Reinventing the Millennium.

Chapter 687 Poaching Corners (Two in One)

The Yike shares held by Zhou Xin first came from the financing of Guahao.com. Like Su Wei and Yu Hong, he invested part of the money in the fledgling Yike.

However, his shareholding ratio is the least.

Today, after repeated financing and listing, Zhou Xin still holds nearly 0.8% of the shares, worth around 5000 million US dollars.

He himself has the salary of the president of the medical group, and he has always spent money sparingly. It's just that after marriage, he and his wife Yu Lanyu have a hobby of sea fishing. In addition, Yike's stock also reflects the distance with Mr. Fang to a certain extent. , The stocks that have passed the lifting period have not moved.

However, since it coincides with the good news of a small family, and Fang Zhuo is indeed raising funds here, as long as the acquisition of bank shares is successful, he will definitely make a profit without losing money, so he should be brought in.

Allianz Group purchased 10% of ICBC's shares for US$2.5 billion, and this part of the money is no problem.

Now there is a new target, American Express, which needs to continue to raise US$0.5 million to acquire a 2% stake in ICBC.

Not only that, considering the communication with Paulson, but also considering the current wave of shareholding reform and listing of domestic banks, Fang Zhuo believes that at least one more opportunity can be won.

Looking around, this wave is almost all foreign capital, but there are also familiar names.

Fang Zhuo noticed a piece of valuable information on the way to inspect the warehouse. The Bank of China chose to cooperate with the Royal Bank of Scotland, but in order to raise funds, the latter brought in Merrill Lynch Securities and Li Jiacheng Fund.

This move made the Bank of China quite displeased. An important factor is that the third party inserted in this way is not under control.

At the current stage, any bank must consider the issue of controlling its partners. This is the case with ICBC, and so is the case with Bank of China.

Fang Zhuo didn't know where Paulson's protection bottom line was for Allianz and American Express, and whether or to what extent cooperation could be reached in the end. However, since Lao Jiang of ICBC was willing to bear the pressure, he hoped that the MIGA Fund would On this basis, the consortium can have the best harvest.

Will Goldman Sachs give up Allianz?

With ICBC's strong will, maybe it can.

Will Goldman Sachs give up AmEx?
I don't know if it is possible to rely solely on ICBC's strong will, and perhaps the subjective initiative of MIGA Fund is also needed.

There is no room for the two to make a knife on ICBC. So, instead of letting Bank of China cooperate with a Royal Bank of Scotland that is privately pulling jobs, it is better to try the effect of Goldman Sachs + MIGA Fund.

Fang Zhuo thought that he could give it a try, and there would be no loss anyway. President Jiang happened to be here, and he recommended the leaders of the Bank of China to come to a secret meeting, so it was not in vain to act as a thug.

Judging from the information we have so far, ICBC's affairs are not so urgent, but Bank of China may need to grab some points.

MIGA Fund continues to handle affairs calmly, learns from the cooperation between Goldman Sachs and ICBC to draw up a general framework, and provides decent competitiveness step by step.

But Fang Zhuo put forward a small personal request in another call with President Jiang.

"Mr. Fang, Paulson's attitude is quite firm. He is not only looking for me, but also for the leaders above." President Jiang communicated the situation and expressed confidence, "But since we have found you in the industry, you are so outstanding. , then there will be no backing down."

Fang Zhuo was very moved by Lao Jiang's resistance. He expressed his thanks first, and then asked, "President Jiang, can you introduce President Li of Bank of China for me these two days?"

The heads of banks are often familiar with each other, but Lao Jiang and the heads of Bank of China are not generally familiar with each other. President Li was born in ICBC, and the two of them have been colleagues for a long time.

This is also a major reason why Fang Zhuo aimed at the Bank of China. A leader with Lao Jiang's status introduced him from him, and it would definitely get twice the result with half the effort.

"Old Li? What are you looking for?" President Jiang was surprised.

"I heard that the Royal Bank of Scotland has made a fraternity match, and I am quite indignant." Fang Zhuo said, "The scale of funds raised for ICBC this time can almost replace Goldman Sachs, but since President Jiang still prefers Goldman Sachs as a strategic investment I want to see if there is a suitable opportunity for this part of the overflowing funds.”

President Jiang frowned when he heard this, talking nonsense whether he was indignant or not, and uncertain whether the funds would overflow or not, but Mr. Fang really had a lot of appetite.

From Allianz to Express to Bank of China.

You haven't settled the matter with the ICBC here, and you just look at the other one, what to do next, I really dare not even think about it.

He said slowly: "Mr. Fang, I have to remind you that if you continue to form an acquisition consortium with the same structure, it will be difficult to approve it."

It doesn't mean that the bank can sign the contract after negotiating with the institution, and it needs to be reviewed by the above. If Goldman Sachs + MIGA Fund cooperates, it will definitely attract stricter approval.

"Well, what President Jiang said is true." Fang Zhuo also knew this, and explained, "If the Bank of China really has the will, I am willing to write the time agreement of the lock-up period into the contract, and this will be the last shareholding that complies with the regulations. .”

According to the regulations of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, no more than two Chinese-funded banks of the same quality can be invested.

For example, Temasek has won 4.55% of Minsheng Bank and 5.1% of China Construction Bank. It also tried to continue to invest in BOC, but it was clearly rejected.

But it is not impossible to evade it. Royal Bank of Scotland transferred to Merrill Lynch and Li Jiacheng Fund without even saying hello. If this form can pass the review, then if Deutsche Bank is used as a cover, Goldman Sachs and MIGA are hidden behind the scenes. no.

President Jiang pondered for a while, and finally said: "The situation of Bank of China is different from ours. It has signed a contract with it."

"The funds haven't been delivered yet. What's more, the source of the funds for the delivery is also different from what was agreed. The Royal Bank of Scotland has not done a good job, so there is still room for it now." Fang Zhuo said, "That's why I want to ask President Jiang for a favor." .”

President Jiang thought about it, and he had a big appetite. It may not be a bad thing for the Bank of China. This lock-up period can also promote the industry.

Just as he was about to agree, he couldn't help but say something more: "Mr. Fang, even if the actions of the Royal Bank of Scotland are open to discussion, it is still easy to cause trouble if you poach people like this."

"I want to make money, but also want to be calm. How can there be such a good thing? There are Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank in front of me, and I am just drinking soup at the Bank of China." Fang Zhuo thanked with a smile, "Thank you President Jiang for reminding, Whether it is ICBC or Bank of China, as long as we can cooperate, I will do my best."

Having said that, President Jiang also agreed, and it was just a middle-of-the-road recommendation. It is the Bank of China's judgment whether it can really cooperate.

He didn't delay, and contacted his old friend this afternoon to talk about it.

On the other hand, Fang Zhuo also called Paulson, did not mention ICBC at all, but invited him to meet the head of Bank of China together.

Paulson was somewhat surprised, and remembered a sentence from the breakfast chat that day—why just stare at the ICBC family?

He immediately agreed and was willing to visit together.

Fang Zhuo informed Zhang Hongli about the Bank of China after temporarily pulling in the ICBC competitor.

Zhang Hongli became excited almost immediately, and rushed to the hotel where Mr. Fang was staying.

As a result, when he arrived, he was told that Mr. Fang was having a meeting in the conference room.

meeting?What meeting?

My own Deutsche Bank has not been notified!
Zhang Hongli felt uneasy, and worried that Mr. Fang was screening more collaborators. While waiting patiently, he called Hezhong and Washington to find out.

Then, Hezhong and Washington knew nothing about the news of the Bank of China.

Zhang Hongli breathed a sigh of relief, but also did not disclose new opportunities.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, the meeting ends.

"Huh? Mr. Zhang, why are you here?" Fang Zhuo walked out of the meeting room with the document in hand, and saw the unexpected visitor.

"I don't want to talk to Mr. Fang face to face, because I don't feel at ease." Zhang Hongli replied solemnly.

Fang Zhuo frowned, and whispered a few words to Dong Xueyou, who was in charge of e-shopping logistics, to postpone the communication with him until the next day, and then took Zhang Hongli back to the suite.

"Mr. Fang, you're still in the mood to hold an e-buy meeting at this time." Zhang Hongli looked at the content of the afternoon meeting.

"It's a surprise for the bank, and there is only more than one month left until November." Fang Zhuo said naturally, "I'm not busy with e-buy, who will be busy?"

Zhang Hongli is hesitant, he feels that the bank's cooperation should be the priority now. Compared with this, the profits that Tesco's promotional activities can bring are definitely not as good as those of ICBC or even Bank of China.

Fang Zhuo glanced at Zhang Hongli, and said, "President Jiang and I have already communicated. ICBC will definitely increase the lock-up period for shares. This will be clarified in future negotiations."

"If the Bank of China really has the opportunity to negotiate, this will also be reflected in the contract as sincerity."

"ICBC and BOC can implement it. Except for CCB, which will be listed next month, other banks may refer to this standard when they cooperate with foreign capital."

Zhang Hongli asked, "How long?"

"Three years." Fang Zhuo said affirmatively.

Zhang Hongli pondered, it's okay.

Fang Zhuo followed these words and continued: "This also means that even if the cooperation with the bank can be achieved this time, the money will be locked here. Therefore, the work must be done, and what Tesco should do must be done." .”

Zhang Hongli knew that Mr. Fang understood what he meant, and laughed at himself: "This is the difference between me and Mr. Fang."

"No, our directions are different after all." Fang Zhuo is not conceited, Mr. Zou staring at this area belongs to his job, and the priority must be different.

"Mr. Fang, let me visit President Li at night." Zhang Hongli volunteered, which was also the purpose of this trip.

Fang Zhuo lightly refused: "No, Paulson and I will see if we can talk about it first. The cooperation projects with the Bank of China are all secondary. The most important thing is whether it is willing to risk the reputation risk of contract breach." .”

Even with the operation of the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of China will probably be blamed if it wants to find a strategic partner again.

However, it is not without a solution.

This cooperation may not be canceled by the Bank of China, but by the China Securities Regulatory Commission. The reason is still that the third party Merrill Lynch Securities and the Li Jiacheng Foundation took advantage of the loopholes to enter the market.

"Then what is the form of cooperation with Bank of China?" Zhang Hongli asked again.

He had already asked once on the phone before, and now he asked again in person.

Fang Zhuo sighed: "It's not certain whether it will be successful or not. Look at Paulson, and he agrees in a few words. You can imitate his manner."

"That's the head of Goldman Sachs. I'll be the head of Deutsche Bank anytime, and I can do the same." Zhang Hongli said indifferently.

Hearing this, Fang Zhuo looked Zhang Hongli up and down, and asked, "Can you have such an upward channel in Deutsche Bank?"

If that's the case, it's not impossible to bring the boss with you at night.

Zhang Hongli replied affirmatively: "No, it's basically over now."

Fang Zhuo dismissed the idea.

Well, it is more convenient for two people to take the bus, and it is a bit crowded for three people.

That night, Fang Zhuo and Paulson paid a quick visit to Xingchang Li, the head of Bank of China.

Because of the weight of the middleman and because of the screening by ICBC, President Li did not ask more about the combination of Goldman Sachs and MIGA Fund, but there was no room for turning around in his words.

"Mr. Fang, Mr. Paulson, although there are indeed some unsatisfactory aspects of the Royal Bank of Scotland this time, we have signed all the contracts."

"If you came to me last month, I would rather give it a try."

"To put it bluntly, if you were the partners who signed the contract, how would you feel if our Bank of China did this?"

"Although there are more Merrill Lynch Securities and Li Jiacheng Foundation, this is an unexpected institution, but, to be honest, the best way for Bank of China to deal with them now is to negotiate with them. After all, they are also Not famous."

President Li's attitude is quite firm.

This is not a trivial matter. After the contract is signed and the cooperation is announced, there is a sudden U-turn. How can others see Zhongxing?
How do you see yourself?
Paulson doesn't understand Chinese. Considering the secrecy of this visit, Mr. Fang also helped with the translation.

After listening to these words, he said seriously: "President Li, the Royal Bank of Scotland's operation is against the convention. Moreover, I don't understand the Li Jiacheng Foundation, but I know the style of Merrill Lynch Securities."

"If Merrill Lynch really sincerely cooperates with Bank of China, it will not be in this form."

"Once it gets a stake in your bank, it is likely to sell it for financial reasons."

"Our Goldman Sachs and Mr. Fang's funds can be locked up for a certain period of time."

Fang Zhuo waited until Paulson finished speaking and said: "President Li, I don't understand Merrill Lynch Securities, but I know the style of Li Jiacheng Foundation."

"I believe you also know that if Li Jiacheng came to the mainland to communicate, it would be very easy, but now this is the way."

"His foundation came because of profit, and it will inevitably go away because of profit."

"Such speculative nature will not help BOC's business and management at all."

"The fact that the Bank of China only signed contracts with the Royal Bank of Scotland also means that the Li Jiacheng Foundation and Merrill Lynch have absolutely no idea of ​​helping the Bank of China."

"We are different, ICBC is an example."

Fang Zhuo is very sincere.

President Li asked a question: "As far as I know, you and Goldman Sachs still seem to be in a competitive relationship, and the choice of ICBC has not yet been determined."

Fang Zhuo and Paulson looked at each other and said almost at the same time: "No, we have reached a cooperation."

President Li still shook his head, this time to Mr. Fang: "Mr. Fang, since Lao Jiang spoke from it, let me tell the truth, this matter is basically finalized. The leaders are all watching, and I can't make the decision alone. , It’s useless for you to come to me.”

"President Li, I have been discussing this matter with Paulson on the way here." Fang Zhuo was not depressed, and put forward a countermeasure, "If you want, the huge uncertainty of Merrill Lynch may be proved to you by Goldman Sachs Look, it will also clear the way for the Bank of China to re-election."

It is difficult to convince the Bank of China with words alone, which is also the benefit of bringing in Goldman Sachs, and Paulson is sure to kill Merrill Lynch.

President Li looked at Mr. Fang, and then at Paulson. One is the richest man in the mainland, and the other is the head of Goldman Sachs. If the so-called "huge uncertainty" can be proved, the responsibility will be easily resolved.

He said ambiguously: "There won't be too much time."

There won't be too much time. If you want to dig the corners of Royal Bank of Scotland, Merrill Lynch Securities, and Li Jiacheng Fund, you will have to work overtime.

(End of this chapter)