1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 557 Rong Yongdao’s help!

Kobayashi Shunping quickly reported Li Changhe's opinions to his superiors.

As expected, when they heard that Li Changhe wanted to invest in a golf course, they agreed readily.

There was not even much rebuttal to the proposal from the stock market.

At this moment, Kobayashi Shunpei only felt that the work he came here for this time seemed to be completed very easily.

Therefore, after sitting down again, Kobayashi Shunpei hesitated for a moment, and then spoke to Li Changhe.

"Mr. Victor, although I don't play golf often, as far as I know, there is actually an oversupply of golf courses in the country."

"Golf is, after all, a relatively niche and luxurious sport. Its customer base is often fixed and difficult to transfer. After all, those customers are actually quite loyal to a specific golf course."

Kobayashi Shunpei was actually also very surprised as to why he said these things.

The reason might be that Mr. Victor looked very pleasing to the eye, which made him inexplicably want to give some advice.

Li Changhe was also quite surprised at Kobayashi Shunpei's sudden suggestion.

Is this guy a kind-hearted devil?

In that case, he won't be polite.

"Mr. Xiaolin, thank you for your reminder. I wonder if it would be convenient for you to leave a contact number."

"I will probably take people to Japan in a few days. By then, I may be able to trouble Mr. Kobayashi again."

Li Changhe said with a smile.

Kobayashi Shunpei nodded immediately: "Of course no problem, if Mr. Victor goes there at that time, I am willing to be a good guide."

For him, if he could know a world-class tycoon, it would actually be considered a qualification in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

At the same time, the door of the small conference room was opened again, and James and Matthews walked in together.

They were actually late on purpose because they knew very well that their cooperation with the Japanese did not depend on the two of them, but on Victor's negotiations with the Japanese.

Only when the two parties have agreed on the conditions regarding the Japanese yen will there be a basis for cooperation.

Otherwise, it's all bullshit.

And now, they came in and received the second summons.

"Matthew, Jim, this is the representative sent by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr. Kobayashi Shunpei."

"Mr. Kobayashi, this is Mr. James from Bank of America, and the person next to him is Mr. Matthews from Wells Fargo."

Li Changhe introduced the three people to each other.

After the three of them greeted each other, Li Changhe continued, "Jim, Matthew, I had a preliminary communication with Mr. Kobayashi."

"Thirty-six dollars a barrel, which is still a quarter of the yen payment amount. But I can take over this yen and convert it into dollars according to the current dollar exchange rate and transfer it to you. How about that?"

Li Changhe took the initiative to speak.

After hearing this, James and Matthews showed a hint of surprise on their faces.

The reason is very simple. Before, Jun'ichi Misugi quoted them $35 per barrel in the United States, plus one-third of the payment amount in Japanese yen.

Now, after negotiating with Victor, the other party quoted a price of 36 US dollars per barrel, which is a dollar increase per barrel. For their customers, this is an extra profit.

As for the payment amount in Japanese yen, they didn't pay much attention to it. After all, all of this payment amount would be taken by Victor.

"Since Victor has already communicated with Mr. Kobayashi, we have no objection and will charge $36 per barrel."

James took the initiative to speak at this time.

Matthews had no objection.

With this foundation, the next step is to sign the agreement. Both parties have agreed to bring the team to sign the contract tomorrow.

Afterwards, Li Changhe arranged for someone to send Kobayashi Junping back to rest.

After the other party left, James and Matthews came to Li Changhe excitedly.

"Vick, it turns out that you are the only one who can control these Japanese people."

"You don't know how arrogant Junichi Misugi was towards us when he was in the United States."

"Although he appears to be very respectful, the strength in his words cannot be concealed."

“It’s so infuriating.”

James felt very angry when he recalled Jun'ichi Misugi's arrogance at that time.

Li Changhe smiled and said, "Jim, you are just not very familiar with dealing with the Japanese."

"By the way, after the contract is signed, the two of you should stay. We'd better go to Japan together."

"Going to Japan?"

Matthews was a little confused as to why they had to go to Japan.

"Jim, Matthew, I was thinking of taking this opportunity to go to Japan together. Both of your companies should have branches in Japan."

"I need you to go with me. For my subsequent investments in Japan, I will need a lot of assistance from your branch."

"Since you are all in Asia, I think it would be better to go directly there instead of calling you later."

"Furthermore, I will need a group of stock market elites. Although I have recruited a lot of people in the United States, my own strength alone is not enough."

"In addition, I need to make a plan for the funds you will invest in Japan, and I also need your witnesses."

Li Changhe said seriously at this moment.

Many of his investments in Japan must be separated from the California consortium.

Although this money belongs to his investment institution, some things still need to be properly shown to the California consortium.

"Okay, then we'll go with you."

"But we have to call headquarters first and extend our business trip."

James readily agreed.

Then he said to Li Changhe: "By the way, Vic, we have already talked to Standard Chartered Bank."

"If we want to have in-depth cooperation, Standard Chartered Bank needs to sell 5% of its shares to Bank of America and Wells Fargo respectively, and we will place this shareholding in a subsidiary company."

"At the same time, the person in charge of this company will also become our representative on the board of directors of Standard Chartered Bank. I think we can jointly establish this subsidiary company, how about that?"

"Then when the time is right, we will transfer these shares to you."

"Using a subsidiary company to hold the shares on your behalf? Does your bank allow this?"

Li Changhe asked curiously at this moment.

James smiled and said, "In fact, most of our overseas branches, except for the branches directly established in various countries, are operated in the name of subsidiaries."

"You know, those damn politicians in the United States have very strict supervision over banks. If we openly expand on a large scale, even overseas, it will attract their investigation."

"So the best way is to establish various subsidiaries and then conduct equity penetration through the subsidiaries." "Standard Chartered Bank is not a big bank, so I can still make the decision on this matter."

"But at present, there is only a preliminary direction for cooperation, because Standard Chartered Bank is not the headquarters in Hong Kong Island, and they need to report to London."

"But according to Ron, this is where most of Standard Chartered's core businesses are gathered, and their opinions will always be respected in London."

"Standard Chartered's equity is relatively dispersed, and the management has a lot of say. They don't have a major shareholder who can fully control the board of directors."

"So Ron feels that there will be almost no unexpected changes in this cooperation."

After listening to this, Li Changhe continued to ask curiously: "Have you told him about my joining the subsidiary company?"

"If this matter is concealed, it cannot be concealed."

If Standard Chartered Bank is not aware of their operations, Li Changhe is worried that he will alert the enemy when he joins the board of directors of Standard Chartered Bank.

So he had to ask hello in advance.

Matthews smiled and continued, "Of course, we have clearly told Ron that you are our most trusted partner in Hong Kong Island, so the subsidiary company will also have a part of you, and you will supervise Standard Chartered Bank as our representative."

"In fact, Ron also agreed to this proposal. Perhaps they are also worried that we will swallow up Standard Chartered Bank, so it is also a good thing for them to have a familiar person holding these shares."

"He approved that you could represent us on the board of directors of Standard Chartered Bank as an intermediary, but at the same time, we could not interfere in the management of Standard Chartered Bank. You could only supervise its operation as a shareholder representative."

After listening to this, Li Changhe couldn't help but shook his head.

"You guys have been deceived by him. This is the authority that belongs to me as an independent director. When Standard Chartered Bank cooperated with me, it promised me an independent director position. In fact, the role is exactly the same as what you said."

After hearing what Li Changhe said, James said confidently: "Don't worry, Vic, we know something about British company law."

"Don't worry, the initial entry is just a beginning. Later, we will ask them to set up a review committee under you according to the requirements of the United States."

“Even if you don’t participate in management, you will still have a great influence on Standard Chartered Bank until you completely take it over.”

As executives of a multinational bank, how could they not know the difference between independent directors in the United States and the United Kingdom? But James naturally had his own way.

There is an important difference between independent directors in the United States and those in the United Kingdom. Independent directors in the United States have the right to set up an audit committee. This is an authority decided by legislation in the United States. This is different from the single independent director in the United Kingdom.

This is exactly what James told Li Changhe. At that time, they can use the US law as an excuse to ask Standard Chartered Bank to give up its power in order to protect their interests.

James is very confident that small regional British banks like Standard Chartered Bank will not be able to withstand their pressure, especially when they implement US laws.

He has many ways to deal with small banks like this.

Li Changhe also understood James' intention at this time and couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

"But James, I can give you a suggestion!"

"Oh? Vic, tell me."

"This transaction can be appropriately postponed. Standard Chartered Bank is a British company. Its valuation must be calculated in pounds sterling, and your payment must be in U.S. dollars."

"According to my judgment, the exchange rate of the pound against the dollar will inevitably continue to fall. You can do something about the exchange rate and delay the delivery time."

"I estimate that this time will be around two to three years, and it is hard to say after that."

Li Changhe said with a smile.

Nowadays, the exchange rate of pound to US dollar is around 2.33, which means that one pound can be exchanged for about 2.3 US dollars.

But Li Changhe remembered that after the Plaza Accord in 1985, the exchange rate of the pound against the US dollar fell to around 1.3.

However, Li Changhe could not delay the time until 1985, so he gave it two to three years, thinking that by that time, the exchange rate of the pound against the US dollar would definitely be lower than it is now.

James nodded thoughtfully after hearing what Li Changhe said: "You think the exchange rate of the pound to the dollar will fall, so we can pay less dollars, right!"

"That's a good idea. We can negotiate with Standard Chartered Bank about the terms of delayed delivery. Well, let's use the name of the probation period for Standard Chartered Bank."

"Matthews, what do you think?"

James said to Matthews with a smile at this moment.

"Okay, three years of probation, one probation per year, and 30% of the shares traded each time. I think this condition is pretty good!"

Matthews said casually that these conditions to trip up the opponent were just something they came up with casually and did not require much consideration.

The two people now trust Li Changhe's judgment more. Of course, this is also related to their own expertise.

As bank executives, they also know that the current U.S. dollar is actually in an unfavorable position, and it is inevitable that the Federal Reserve will lead the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.

At the same time, inside the banquet hall, Ron sat next to Rong Yongdao, then sat down, and the smile on his face suddenly disappeared.

"Hmm? Ron, you seemed so cheerful just now, why do you seem not so happy now?"

Rong Yongdao looked at Ron and asked curiously.

Ron thought for a moment and said, "Sangford, of course I'm happy. Bank of America and Wells Fargo have both expressed their intention to cooperate with Standard Chartered."

"Then why do you look so gloomy?"

Rong Yongdao asked curiously.

Ron thought for a moment and said, "Bank of America and Wells Fargo want a portion of Standard Chartered Bank's shares, and they want Victor to hold them on their behalf."

"I'm thinking, maybe there's something else involved here."

"Do you think Victor wants to acquire Standard Chartered Bank?"

Rong Yongdao asked subconsciously, while recalling the handsome face just now in his mind.

"I just think that this is possible!"

Ron said thoughtfully.

Rong Yongdao smiled and said, "Ron, I'm an accountant. I don't consider this kind of private transaction, but from my perspective, I can give you some advice."

"Can you estimate that with Victor's current financial resources, after taking into account the shares paid by Standard Chartered Bank, is he able to acquire Standard Chartered?"

“I think instead of guessing people’s minds, you should first consider the practicality of the capital market.”

After hearing what Rong Yongdao said, Ron quickly estimated in his mind.

Then he shook his head: "Sangford, you are right!"

“With the funds Victor has, I’m afraid it’s not enough!”

Standard Chartered's current market value is around 25 billion pounds, which is about 60 billion US dollars when converted into US dollars.

If the other party wants to acquire Standard Chartered, it must obtain at least 18% of the shares, which means at least US$ billion.

Even taking into account Standard Chartered's resistance and share premium, the $20 billion may not be enough.

At least in the short term, the other party does not have this ability.

Rong Yongdao smiled and nodded after hearing this: "So Ron, for now, I think the possibility is not high. Of course, you can pay attention to it in the future."

Boy, this is all the old man can help you with!
At the same time, Rong Yongdao said secretly in his heart.

(End of this chapter)