In order to cope with the negotiations with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, Gao Xian worked hard and did some research. He was very motivated, but during this period something happened that made him feel complicated.

When Gao Xian was using his laptop to collaborate with Xiaozhuang, the system suddenly prompted a "disk read and write error." Although after scanning and repairing, it was confirmed that it was a false alarm, he still broke out in a cold sweat.

Although Gao Xian took adequate protection against dust, moisture, etc. when using these devices, and he almost took a shower and changed clothes, and was confident that there would be no problems for at least ten years, reality still issued a warning.

In fact, it was precisely in order to find a long-term home for Xiaozhu that Gao Xian worked tirelessly to invest in personal computers that were not yet favored and controlled by big capital. However, the development level of personal computers was still far from his requirements.

If personal computers want to become popular, they must at least be able to enter the enterprise market and government purchase orders. Only in this way can they receive more capital support, become more powerful, and be closer to the equipment in Gao Xian's "package".

Gao Xian couldn't help but sigh softly. He really wanted to think of some solutions, but he couldn't forget one premise, that is, the direction of technology advancement must be consistent with Xiaozui.

Those who succeed in great things need to be able to control their emotions well.

Gao Xian was in a good state in this regard. He gathered his mood in his room and calmly waited for the visitors to arrive.

…

This year, Goldman Sachs' chairman and CEO changed, with John Weinberg, the son of former Goldman leader Sidney Weinberg, and John Whitehead jointly assuming the position.

Of course, in a professional company like Goldman Sachs with a clear division of labor, John Weinberg and John Whitehead would not come to negotiate with Gao Xian personally.

The negotiator sitting in front of Gao Xian is Stephen Friedman, who is specifically responsible for Goldman Sachs' mergers and acquisitions business. He and Robert Rubin, who is responsible for Goldman Sachs's risk arbitrage business, can be regarded as two of Goldman Sachs' most capable men.

From an age point of view, John Weinberg and John Whitehead are both old men in their fifties. Otherwise, even if John Weinberg is the son of Sidney Weinberg, it would be difficult

He has the prestige and qualifications required to run Goldman Sachs, which is home to elites. Stephen Friedman and Robert Rubin are both less than forty, less than ten years older than Gao Xian, and they are still young and strong.

Now he has been promoted to a partner at Goldman Sachs.

It is completely foreseeable that in more than ten years, when John Weinberg and John Whitehead retire, Stephen Friedman and Robert Rubin will most likely take over.

In the "old script", the same was true. However, in the end, Robert Rubin chose to enter politics, such as serving as Secretary of Finance in the Clinton administration, while Stephen Friedman once served as CEO after leaving the board of directors of Goldman Sachs.

The chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the largest member of the Federal Reserve, played an important role in the 2008 financial crisis.

As for now, Goldman Sachs under the leadership of John Weinberg and John Whitehead is still struggling to pursue business diversification and internationalization, and it does not have the power and influence it had decades later in the "old script"

sky.

Gao Xian entertained the visiting Stephen Friedman with decent etiquette, appearing unhurried and calm, without revealing any expectations for the conditions offered by Goldman Sachs.

Therefore, Stephen Friedman had to find an entry point for the topic himself, "From the routine announcements by the Securities and Exchange Commission, I learned that Sir Gao holds more than 5% of Azik Petroleum Company.

After the public issuance of stocks, I don’t know what to do next.”

Gao Xian was amused by Stephen Friedman’s careful probing, “I think it’s nothing more than those results. These stocks were sold directly into the market, or were bought by Morgan Stanley on behalf of a forced acquirer, or

Repurchased by Goldman Sachs on behalf of Azik Petroleum Company.”

At this point, Gao Xian took a sip of coffee, and then added leisurely: "But no matter which method is adopted, it must be based on one principle, that is, the one with the highest price gets it."

Gao Xian put down his coffee cup and looked at Stephen Friedman with sharp eyes, "What conditions does Goldman Sachs intend to offer me?"

To become a partner of Goldman Sachs, Stephen Friedman is definitely not a mediocre person, but he still felt the pressure coming towards him at this time.

"Sir Gao, Goldman Sachs is willing to pay ten dollars higher than the market price to buy those shares of Azik Petroleum Company." Stephen Friedman deliberately thought for a moment and then gave a price that seemed to be thoughtful and generous.

Gao Xian smiled slightly, "If these more than 5% of Azik Petroleum Company's stocks in my hands can affect the ownership of Azik Petroleum Company's control, then the price should be at least 100% higher than the market price, which should be very reasonable, right?

"

Upon hearing Gao Xian speak so loudly, Stephen Friedman was speechless for a moment.

Before coming, Stephen Friedman knew nothing about Gao Xian. For example, many American media described him as a lucky rich man from Xiangjiang.

At this time, Stephen Friedman really wanted to make a curse word. The media had misled him a lot. Even if Gao Xian was a rich man, the previous attributive should be shrewd, not a sour taste of luck.

Stephen Friedman smiled bitterly, "Sir Gao, I come to you to negotiate with 100% sincerity. You can't deal with me."

"My attitude is also very upright and serious." Gao Xian raised his eyebrows and said: "Everyone's time is precious, how about throwing away the red tape and having an honest communication on this matter?"

Stephen Friedman nodded, "I'd like to hear the details."

Gao Xian said leisurely: "In this acquisition and counter-takeover game surrounding Azik Petroleum Company, the essence of Goldman Sachs helping Azik Petroleum Company to counter-takeover is not that it cannot really accept Azik Petroleum Company being acquired.

, the key is whether the stock price of Azik Petroleum Company shareholders can rise enough to make people excited."

“So, if Goldman Sachs cannot accept my conditions, but Morgan Stanley is willing to accept them, then the shareholders of Azik Petroleum Company will definitely be able to refer to my conditions and get generous returns, which together with Goldman Sachs will be enough to make the deal.

"

"In other words, no matter what the outcome of our negotiations today, your trip will not be in vain."

…

Stephen Friedman once thought that the first negotiation with Gao Xian might be fruitless, but he did not expect that the other party would be so plausible.

Ever since, after Stephen Friedman returned to Goldman Sachs' office, he felt quite depressed and didn't know how to negotiate with Gao Xian next.

Therefore, during a routine communication on work progress, Stephen Friedman specifically mentioned it to John Weinberg and John Whitehead, co-chairmen and CEOs of Goldman Sachs.

John Weinberg thought for a while, "David Gao is not wrong. If the stocks of Azik Petroleum Company shareholders can rise to a high enough price, then our anti-takeover service will not be considered a failure.

"

Stephen Friedman shook his head, "Having said that, we also urgently need a complete victory."

"You know, since Morgan Stanley forcibly acquired Electric Storage Battery Company, the world's largest battery manufacturer, two years ago, it has succeeded repeatedly."

"And if we always stay on this record, it will inevitably affect our future business development."

It is not difficult to understand what Stephen Friedman meant. If Goldman Sachs' anti-takeover services continue to be so half-baked, it will have a bad reputation.

After all, although some companies are willing to accept temporary high stock price acquisition conditions, there are also many companies that prefer to operate in the long term. However, once they are forcibly acquired, it means cruel personnel purges and ruthless asset restructuring.

To put it bluntly, if a company suffers from a hostile takeover, its current leaders will no longer be able to maintain their more valued existing status and long-term interests. So why should Goldman Sachs’ anti-hostile takeover services be of any use?

John Weinberg scratched his head, "Then you mean, this time we must help Azik Petroleum Company achieve a complete victory against hostile takeovers?"

Stephen Friedman nodded, "If possible, it is best to strive for such a result!"

At this time, John Whitehead spoke slowly, "Maybe I can find a way to make an appointment with David Gao in a private way to discuss it in a more harmonious atmosphere."

Stephen Friedman's eyes lit up and he blurted out: "Are you friends with David Gao?"

Immediately, Stephen Friedman realized that this was unlikely, and John Whitehead also shook his head in denial, "I can find an intermediary and give it a try first."

…

The middleman mentioned by John Whitehead is David Rockefeller, because he has a long-term relationship with the Rockefeller family, which is mainly reflected in entering the Rockefeller University, Asia Society, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, etc. founded by the Rockefeller family.

organizations and hold important positions.

In particular, John Whitehead and David Rockefeller had a very close relationship.

Since the circles overlapped, John Whitehead certainly knew that the relationship between Gao Xian and David Rockefeller was also very close.

At this juncture, Goldman Sachs is eager to obtain Gao Xian's Azik Petroleum shares at a reasonable price as soon as possible to ensure that it remains invincible in the acquisition war with Morgan Stanley.

Well, then we can only use connections and personal relationships.

Time waits for no one. In order to get ahead of Morgan Stanley as much as possible, John Whitehead visited David Rockefeller non-stop.

After hearing John Whitehead's intention, David Rockefeller showed a rare hesitation on his face, which made John Whitehead feel nervous, so he quickly asked: "Is there any inconvenience here?"

What?"

John Whitehead didn't know that David Rockefeller was worried that if he acted as a middleman and brought John Whitehead and Gao Xian to sit together, he might cause unpleasantness, and he would be in trouble for nothing.

You know, Gao Xian recently approached Chase Bank to do business. Because Howard Hughes Corporation's intensive and large-scale asset restructuring will definitely involve capital transactions and dismantling, Gao Xian asked Chase Bank to share a piece of the cake.

.

The value of Gao Xian is so important that David Rockefeller must give him sincere respect. He does not want to ruin this relationship because of unworthy trivial matters.

Seeing John Whitehead's face full of expectations, David Rockefeller thought for a moment and then said: "I will organize a private party to provide you and David Gao with a chance to meet. It's not impossible, but you have to agree.

I must not ruin the atmosphere."

"Although David Gao is young, he is quite energetic. From time to time he shows up with unexpected abilities, such as the recent establishment of the Howard Hughes Foundation."

"So, if you use coercion when negotiating with David Gao, not only will it have no practical effect, but it will also lead to unnecessary enmity."

Seeing that David Rockefeller attached so much importance to Gao Xian that he solemnly took vaccinations in advance, John Whitehead couldn't help but sweat broke out on his back. He quickly promised: "Don't worry, I will definitely talk happily."

, I won’t let you, David, be in trouble.”

…

After Gao Xian sent away Stephen Friedman, he began to think about how to squeeze more money from Morgan Stanley, the hostile takeover attacker. Unexpectedly, he received a call from David Rockefeller shortly after dinner.

"Sir Gao, I heard you came to New York?" David Rockefeller asked in a cheerful voice.

Gao Xian replied casually: "I just came over from Toronto to deal with some investment matters temporarily."

"That's just right. I'll have a private party at the manor tomorrow. Come and sit down." After David Rockefeller stated his purpose, he added, "By the way, John Whitehead, co-chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs,

Will come too."

Gao Xian agreed immediately and happily: "Okay, I will go to the appointment on time."

After putting down the phone, Gao Xian understood without having to think too much. David Rockefeller clicked that John Whitehead, co-chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, would also go. This was a hint that Goldman Sachs had used its connections to ask him to do the job.

A middleman, brokering business.

Actually, if you earn less in exchange for a network of contacts, that's not unacceptable.

After setting this tone in his mind, Gao Xian went to the Rockefeller family estate the next day.

Since it was to bring John Whitehead and Gao Xian together, David Rockefeller naturally would not invite too many people. This party was just a small-scale private entertainment event.

John Whitehead and Gao Xian sat together, and after greetings with a smile on their faces, they got down to business, "Goldman Sachs is willing to accept the conditions proposed by Sir Gao yesterday, but please complete the handover procedures as soon as possible."

Gao Xian waved his hand boldly, "Goldman Sachs's sincerity really moved me. As a friend, John, I have made a decision and this is how it will be done!"

…
Chapter completed!