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msnbc.com – He is hardly your average movie investor. He cultivates his privacy, and he heads a $13 billion hedge fund that, unlike those run by Carl Icahn and others, rarely mounts a proxy fight. But while most Hollywood bankers have turned off the money spigot, billionaire Paul Singer’s Elliott Associates appears to be stepping up its investments.
Last year the firm lent money to film investor Ryan Kavanaugh, who is providing financing for as much as 75% of Universal Studio’s films through 2011. In recent days movie moguls have been buzzing that the hedge fund could be eyeing a play for the debt-hobbled MGM studio by buying up a small piece of the iconic film company’s nearly $4 billion in debt.
Times Online – While many lose sleep over each twist and turn of today’s economy, New Jersey collector Ralph DeLuca has found a hedge against the recession in the musty memorabilia of Hollywood’s past.
A former private investment consultant, DeLuca hardly batted an eye when he bought a vintage poster from the 1932 cult movie "Freaks" at auction in March for more than $100,000. The poster had cost $10 in the early 1970s.A few minutes later he outbid competitors for a rare poster of the original "Dracula" from 1931, owned by actor Nicolas Cage, snapping it up for more than $300,000.
Reuters – Flashiness is out and subdued celebration is in among wealthy Americans on Valentine’s Day.
As the economic crisis spreads and conspicuous consumption loses its luster, hedge fund millionaires and oil barons are shunning eye-catching items like yellow, red and blue diamonds in favor of lower-key gifts, luxury industry watchers say.
In Hollywood, it is easier to book reservations at marquee restaurants than last year for the romantic day on Feb. 14, a restaurant publicist said, noting entertainment big shots now tend to favor eateries that have cut their entree prices.
