American Life

Chapter 209 Reactions from all parties, old friend

Congratulations, Mr. Charlie Rossi. " Ravikant shook hands with Charlie with a livid face.

"Bless you in leading three traditional British car brands to their former glory."

"Thank you for your blessing." Charlie expressed his gratitude generously.

This is the winner's mercy.

Seeing the disappointed and departing figures of the Ratan-Tata Group delegation, Keira felt more relaxed: "The dust has finally settled."

"In fact, we still need the approval of the regulatory agencies of the world's major economies. I hope there will be no trouble." Charlie looked at a smiling middle-aged man walking towards him. He had an East Asian face. In fact, in the bidding venue, There are no shortage of Asian faces, accounting for almost a quarter.

"Mr. Charlie Rossi, you let me see the unique energy and vitality of young people. There is a saying in my hometown that the future world will eventually belong to you." He shook hands with Charlie.

"Thank you, sir, I don't know if my rash actions have interfered with your plans." Charlie spoke humbly.

"Of course there is no problem. In fact, we had no intention of acquiring Land Rover and Jaguar." The middle-aged man deliberately ignored one of the brands.

"So you want Rover?"

"To be honest, it's true." The middle-aged man's expression was a little awkward, and he felt like he was being seen through at a glance.

"Compared to the brand itself, we are willing to give a very sincere price. I wonder if you have any follow-up plans?"

"We will discuss this in detail in private." Charlie nodded, expressing his full willingness.

Kayla had done thorough research on the teams participating in the bidding and immediately recognized this middle-aged man from SAIC, a rapidly rising automotive group in emerging markets.

As the middle-aged man left, the last person who came to Charlie was a Central Asian face.

"His Royal Highness asked me to express greetings to you on his behalf and wish you a smooth completion of subsequent acquisitions." said the person in charge of the North American office of the Ada Foundation.

"Tell him for me, I accept his blessing." Charlie sneered.

As expected, the sudden price increase of the Ada Foundation was aimed at itself.

It was like a prank, but it cost me hundreds of millions of dollars.

"You should have my contact information there and tell him that if he wants to communicate with me, he is welcome at any time."

"I'll tell him."

I hope this is just a prank. Charlie really can't find any place where he would have a conflict of interest with the other party. This makes the other party's behavior very puzzling.

In addition, companies and institutions that had previously participated in the bidding also came to congratulate Charlie. Some people did not even know Charlie at first.

This is the benefit of entering a traditional industry. For example, even if Weinstein could dominate Hollywood with one hand, he would fall very quickly. However, Charlie would still regard the cultural industry as the main force for conquering the city, and investing in entities is more for defense.

After a brief preparation, Charlie and Alan Mullally entered the backstage of the event hall where the press conference was held.

"In order to better serve the local market and improve the company's internal efficiency, Ford has chosen to carry out part of its strategic contraction. As a key part of it, I am honored to announce that the Ford Group and Mr. Charlie Rossi have personally reached a consensus. Charlie Rossi An individual will invest US$41 billion to fully acquire three car brands with a long history in the UK..."

All the reporters in the venue took a breath. Contrary to the expectations of all analysts, the person who finally won the ownership of the brand was not an automobile company from an emerging market or an equity fund with strong capital, but an individual buyer.

It just so happens that it is Charlie Rossi, a young man who only started to emerge in the entertainment industry last year.

Amid the flashing lights, Charlie walked onto the stage and gave a brief speech, expressing his determination to develop the car brand.

The question-and-answer session that followed was even more lively.

"What thoughts do you have now regarding future development strategies? Can you briefly disclose them?"

"The specific strategy still needs to be discussed and studied, but I can confirm two principles: I will ensure the independence of the three brands of Land Rover, Jaguar Rover in the future, and vigorously promote the research of traditional car companies in the field of new energy."

"Do you think new energy will become the mainstream in the future?"

"Of course, it's obvious."

"Next question." Alan Mullally on the side immediately pointed to the next reporter, as if he didn't want Charlie to talk more about this issue.

"As the head of PB Company, you have been deeply involved in the cultural industry before. This time you have invested a huge amount of money into the traditional automobile manufacturing industry. What measures will you take to deal with the doubts from the outside world?"

·
As the live footage of the press conference spread to all parts of the world through the media, Charlie Rossi's name was remembered for the first time by audiences outside the United States, from small towns at the foot of the Alps, to ports in the Panama Canal, to the deserts of Central Asia. From the oasis city in Tokyo to the Tokyo metropolitan area, when local media introduce Charlie Rossi, they will additionally mention the previous show that created miracles for TV networks and online ratings.

The official website of domestic PB has also released relevant announcement letters. In addition, major regulatory agencies including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and DOJ have also stated that they will begin relevant acquisition investigations.

"New energy is a taboo topic. This pressure comes from both internal and external sources." After the press conference, Alan Mulally reminded Charlie in particular.

Within the industry, some people will be at the forefront, and it will also make some people leave sadly, such as Ford's engine research and development department.In order to balance the interests of various parties within the company, Alan Mullally did not want Charlie to talk about the bright prospects of new energy in public.

"As for external pressure, it is obviously more fatal." Alan Mullally said cautiously.

Charlie received many calls that night.

"$41 billion is a really big deal, but considering the profitability, it's a good deal," Faith said on the phone.

is it?

Charlie felt that Faith would be shocked if he told the truth.

In fact, if he had not participated, the final transaction price would have been only 23 billion.

If he hadn't known the trend of new energy in advance, Charlie would not have made a move.

"Also, Taylor asked me to ask you, will you be able to drive a Range Rover anytime and anywhere in the future?"

"Of course, I can customize a Land Rover off-road vehicle that's unique in the world for each of you."

"Then I'm really looking forward to it, but having said that, traditional industries are really beyond my capabilities. You should take advantage of this time to find a suitable manager."

"Of course, I have already put this on the agenda."

"Finally, I want to say that we will always support you silently behind your back. My dear, I will always love you."

"I will always love you too."

"I will convey this news to others, but I reserve this kiss personally. I'll hang up first. I know you will be very busy tonight. I'll see you when you come back from the UK." Faith said gently.

Charlie put down the phone and watched Kayla walk up to him holding a tea cup.

"A lot of people are calling during this time." She put down her tea cup.

"Young man, you really surprised me. The news this afternoon made me have an illusion for a while. I only realized that this was true after reading several news media." Jobs said sincerely.

"To be honest, I don't think this is a good place to invest. US$41 billion can bring more opportunities than currently. Traditional automobile manufacturing requires the mobilization of a large amount of funds and is affected by various risk factors. If you If you want your wealth to grow quickly, it’s best not to touch it.”

Normal people would not say such things at this time. After all, Charlie has already decided to make the acquisition and there is no possibility of going back on his words.

But that's what Jobs said. Firstly, he was outspoken enough, and secondly, he knew that Charlie wouldn't care about such a trivial matter.

"But who knows, if there is anyone in this world who is a special case, it can only be Charlie Rossi. After all, you are the one who can truly see through the changes in this world. Even I am ashamed of this." Jobs said with emotion.

"In addition, I had a minor operation in Switzerland not long ago, and part of my pancreas was removed. The doctor said that fortunately, it was discovered early and the probability of recurrence is very low. Thank you very much for your reminder." He finally talked about his own illness on the phone. health condition.

Charlie's comment on this is still the same: Eating a vegetarian diet is not good for your body's recovery. Eat more meat.

"The doctor said the same. I will pay attention to it. I wish you a smooth trip to the UK. If there is anything you need help with, I will be very happy to help. I owe you a life."

In addition to Jobs, a number of Apple board members and senior Silicon Valley bosses, including Bill Campbell, Larry Ellison, and Eric Schmidt, also called to express their regards.

During this period, Charlie also received a special call.

"Long time no see, busy Charlie Rossi, your secretary told me that there are more than ten people ahead of me, asking me to wait in line on the phone." The other party said with a chuckle on the phone.

The familiar hoarse crow-like voice came from Platinum of the Cox family.

"The secretary is new. I will ask her to pay attention next time. Pulley Cox is the most distinguished guest." Charlie looked up and looked at Kayla who was sitting at the end of the bed and looking at him.

"Hehe." She seemed to be quite impressed by Charlie's inadvertent expression of respect.

"And you, Charlie Rossi, are also my biggest surprise this year. You have become the head of the PFD department of the Mormon headquarters office. It seems that Victoria really values ​​you." She knew what Charlie's current position meant. The absolute center of the Rossi family.

Afraid of offending himself, he hid in Hungary alone, negotiating with himself on the phone. Everything seemed like yesterday. In less than a year, he had become the mainstay of the Rossi family.

Platinum saw endless potential in him.And her reason and intuition rarely expressed the same opinion. This man was particularly special.

"Actually, I think it is necessary to cancel the betting agreement between us. I don't want you to be constrained. You should feel free to plan more projects boldly." She fed Charlie a piece of honey.

"This is not necessary. In fact, PB Pictures will exceed its target this year." Charlie rejected her proposal.

Moreover, this is not difficult for Charlie. Relying on the distribution work of several Marvel movies, he can easily achieve the requirement.

"As expected of a man who has the Midas touch to gold. Speaking of which, what is Victoria's purpose in asking you to come forward to acquire an automobile giant?"

"Sorry for the inconvenience," Charlie said immediately.

No matter how you look at it, Polly asked this just to get some information.

"I was just asking casually, you are so cruel." Bo Li said coquettishly on the other end of the phone.

It's a pity that her voice is not suitable for speaking like this.

"I also want to invite you to the entrepreneur forum hosted by our family. Why, are you afraid that I will eat you?"

"It depends on how big your appetite is. I will go there if I have time."

"To be honest, I have a huge appetite."

After hanging up the phone, Victoria was the only one still on the line. "

"You are very ambitious. You are really a generous person. You have done well, but don't take it lightly. I heard that some people don't want you to complete this acquisition." Victoria continued.

"Gasoline Association?"

"Yes, the NPGA's office in Washington began to lobby the Federal Trade Commission, saying that your acquisition will affect Jaguar Land Rover's market in the United States."

NPGA is the famous American Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association.

"But don't worry about it. They will jump out every time like this. The Federal Trade Commission does not always adopt their opinions. But for the sake of insurance, the relevant legal team must be established immediately. I have asked Amo Alamuddin Rush to Detroit as soon as possible, but she is in The Hague, Netherlands, and it will be late tomorrow night at the earliest."

“The International Court of Justice in The Hague?”

"Yes, she is a frequent visitor there. She is more than enough to handle your case."

Saul can give Charlie advice in gray areas, but when it comes to this kind of situation, it's not enough, but Charlie is still prepared to let him come.

"That's enough, but is she trustworthy?"

"Of course you are trustworthy. This is my friend. We have fought against each other on several cases, so we are not acquainted." Victoria raised her voice.

·
"Relevant approvals should not be a big problem, at least for us. The Jaguar Land Rover transaction will not have any impact on the country's automobile industry, so there is no possibility of veto." A middle-aged Asian-faced man who had met once at the bidding meeting tried to say.

In a luxurious restaurant in Detroit, he led a team to warmly receive Charlie.

"As for Rover, what do you think?"

"What I want is a Jaguar Land Rover. Ford also knows that Rover is a hot potato..." Charlie said.

If the Jaguar brand still has some sales throughout the year, then Rover can be said to be a complete addition.

If the brand itself didn't still have some reputation in the UK, it might have been shut down long ago.

"After our evaluation, we are willing to give..."

"No need, I can see your sincerity. For the sake of our friendship, I am willing to give Rover to you unconditionally." Charlie said very generously.

How many cars does Rover sell in a year?How much can the entire brand be sold for?
In contrast, he still prefers to be an "old friend of the Chinese people".

(End of this chapter)