"Gentlemen, this is the condition proposed by the Chinese. If we do not agree to this condition, then Nice Company will have no choice but to throw it away. I don't think any other investors will be interested in it."
At the Nice Company board meeting, Snyder finished introducing the conditions proposed by Qin Hai, then shrugged his shoulders and issued an ultimatum to everyone.
Between principles and interests, Snyder finally chose interests. Of course, Qin Hai also found a way out for him, that is, the Cold War was over, whether it was Batumi or the Wassenaar Arrangement,
They are all stupid systems. They are poisons that Americans forced their European allies to accept in order to protect domestic manufacturers. As entrepreneurs of the British Empire with integrity and wisdom, they should have the courage to challenge this system and make due contributions to promote world prosperity.
contribute.
This is what Snyder wants to hear. He is just a businessman. In business, what topics like capitalism and socialism have to do with him? Agreeing to Qin Hai's request means that Nice
The company can realize 3.2 billion U.S. dollars, allowing each shareholder to get his or her own share; and if Qin Hai's request is rejected, it would be good if Nice Company can sell 100 million U.S. dollars. Aren't the shareholders the ones who will suffer?
Can Wassenaar Arrangement earn a dime for Nice Company?
After convincing himself, Snyder sent an application to the board of directors, requesting a general meeting of directors to discuss the sale of Nice Company to China's Daqin Group. At first, the directors heard that someone was willing to pay such a high price to acquire Nice Company.
Everyone was excited, but when Snyder revealed that the Chinese wanted to take away Nice's equipment, most people fell silent.
"We should not agree to this condition of the Chinese, as it will harm the interests of the British Empire." A director named Garek stood up and spoke.
"I don't see what this has to do with the interests of the British Empire." Another director named Kurtz retorted coldly, "If the interests of the British Empire still depend on a small business like ours, then...
It would be too underestimated of Britain."
Galek said: "The single crystal furnaces, low-pressure CVD equipment, plasma etching machines, etc. owned by Nice Company are all restricted by Batumi for export to * countries. If we transfer these equipment to the Chinese, it will violate Batumi's regulations.
traditional regulations.”
"Batumi?" A sarcastic smile appeared on Kurtz's face: "Are you talking about that ridiculous international organization established during the Cold War?"
"This organization prevented *threats to the free world. You can't call it a stupid organization." Garak said angrily.
"Yes. It also prevents European companies from entering the Chinese market. However, the Americans who first advocated this mechanism have set up a model of peace with the Chinese. Most of the high-tech equipment currently owned by the Chinese
We got it all from the Americans, only we Europeans foolishly abide by the Batumi Agreement." A director named Stickney interjected.
"Gentlemen, I think the topic of the Cold War is too far away for our board of directors." Chairman Fan Nong interrupted the debate and said: "What we are discussing now is whether to accept acquisitions from the Chinese.
, as for Batumi, I don’t think they are willing to spend a penny to compensate for our losses.”
"..."
Fan Nong pointed out the key to the problem in one sentence. Everyone is a shareholder of Nice Company. How much money the company can sell is directly related to everyone's pocket. Isn't it ridiculous to discuss the Cold War at this time?
"Yes..." Galek refused to admit defeat. He hesitated and said: "Even if we don't consider the interests of the British Empire, we still have to consider how to circumvent the restrictions of Batumi? It is true that Batumi has been disbanded, but the relevant
The shipping restriction policy has not been cancelled. If we transfer equipment to the Chinese without authorization, we will be investigated by the Trade Commission."
"Mr. Kurtz, I remember that you have some friendship with the vice chairman of the Trade Commission." Fannon looked at Kurtz and said.
"Yes, he and I have a very good personal relationship." Kurtz said, "I will find a way to get him to lift the ban on the shipment of these devices."
"However, there is also the European Union's Trade Commission, which blocked a sale of high-performance computers to China six months ago," Garek reminded.
"I know this." Stickney frowned and said, "The bastards at the European Trade Commission are not easy to talk to. Even if they won't refuse directly, they will at least delay it. I believe they can find a reason.
This matter has been dragged on for five years."
"The Chinese are absolutely not willing to wait five years," Snyder said decisively. "They hope to complete this acquisition within three months. I think they are eager to get these equipment."
"Yes, they definitely want our equipment for military purposes. We have a full set of igbt manufacturing equipment, and the Chinese are almost blank in this area." Galek said loudly.
Fan Nong reprimanded dissatisfied: "Mr. Galek, I think your guess is a bit too bold. IGBT is a product with great demand in the civilian field, and the Daqin Group that came to acquire Nice Company does not have any military personnel."
Given their background, why do you think they will use these equipment for military purposes?”
"Yes, we are originally a purely civilian product company. There is no reason to think that our equipment and products can be used for military purposes." Other directors also spoke one after another to refute Garek's view.
In fact, as a shareholder of a semiconductor company, everyone knows a little bit about the uses of their own products. To say that the igbt produced by Nice Company is a civilian product, of course it is, but these products can also play an important role in the military field.
Ren. The other party paid a premium to acquire the Nice Company and insisted on shipping some of the equipment back to China. This incident itself has a strong flavor of conspiracy. If the military’s intentions cannot be guessed from it, then it is true.
What a fool.
However, it is one thing to guess it, but it is another thing to admit it yourself. As Fannon pointed out, Batumi will not spend a dime to compensate everyone, even if the Chinese dismantle the Nice Company for military purposes
What does the purpose have to do with anyone? China and the UK are thousands of miles apart. Even if China has made some military achievements and posed a threat to world peace, the United States, the world's policeman, will still intervene.
Today's British Empire is no longer the empire on which the sun never sets. Why is it so concerned about world peace?
With this idea in mind, everyone was very disdainful of Galek's reaction. Damn, you are also a shareholder of Nice Company after all. After the company is transferred, you can also get the money. As for going out of your way to oppose it? Is this room like this?
If no one is as patriotic as you, are you a loyal defender of the British Empire?
Garek felt the hostility of the crowd towards him, so he shut up and did not dare to say anything again. It felt very bad to offend the public, especially when it involved blocking people's money. Everyone would not let him go easily.
of.
Seeing that Garek stopped talking, Fannon turned to Stickney again and asked: "Mr. Stickney, I remember that you once served as a consultant to the European Union for a period of time. Is there any way you can convince the European Union?"
Is this matter given special treatment by the Board of Trade?”
Stickney shook his head and said: "I'm afraid this will not be easy. There are representatives from various countries in the Trade Committee, and each country has its own interests. They usually have to struggle for a long time with legal transactions, let alone this transaction.
...There are some doubts in itself.”
"Yes, these people are good at making trouble out of nothing." Kurtz also added, "Also, even if the EU gives it a go, the Americans may have a hand in it, and everyone in Downing Street knows it.
, it is completely the branch of the White House in the British Isles."
No. 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Kurtz's words are accusing the British government of not having its own opinions and that everything depends on the leadership of the United States. It must be said that citizens of every country will be full of resentment towards their own government and believe that the government
Not strong enough, he needs calcium supplements, etc. Although Kurtz is no longer young, he still has the temperament of an angry youth, and he always points the finger at the Prime Minister when he speaks.
Everyone obviously felt the same as Kurtz, and they all felt depressed for a while. As a high-tech company, Nice Company is registered with the British government. It is impossible for such a company's merger and acquisition not to report to the government, and
When it comes to equipment relocation, it is even more of a sensitive issue. The U.S. government has recently been vigorously promoting the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the British government has followed closely, acting as the spokesperson of the United States in Europe. In this case, if
It is really difficult to transfer Nice Company's equipment to China.
"Well, let's all go separately to understand the policy situation and think about what solutions are available. We should try our best to convince the relevant parties and prove to them that Nice Company is just a civilian company and has nothing to do with shipping restrictions. This is a relationship
It is a matter of vital interest to everyone here, and I hope everyone can take it seriously." Fan Nong finally explained to everyone.
The directors stood up and left the venue. Garek walked behind, but none of the people who passed him talked to him, which made him feel very disappointed. Fannon and Stickney were last.
, watching the other directors walk away, Stickney turned to Fannon and said:
"Mr. Fannon, I have an idea. If the people who acquire the Nice company are not Chinese, but investors from other countries, will it not violate Batumi's regulations?" (To be continued)