America: My Time

Chapter 565 Unexpected Changes

Chapter 565 Unexpected Changes
“Boss, isn’t this a bit too crazy? We haven’t completed all the tests, and there are still many problems to correct. Talking to Middle Eastern tycoons now, won’t it damage our reputation?” Upon hearing her boss’s words, Carol Tomé couldn’t help but sigh. She naturally knew what this plan was, so she felt a little uneasy.

"You can't say that. It's precisely because we haven't completed all the tests and still need to solve some problems that we were able to sell to the Middle Eastern tycoons so smoothly. Otherwise, do you think we could have done it so 'smoothly'? Do you really think the White House is completely unaware of our research and development? Do you really think they're just sitting around doing nothing? They may not know our overall plan, but they still understand the capabilities of our drones. For the United States, this is simply not enough for deployment, but it's different for the Middle Eastern tycoons. When you look at things from a different perspective, everything changes."

“But this plan is too crazy, and its capabilities are limited. I don’t think the Middle Eastern tycoons will accept our proposal or give us orders!” In Carol Tomei’s mind, the attack drone developed by Gulfstream Aerospace was not only too expensive, but also had limited capabilities and a small payload, only half that of a normal fighter jet.

"Don't worry, I understand the minds of the rich better than you do. I understand their thoughts and needs better. As long as we quickly take control of Lockheed Aircraft Company, we won't have to worry about production and manufacturing issues. As for those shortcomings, they will be improved gradually in the future. After all, this theory and system need time to be refined, and it's perfectly normal to have some problems."

Carol Tomey disagreed with her boss's statement; it wasn't just one problem, it was many. However, she also understood that if her boss could unlock the wallets of Middle Eastern tycoons and secure large orders, all previous investments would be recouped. However, this cost seemed nonexistent, as the research and development had been funded by Hughes Aerospace's GPS, supported by Middle Eastern tycoons and those guys from Japan.

The stock market crash kept John very busy. He quickly parted ways with Carol Tomey, and now, as his plans unfold, John faces a mountain of information to gather and numerous decisions to make. Furthermore, the bottom-fishing during the crash requires adjustments to his existing stock holdings, so John is currently very busy. Even with the help of a think tank, he remains extremely occupied.

Plans are subject to change. John originally intended to travel to the Middle Eastern tycoons as quickly as possible to establish a pleasant cooperation, but unexpected events always occur. At this time, the British were the first to give up and wanted to restart acquisition negotiations with Gulfstream Aerospace. Even the South Koreans hoped to accelerate the investment cooperation and looked forward to the start of negotiations. What surprised John the most was that Hurricane Investment really came through and actually took advantage of the stock market crash to acquire most of Merck's shares in circulation. This news shocked John.

Although he had some ideas about acquiring Merck, it was just an idea and not easy to do. Even if there was a stock market crash, it would be difficult to take down such a pharmaceutical giant. However, Hurricane Investment successfully acquired most of the outstanding shares, which gave John more ideas.

Morgan was the first person John thought of. Perhaps he could leverage Morgan's power to acquire Merck and achieve a spectacular, albeit catastrophic, takeover. However, this would require some financial planning. He couldn't proceed with his original plan to prepay the loans from the Japanese bank; instead, he needed to use the funds for further expansion!

Although there were certain risks involved—after all, those guys in Japan weren't trustworthy, being cunning and treacherous—John was tempted by the opportunity right in front of him, by the opportunities arising from the stock market crash. He knew that if he didn't act now, he would miss out on many chances.

"What? Are you sure you're not mistaken? Amgen is going to acquire Merck?" When he heard John's acquisition offer, Morgan Stanley was shocked. This was insane. Amgen was just a small pharmaceutical company, and it didn't even have its own products yet. For such a small company to acquire an industry giant like Merck was unacceptable to Morgan Stanley.

“That’s right. Amgen wants to take advantage of the stock market crash to accelerate its expansion. The best option is acquisitions, not only Merck, but also other acquisitions. Most of Hurricane Investment’s funds will be used for this acquisition. Only Morgan has the ability to do all this. Funding is not a problem!”

“John, all I can say is that I will do my best. You should know that this is not an easy task, and an acquisition like this is not easy either. Amgen is too small!”

“I know that’s why I asked Morgan to help. Actually, you can talk to those old guys. Hurricane Investment still has a stake in the game world. If they’re willing, we can transfer those shares to them. All I care about is the result!”

“John, although you’ve made a considerable profit from this stock market crash, such a frenzied expansion is putting a lot of pressure on your cash flow. A slight misstep could cause your cash flow to break down. Even if you have Standard Chartered Bank and Sinotrans Bank, you should think carefully. The expansion you’re about to embark on is too crazy!” Morgan Stanley warned John in the face of his reckless expansion.

"I understand, but funding isn't a big deal. This time, I'll not only sell all my shares in Game World, but also all my real estate in Japan next year, including Universal Online in Japan. Universal Online has been very successful in Japan, and that asset has been closely watched by those guys there. I believe that after the stock market crash, they'll be able to offer me a good acquisition price, and I'll also get a good return once the stock market stabilizes." "John, you're going to sell Universal Online's assets in Japan?" At this moment, Morgan was shocked once again. Universal Online's development in Japan was in no way inferior to that in the United States.

"Yes, I am indeed going to sell this asset. Next year, I will also sell all my shares in Neon Games to ensure the funding needs for expansion in all aspects. I believe Morgan will not let me down. Merck is not a problem!"

"John, I can only say that we can acquire most of the shares and persuade those old guys to give us their shares. As for the shares on the open market, that depends on your own abilities. However, this will take time, at least not now!"

"Time is not an issue; I have ample time to wait. I believe it won't be a problem before the end of the year. If the acquisition fails, it's not my fault. It's not that I don't want to invest in the US, but that I don't have the opportunity. I can only choose overseas expansion, since there are quite a few pharmaceutical giants overseas that I can acquire."

Morgan was not surprised by John's words. As long as someone obstructed him, as long as John, the little fox, had an excuse, he could turn to overseas investment. At least he had a considerable investment in South Korea and the European market. Most importantly, once the stock market recovered, John would inevitably sell some of the stocks he bought at the bottom. At that time, he would have more funds on hand, so funds were not a big problem for him.

"Alright, I'll help you complete the acquisition. As long as there's enough profit, nothing is impossible!"

At this moment, a faint smile appeared on John's face. This was the result he wanted; as long as Morgan agreed, everything would be fine. In that instant, an idea popped into John's mind: "Should I take this opportunity to ask those guys in Japan for some more money so they don't have to worry about me paying it back early?"

After the Plaza Accord, the appreciation of the yen was inevitable, and this appreciation would continue until it peaked in April 1995. During this period, borrowing more US dollars from Japan was definitely a good option.

"I need to act quickly and deliver some good news to the Japanese bank. It seems the trip to the Middle East needs to be postponed. I need to deal with these guys in Japan first, talk to these cunning and treacherous individuals, and find out what they're thinking!"

Just as John was preparing to scheme against the Japanese again, the situation in the United States made Japan very uneasy. The game world had changed hands and was taken over by a California consortium. At the same time, Gulfstream Aerospace also took over Lockheed Aircraft Company. Such transactions ignited the United States and even caused the stock market to rebound slightly.

However, when this news reached Japan, it was a disaster. Those guys all had gloomy faces. They all understood how much impact this deal would have on Japan and how much pressure they would face, especially Sony, Hitachi, and Panasonic. They were all gnashing their teeth in hatred, as this would affect their interests!

The Japanese semiconductor industry is in a panic, and Japanese banks are also worried. After all, they still don't know John's intentions, or whether he will repay the loan early, increasing their own pressure. It's fair to say that at this moment, everyone in Japan is worried about the changes in the United States, and everyone is afraid of being impacted.

Unfortunately, these guys in Japan don't know that John has an even crazier plan now and is eyeing them again. If they knew what John was thinking, they wouldn't have such worries. They would all be thinking about how to continue to scheme against this little fox, John, and how to continue to plot to seize the company in John's hands.

(End of this chapter)