America’s Road To Wealth

  Chapter 336 Disappointed Hollywood she-wolf

  “I never treat my friends badly, and I am not a stingy person.”

  On an open-air balcony on the second floor of Murdoch Villa.

  Abel faced the CEOs of five large Wall Street investment institutions, and he threw out other temptations to these guys.

   "I have always believed that if we have money, we can earn it together. There will be many opportunities for us to cooperate in the future."

   "Some of my companies may need your financial support in the future to achieve better and faster development. What do you think?"

  Abel raised the corners of his mouth, showing his white teeth, and looked at each of them with bright and sharp eyes, throwing a huge bait to shake the mind of each of them.

   This time, the CEOs of the five investment institutions were shocked.

   Faced with this deadly bait thrown by Abel Smith, no investment institution can refuse.

   Investment banks across America, including Wall Street, know one thing.

   That's Abel Smith except Smith Capital.

  The development potential of any of the companies in his hands is huge.

  Like Elizabeth Back Garden Company.

  This company has just been established for a year now.

  But in just one year, it has already achieved 180 stores in the United States, 75 stores in Europe, and an exaggerated annual turnover of 2.5 billion US dollars.

   Its valuation in the market has exceeded 3 billion US dollars.

   But up to now, it has not raised a single round of financing.

   What is more eye-catching is Smith Media in the hands of Abel.

  Abel has stated on many occasions that Smith Media will go public in the future.

  Once it goes public, with its current scale, it can definitely reach tens of billions of dollars.

  Combined with Abel's strong reputation, it seems that it is not a big problem to surpass Disney.

  If you can invest in it in advance, then when it comes to market, you can easily get the least few times the profit.

   There is also Abel's New Start Real Estate Company, which has been buying real estate across the United States last year.

   From last year to the present, the national average house price in the United States has risen by about 10%.

   In other words, this company has earned at least 10% from last year to now.

  The key is that all investment institutions now know.

  The White House and the Federal Reserve will vigorously stimulate the US real estate market.

  This means that a large number of good land has been hoarded in advance, and a new starting point real estate that has hoarded a large number of luxury houses will definitely have a terrible value increase in the future.

  If it can be listed, it will also be a company with multiple profits.

   There are several companies under Abel.

  These companies, if they can be allowed to take shares, get a part of the shares.

   Waiting for the day when it goes on the market, it will definitely make them a lot of money.

  Abel looked at the five with a calm and confident smile.

  He had too many chips in his hand, and he didn't worry that these vampires would resist the temptation at all.

  Look at the present, throwing out one at random makes them look greedy.

   At this time, William, the CEO of State Street Bank, was finally the first to bear it. He said:

   "Mr. Smith, State Street believes that having you on the board of American Express will be of greater benefit to the future development of American Express. State Street has decided to support you."

   "Well, I agree with William, I'm fine!"

   "Mr. Smith, our Pioneer Group supports your joining. If the price is right, we are willing to sell a part of the shares!"

   "No problem, AmEx's magic has faded over the past few years, revenue and earnings growth has declined, and I'm very much looking forward to Mr. Smith's ability to keep the magic going!"

  “We at Fidelity very much hope to become better friends with Mr. Smith and deepen our cooperation.”

  “.”

   The corners of Abel's mouth rose more and more, and he smiled with a sharp edge and confidence.

  He picked up the champagne that had been on the table next to him, and the others immediately understood what he meant, and each took a glass.

  Abel raised the champagne with a smile, and touched everyone, "Thank you, in the future, everyone will be proud of today's decision! Happy cooperation!"

   "Happy cooperation! x5"

   At the reception, Murdoch occasionally talked with his son.

   There is also Murdoch who is talking to News Corporation CEO Raven. The old guy has actually been paying attention to the situation on the terrace.

  At this moment, Murdoch saw on the terrace, those financial giants toasted together.

  Murdoch knew that they must have had some good results.

   "I don't know who will be unlucky this time"

  Murdoch couldn't help but whispered.

   After all, what can make financial giants celebrate, there must be bad luck for companies in other fields.

  His son and his CEO, like Murdoch, are paying attention to the above situation.

  In fact, among the participants in the reception, there was no one who didn't care about the above.

   "What company is he buying this time?"

  James Murdoch whispered.

   "Who would know?" Murdoch whispered, "Isn't it because he wanted to acquire News Corporation?"

  The old guy made a little joke.

   Everyone who knew that the group's shareholding reform had been successful also laughed along with Murdoch.

  Including Murdoch's Chinese wife who is always by the side and looks gentle and virtuous.

  If it was before, Murdoch might really have this worry.

  I will never laugh at this time.

   But not anymore.

  Because Murdoch has used the ab stock model in his News Corporation through internal equity reforms.

  The so-called ab-share model is to divide the stocks into two types in the company's stocks.

   That is, the voting right of a type of stock is equal to ten votes, and the voting right of another type of stock is only one vote.

  If A-shares are ten-vote voting shares, then you only need to hold more than 5% of Class A shares to fully control the company.

  Many Chinese Internet companies and mobile Internet companies in later generations have used this model internally.

   But this model is obviously not the first in China, let alone a company in Silicon Valley.

  As early as the last century, there have been companies with this model in the United States, even listed companies.

  At present in 2001, there are about 5,000 listed companies in the US stock market.

   Among them, 236 use this model.

  After adopting this model, the Murdoch family can always control News Corporation unless all the shares are sold.

  At this time, if Abel and the five major institutions buy a large number of News Corporation shares.

  Instead, it is helping Murdoch and raising the stock price of News Corporation.

   Murdoch himself was the first to raise both hands and feet in favor.

   "Look over there."

  Suddenly beside Murdoch, his young Chinese wife whispered:

   "Those people are surrounding Anne Hathaway, what are they trying to do?"

  Murdoch, Murdoch Jr. and others looked over and saw Annie talking to some Hollywood actresses.

   Murdoch frowned. He didn't want Abel's female companion to have any problems at his reception.

   Not even the smallest problem.

   Murdoch immediately said to his Chinese wife:

   "Wendy, go and have a look. Don't let those stupid guys ruin my reception."

  Now in 2001, Wendy Deng, who has just been married to him for a few years, is not so active in the social arena.

  At this time, she is still trying to win Murdoch's favor and trust.

  Parallel time and space, after 2003, she also gave birth to two children to Murdoch through IVF surrogacy for several consecutive years.

  Gradually gained the trust of Murdoch and was able to display her social skills in the United States.

   So now she is not as active as she will be in the future, she has been with her husband all night tonight, never far away.

   At this time, with Murdoch's permission, Wendy Deng, who had long wanted to take the initiative, was very happy.

  She was very happy in her heart, but she still said softly on the surface: "I understand, I'll go right away."

   Wendy Deng suppressed her excitement and went over there.

  After the young stepmother left, James Murdoch was blunt to his father:

   "Father. I still don't like her, even if she's your wife."

  News Corporation CEO Lei Wen was a little embarrassed at this time.

  He doesn't want to hear about this kind of family affairs of the Murdoch family. If he hears too much, it will only cause trouble.

  Murdoch glanced at his son, "Don't mention it in front of her, that's it. Smith and the others are here."

   James looked up, and sure enough, he saw the CEOs of five investment institutions and Abel coming down.

   Little Murdoch shut up immediately.

   Abel and others who came down from the terrace undoubtedly attracted the attention of everyone at the reception.

  Including the small circle of Anne who already has an extra Wendy Deng.

  In this small circle, members of Hollywood actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are also there.

  However, including Annie and the others, everyone found out after coming down from above.

  Abel actually waved at Annie directly, and waited for Annie to pass by.

  He took Anne again and went to Murdoch to say a few words.

   As a result, Murdoch took his son with a smile and sent Abel out in person.

  In other words, Abel and Annie just left the reception.

"what's the situation?"

  Gwyneth Paltrow, who had been befriending Annie just now, was dumbfounded.

  This acting skill is so-so, but he has a good Hollywood background, and at the same time, the godfather of Spielberg said in surprise.

   "I don't know." Angelina Jolie said in a muffled voice.

  Even though he was very reluctant, the reality was that Abel ignored the existence of these Hollywood she-wolves, and took Annie with him after the talk.

  Many plans of these Hollywood she-wolves have come to nothing.

  The next day,

   This day is November 6, 2001.

  While New York is already starting to get cold, the LA side is still very warm.

   As for the top executives of American Express in the Dow Jones Industrial Index, there are still some shareholders.

   Something happened today that made them feel cold inside.

  Abel officially announced in Los Angeles on the west coast that he plans to acquire American Express for US$28.9 billion.

  As soon as the news came out, it immediately shocked the global financial and tourism industries.

  Abe Smith's Pacific Bank of Commerce plans to launch a tender offer for American Express.

  Acquisition of American Express at $25 per share in cash, involving a total value of $28.9 billion.

   As of the time of press release by various media, the share price of American Express rose more than 5% before the market.

   Some media directly estimated in the press release that before the stock market closes today, there is a high probability that the stock of American Express will increase by more than 60%!

  Because before Abel launched this tender offer, the stock price of American Express was 17.5 US dollars at that time.

   From $25, there is an almost $8 premium.

   This part of the premium has almost reached 50%.

  The person who combined with the acquisition of American Express is Abel, the richest man in the world.

   There must be a lot of retail investors entering the market, wanting to rush to raise part of the shares of American Express, so as to have some soup in the process of Abe's acquisition of American Express.

   This is bound to drive the stock price up, easily above $25 a share.

  Some media even claimed that once the transaction is successful, it will not only be the largest merger and acquisition case in the global banking and financial industry this year.

   It will also create Abel Smith, become a real commercial banking giant, and consolidate his wealth foundation.

   It may even have a direct impact on the existing banking situation in the United States.

  Behind this high-priced acquisition plan that may subvert the US banking industry, the 21-year-old genius investor, super media tycoon, and world tycoon—Abe Smith has once again become the focus of the world's news media and banking industry.

   Although it is still unclear whether the acquisition can actually be completed.

   But the acquisition of American Express is in line with the character of Abe Smith's "acquisition maniac" in the past two years.

   It seems that there is no sign, but in fact, it has been planned for a long time. When a sudden attack occurs, it will be followed by a strong cash force. As an opponent, it may have no power to fight back.

  Before there was Sempra Energy Group, and there were many other examples of companies there.

  Let everyone unconsciously think that it is only a matter of time before Abel Smith's acquisition succeeds.

   An hour after Abel's press conference.

   American Express responded immediately and will review the proposal and act in the best interests of shareholders.

   Amex CEO Kenneth Chenault was interviewed by the TV media immediately.

  The meaning of this statement is that American Express is not willing to be acquired, and American Express can create a new round of value for shareholders by relying on its own strength.

  However, everyone including AmEx knows that this is just their wishful thinking.

  For Abel Smith, who has been successful in business for the past two years, every shot must be successful, the ideas of these acquired parties are useless at all.

  NBC TV station did not count that time, because both parties are still in contact, and the program has not been opened.

  After the press conference, Kenneth Chenault also quickly went to New York.

   Kenneth Chenault invited a group of company shareholders who originally supported him, and planned to hold an internal meeting in New York.

  At that time, Abel was acquiring Sempra Energy.

  Kenneth Chenault dared to jump out because of the support of these people.

   It can even be said to be forced.

   Otherwise, Abel has always been relatively gentle in dealing with the former management of the acquired company.

  As a senior beater, Kenneth Chenault, there is really no need to confront him.

   It was just that Abel was not the major shareholder at the time, and other shareholders asked Kenneth Chenault to do the same.

   Even though Kenneth, the worker, was a little apprehensive, he had to stand up.

  In the media, he maliciously exposed the deal between Abel and Buffett.

   also slandered them as "persons acting in concert".

   For Kenneth Chenault, this matter took a lot of risk.

  If Abel or Buffett just joins Amex, then they are just to establish authority.

   It will also kick Kenneth Chenault, a CEO who dares to talk nonsense.

   Kenneth Chenault was in a dilemma.

  But in the end, he succumbed to the pressure of shareholders and chose to stand out.

   After all, at that time, Abel could not do anything to him, but the shareholders could unite and make him step down.

  In addition, if Abel really enters the American Express Company, there will be certain uncertainties.

  Kenneth Chenault was somewhat worried, so he stood up.

   Now it's all right, but the disaster is coming.

  Abel put on a car and horse, wanting to get American Express.

  Kenneth Chenault felt that he, a small CEO, could not bear it because of his narrow shoulders, and he still needed the support of the big shareholders behind him.

  He mobilized his own contacts and invited the shareholders who asked him to come forward to refuse at that time.

  Kenneth Chenault wanted the support of these people.

   In order to prevent myself from being fired by Abel after Abel really succeeded in the acquisition.

   Even knowing that the possibility is unlikely.

  But for this position with an annual salary of more than 10 million U.S. dollars, no matter what Kenneth Chenault said, he had to do it.

   Only when he got to New York and arrived at one of the American Express properties.

  Kenneth Chenault's heart went cold because of the twenty or so shareholders he met with.

  Only about half of them came, that is, a dozen or so shareholders came.

  The key point is that the representatives of the few shareholders who supported him and urged Kenneth Chenault to come forward did not come.

  These shareholders, the shares they hold, make them the real major shareholders.

  Seeing that these people did not come, Kenneth Chenault immediately panicked.

  For a while, the CEO of American Express was very sad.

  He knew he was really screwed this time.

   But at this time Kenneth Chenault still had some hope in his heart.

  He looked at the minority shareholder who has always had a good relationship with him in the future.

   "Jack." Kenneth Chenault forced a smile: "Why didn't Mr. William and the others come?"

   Minority shareholder Jack is also wondering, if he knows that those major shareholders have not come.

  Jack himself didn't want to come, this kind of thing of going out against the world's richest man and finding trouble with Abel.

   Not many people are willing to do it now.

  But since Kenneth Chenault asked this question, Jack had no choice but to answer: "We don't know either. Kenneth, maybe you can call to see me?"

   Kenneth Chenault gritted his teeth, took out his cell phone and went outside to make a call.

  The call was quickly connected. Kenneth Chenault first called William Kendez, CEO of State Street Investment Bank.

   "Hi, Mr. Kents! I'm Kenneth Chenault, CEO of American Express, and I want to ask you a question."

   "Oh, it's Kenneth. I know, I know, about the internal meeting, but I'm still in Los Angeles and I can't go back for the time being."

   "Ah, Mr. Kendez"

  At this moment, Kenneth Chenault suddenly heard a man's voice calling William from William's side: "It's your turn to sign, William."

   "Oh, ok ok. Just a second."

Then Kenneth Chenault heard William Kendez and said to himself, "I'm sorry, Kenneth. I have something on my side, I'll take care of it first. We'll talk about your side later. How? If you are in a hurry, you can call the other major shareholders first. You know what I mean."

  Kenneth Chenault couldn't do anything even if he understood.

  At this moment, he had no choice but to put down the phone with a wry smile.

  Because of that side, he has already hung up the phone in advance.

   It's all time.

  Kenneth Chenault felt it was obvious.

   I really seem to be abandoned.

  (end of this chapter)