Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1359IR // #c1359Synthesis

"What Chernin didn’t get at first is that this wasn’t a negotiation. It was take it or leave it. You either give Dan the $7 million signing bonus or I walk from the deal."

— In our words · Source: Cancel Me If You Can (Dave Portnoy)

[Use when]

You have one term you're truly willing to walk away over and the other side treats it as negotiable.

[Why it matters]

During the Penn sale, Portnoy demanded a $7 million bonus for a partner whose equity hadn't paid out. Chernin first refused, then tried to split the cost with him. With the whole deal at stake, they paid.

Filed under situations:When the other side has more leverage

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Same situation, different book

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