paper of record. It's like a kid with a magnifying glass and an ant farm, but with way higher stakes.
Slim's investment in The New York Times was a bit like a rollercoaster: there were ups, downs, and moments where you just wanted to get off. In 2009, when the newspaper industry was going through a rough patch, Slim stepped in like a knight in shining armor (or, more accurately, a billionaire in a private jet) and loaned the company a cool $250 million. It was a lifeline, a bailout, a "hey, I'm rich and I like your product" kind of gesture.
Slim Pickings?
But here's the thing: owning a newspaper isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's like running a lemonade stand in a desert - you've got a great product, but people are more interested in cacti juice. So, after a few years, Slim decided to cut his losses and sell off a chunk of his shares. Think of it as a billionaire's version of downsizing.
So, who actually owns The New York Times? Well, it's a publicly traded company, which means it's owned by a bunch of people, including small investors, mutual funds, and probably a few hedgehogs who stumbled upon a keyboard. But don't worry, Carlos Slim is still incredibly wealthy and can probably buy any newspaper he wants. He's just decided to focus on other things, like world domination or collecting rare stamps.
How to...
- How to become a billionaire like Carlos Slim? Start saving early, invest wisely, and maybe invent something revolutionary. Or, you know, just win the lottery.
- How to invest in the stock market? Do your research, consult a financial advisor, and be prepared to lose money. Or, you know, just buy lottery tickets.
- How to read The New York Times? Subscribe, visit your local library, or hope your neighbor shares their copy.
- How to write a bestselling novel? Have a great story to tell, write it down, and then hope for the best. Or, you know, just hire a ghostwriter.
- How to avoid being eaten by a shark? Don't go swimming in shark-infested waters. Or, you know, just become a vegetarian.