America’s Road To Wealth

  Chapter 295 Digging pits for local tyrants on Hong Kong Island

  Carrington Training Base.

   Waiting for Peter Kenyon, CEO of Manchester United Group, after they left with the big boss from the United States.

  An angry Ferguson called David Beckham, who was a little nervous.

   "Alex, what do you want?"

  David Beckham looked at Sir Alex Ferguson, he said with some guilt.

   Ferguson looked at the handsome face in front of him.

  Thinking about how David listened to himself so much in the past, he almost felt like a father and son with himself.

  But now the two can only drift away.

   Who is to blame?

   Blame Victoria.

   Anyway, the head coach thinks so.

   Sir Ferguson took a deep breath to calm his anger.

   "David. I know what you want to do. Did you hit the ball on purpose?"

   Ferguson stared straight at Beckham and said.

  David Beckham naturally cannot admit it.

  In fact, David has already regretted a little, regretting that he was too impatient.

  The ball that was kicked just now was very accurate.

   David kicked it on purpose.

  David Beckham is most famous and one of the best abilities is his extremely accurate passing and set-piece abilities.

  Just now, kicking the ball to Abel and the others was a decision made by David Beckham on the spur of the moment.

   The cause of this bold decision was David's wife Victoria.

  The reason for this is that it was a while ago.

   Since some time ago.

   After the news that Manchester United was acquired was exposed.

   Throughout Manchester United, the happiest person is Beckham's wife.

  The reason is very simple.

  Because of the acquisition of Manchester United's new boss, Abel Smith, others think he is a Wall Street giant and a media giant.

  In the eyes of Victoria, her team and group members, the other party is one of the Hollywood giants.

  Hollywood tycoons bought Manchester United, and her husband is the star of Manchester United.

  If you can find a way to get involved with this boss.

  Victoria feels that she and Beckham have hope to develop in Hollywood and the United States.

  European filmmakers have always boasted on the surface, but they are also adherents of film art.

  But the reality is that European movies are hitting Hollywood wave after wave.

   Now in 2001, whether you admit it or not, Hollywood is already the center of world cinema.

   At the same time, Grammy has become the center of world pop music.

   This makes the entertainment circles all over the world look like Huaxia.

   That is, they all want to go to Hollywood, and they all want to go to the United States to become famous.

  The British are no exception.

  Victoria and her husband talked a lot about this possibility, and David Beckham was also moved by what he said.

  Having seen the flamboyant world of the entertainment industry, Xiao Bei is also willing to develop in that circle.

  David wanted to meet Abel. He saw Abel appear on the training ground just now.

  After thinking about it for a while, David Beckham kicked the ball over.

  David's idea is simple. He wanted to use this ingenious way to interact with the new boss.

   It is best to be able to get acquainted with each other, even if it doesn't work, it's just a try.

  The facts are indeed not true, because the new boss did not interact with the players after kicking the ball away.

  He just chatted with Ferguson and Peter Kenyon for a while and left.

   Beckham was very disappointed.

   But it's not over yet.

   Ferguson knows Beckham too well, and he knows the Victoria behind David even more.

  Others thought that David made a mistake and saw through David Beckham and Victoria's Ferguson.

   But the possibility came to mind, and then this conversation happened.

   "How is that possible." David Beckham shouted guiltily, "It was only during training that I accidentally kicked it over. Alex, people always make mistakes."

   Ferguson looks at David Beckham, who musters up the courage to meet his gaze.

   "It's better." Ferguson finally decided to let him go.

  David Beckham breathed a sigh of relief.

   But a little disappointed, disappointed that Abel didn't interact with him at all.

   Under the silence of Ferguson, David Beckham returned to training with his companions.

  At this moment, the members of the Manchester United team are all discussing the exaggerated volley just now by the new boss.

   It just didn't discuss why, because the boss only drew the ball once.

   left behind.

   Abel, who walked around Manchester United's training ground, arrived at the core of Greater Manchester County, Manchester City at noon.

  Manchester is the largest financial center city in the UK except London.

  On the King's Street here, there is the stock exchange market and the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the earliest and most prosperous Bank of England branch.

  Abel leaving Old Trafford.

   At noon, he was here, waiting for Ian Conn, the CEO of the British Centrica Group, and Richard Heisenwaite, the chairman.

   "Good afternoon, gentlemen."

  A cafe on King Street was temporarily booked.

   Abel who came in apologized to the two old white men, "I just came from the Carrington training base. You know, I bought a team and I like Manchester United."

  Chairman Richard Heisenwaite smiled and shook hands with Abel, "It's understandable, that's the Red Devils. As long as they can, who wouldn't want to own the Red Devils?"

  Ian Conn also shook hands with Abel, but the chairman had already spoken, so he just smiled and said hello to Abel.

  After exchanging pleasantries, everyone sat down separately.

  Different from Americans, the British start to talk about business before.

  A lot of times it talks about other things.

  Talk about the weather, hobbies, and even pets.

  Richard originally wanted to talk about Manchester United, who called Abel just bought Manchester United.

   Fortunately, it is not the first day for Abel to come to England.

   During this period of time, he already knew the temper of the British.

  Abel felt that this was a bit like the habit of businessmen in China.

  Probably a country with a little history, or a country whose ancestors have forked.

   will look like this.

   But Abel was not in the mood to chat with two old white men.

  When Richard Heisenwaite wanted to speak, but didn't speak yet.

  Abel cut to the chase and said:

   "Mr. Heisenwaite, and Mr. Conn. Just like I said when I invited you here, I want to acquire the power distribution network company under the Centrica Group."

  Ian Conn and the chairman looked at each other.

  Both of them were thinking—Americans are so straightforward, not gentlemen at all.

  But since Abel has already talked directly about the business, it is of course not good for the two of them to talk about other things.

  Richard said, "Of course. That's why we're here."

   "2.4 billion pounds." Abel directly offered the price: "It can be the corresponding stock, of course it can also be cash."

  This is why Abel came to Manchester from London today.

  He went to the Red Devils, but just happened to be here, so he just stopped by to have a look.

  For him, the Red Devils are nothing more than a toy with feelings and favorites.

  Abel still knows what is more important to him.

   Like Centrica Group's power distribution network company, Abel knows that it is far more important than Manchester United.

"Mr Smith."

   Under the gesture of Richard's eyes, the CEO of Centrica Group spoke with a smile.

  Ian Conn has a very obvious Welsh accent, and his surname is also the surname of a Welsh Briton.

He said: "Centerrick Distribution Networks is one of the six major electricity distribution companies in Great Britain. It owns 3 of the 14 regulated grids in the UK, with a total length of 110,000 miles of cables covering an area of ​​about It covers 110,000 square kilometers and supplies electricity to more than a quarter of the UK's population, with 8 million customers."

   "The company's net profit last year was 130 million pounds. Don't you think the price of 2.4 billion pounds is too low?"

  The Centrica Group managed and controlled by these two people is a British multinational utility company. It was just established in 1997, but its development speed is very fast.

  The reason is because this company is the same as the original Sempra Energy.

   are all companies that emerged after the merger of several other companies.

   And behind this company, there is also capital from Wall Street.

  This is why Abel was able to reach them so easily and start negotiating right away.

   Who is Abel himself, he is from Wall Street.

  This company is headquartered in Berkshire Windsor, and its main business is to supply electricity and natural gas to businesses and consumers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America.

  It is the largest natural gas supplier in the UK and one of the largest electricity suppliers in the UK.

  Its subsidiary, Centerli Distribution Network Company, is headquartered in Manchester.

  This is also the reason why the two sides will meet and talk here.

   "This price is not low."

  Abel said calmly:

   "In fact, this evening, I'm already here and have an appointment with someone from EDF."

  Hearing what Abel said, Ian Conn quickly looked at the chairman.

  Richard Heisenwaite thought about it, and immediately said:

   "The Southern Distribution Network Company of EDF? Mr. Smith, in terms of scale and power grid quality, the Southern Distribution Network Company is not comparable to Centrica Distribution Network Company."

   "But it's cheaper." Abel smiled and said, "If it's EDF. I think they will have a high probability of selling the company to me with an asking price of around 2 billion pounds."

   "Two gentlemen." His eyes became aggressive.

   "I can use 2 billion pounds to buy the Southern Distribution Network Company owned by EDF."

"Another 400 million pounds will be injected to allow the Southern Distribution Network Company to develop its business, or to engage in a price war. I think this operation may be more effective than directly purchasing Centrica Distribution Network Company with 2.4 billion pounds. "

   "2.8 billion pounds." Richard Heisenwaite did not answer Abel's words, but offered another price.

   "No, I will only accept £2.5 billion at most."

   "2.7 billion pounds, this is the bottom line of the Centrica Group."

   "Bottom line, I have a bottom line. My bottom line is"

  “.”

  The final price negotiated by the two parties, the basic intention price is set at 2.65 billion pounds.

   At this price, Centrica Group sold its Centrica Power Distribution Network Company to Pacific Energy Corporation of the United States.

   "Pleasant cooperation."

  Abel stood up and shook hands with the two giants of the Centrica Group.

  Two old British white men also smiled and shook hands with him.

   "It's already noon." After shaking hands, Richard Heisewirt said happily:

   "Mr. Smith, I don't know if I have the honor to invite you to have lunch and taste our British cuisine with you?"

  British food.

  Looking up at the starry sky fish head pie?

  Abel thought it off.

   "Next time." Abel said with a smile, "I still have an appointment later."

"Oh, well." Richard Heisenwaite was not regretful at all, "That's really a pity. Next time, Mr. Smith, if you go to Berkshire Windsor, you must inform us and let us know We are the landlords."

   "No problem." Abel agreed with a smile.

   The two giants of the Centrica Group left soon.

  In the cafe, only Abel and his people were left.

  Abel waved to Allen and Aymo Alamuddin next to him.

   "Alan, send someone to Berkshire Wensha immediately."

  The core of the advisory group nodded yes.

  The corresponding negotiation team has been configured, and you only need to wait for the local lawyer and accountant team to come to sign the contract.

   "Aymo, please inform Clifford Chance, too." Abel said to Legally Blonde again, "Your business is here."

  Aymo Alamuddin should be sweet.

  As Clifford Chance's liaison with Abel.

  Aymo Alamuddin was brought to Manchester by Abel today.

  She originally thought with some expectation that she might be under unspoken rules.

   I didn’t expect to come here. I went to see the team first, and then had a business negotiation at noon.

   It took less than an hour for Abel to buy a company worth more than two billion pounds.

  This incident made Aymo Alamuddin who had no experience learn a lot.

  She felt that this was much faster and more efficient than going to those cosmetics counters by herself.

  The rookie lawyer didn't know, for today's negotiation.

  Abel's advisory group had already drawn up a rough plan when they were in the United States.

  Before Abel met Richard Heisenwaite and Ian Conn today.

  The contact between the two parties has been going on for a few days.

   The giants of both sides can meet here because of the basic price and some terms.

   Have already made contact before, and have intentions for each other

   This made the negotiation at noon today seem unusually efficient and fast.

   This kind of advisory group first sends people to contact with the other party, and after the negotiation has achieved results, Abel will come forward and then directly make a deal.

  Both Abel and the advisory group have become more and more proficient in using it, and they already have a set of established models.

  Because Abel made quick moves, he was never fussy about the price.

  Currently, this model has not encountered the kind of hard bone that cannot be chewed.

  Of course, these are also the companies that Abel is currently eyeing. Most of them are relatively easy to talk about and have the intention to buy.

  If what Abel wants to buy is a more important company, such as NBC Television Network.

  Then this highly efficient model is completely useless.

   After explaining to Aimo Alamuddin, Abel looked at Alan Baker.

   "Alan, are the people from EDF here?"

  Alan Baker quickly checked the time, and it was half past twelve noon.

   Allen said: "The people from EDF are expected to arrive around three o'clock in the afternoon."

  Abel nodded, "Let's talk here tonight. Go and inform them."

   Allen quickly responded.

What Abel threatened to Ian Conn and Richard Heisenwaite just now is that if they don’t buy the distribution network company of Centrica Group, they will buy the Southern distribution network company of EDF. .

   But it is not comprehensive. The comprehensive one is that he wants to buy both of these two power network companies.

  Since the beginning of the privatization wave of state-owned enterprises in the UK in the 1980s.

  The original British state-owned enterprises also have a large number of foreign investors.

  Like the grid network in the UK, there are currently six major companies.

   Of the six major companies, only two are local companies.

  The other four companies are Deutsche Electric Power, EDF, E.ON Group, and Iberdrola Power Company.

  The four companies belong to Germany, France and Spain respectively, and only Centrica Group and Scottish Southern Power are local companies.

   Now Centrica Group has sold the distribution network company to Abel.

  There is only one local company left in the British power network.

   It is still a Scottish company that has never had much to do with England.

  The most important foundation of a country can be controlled in this way.

   It can only be said that Mrs. Thatcher is too much liked by capitalists.

  As for Abel now, he wants to buy the distribution network companies of Electric Power France and Centrica Group at the same time.

  As long as these two companies are successfully integrated, the new company will suddenly become the largest power network giant in the UK, occupying at least half of the UK's electricity market.

  This investment is one of the dozens of projects in Europe that Abel specially selected for him in the advisory group.

  The reason why the advisory group recommends this asset is simple.

  Because this kind of assets related to a country’s infrastructure belongs to public utilities, its value and source of income can generally be linked to inflation, and it is also supported by regulatory guarantees. It is a relatively safe haven type of asset.

   Simply put, it means stable profits, and asset inflation can be avoided by increasing prices.

  The real estate tycoons on Hong Kong Island like to invest in this kind of monopoly company the most.

  The reason why Abel chose to enter this field in addition to finance and media in the UK.

   It is also because he knows that Hong Kong local tyrants like this kind of assets the most.

  The advisory group thought he was going to make a reasonable asset allocation.

  Abel is trying to make a reasonable asset allocation at the same time.

   Wait for a few years or more, and get a vote from the rich on Hong Kong Island.

  After confirming the matter of negotiating with the people from EDF in the evening.

  Abel relaxed temporarily.

  He said to David Jones next to him: "What is there to eat in this cafe? Let them send some food over."

  David smiled and walked aside to give instructions.

  Abel looked at Aymo Alamuddin who came back from the phone call, smiled and waved to Legally Blonde.

   "Miss Alamuddin, how about sitting down and having lunch with me? I just talked about an appointment with someone, maybe it's you."

   Alan Baker turned around quickly and sensiblely, and was busy with the next work.

  Aymo Alamuddin was of course very happy, she came to Abel with a smile.

  She sat down where the two giants of the Centrica Group had just sat.

   "I'm honored, Mr. Smith." Amo Alamuddin tried to make himself smile more charmingly.

  She smiled like this, which made Abel feel that she was more and more like Annie's sister.

  Do you want to eat the Meiyi girl bomb delivered to your door?

  Is this a problem?

   It's not a problem at all.

  As long as the physical and physiological safety can be guaranteed.

  Other problems, Abel feels that he can handle them now.

   Unless the person sitting in front of her is a European princess or something. Of course Aymo Alamuddin was not a princess, so it was easy.

   Damn, the order is wrong, I will ask the editor to adjust it tomorrow

  (end of this chapter)