America's Road to Wealth

"I never treat my friends badly, and I'm not a stingy person."

On an open-air balcony on the second floor of Murdoch's villa.

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

"I have always believed that if we all make money 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 develop better and faster. What do you think?"

Abel raised the corners of his mouth, revealing his white teeth. He looked at several people one by one with bright and sharp eyes, and threw out a huge bait to shake the other person's mind.

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

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

Investment banks across the country, including Wall Street, know one thing.

That's Abel Smith in addition to Smith Capital.

The development potential of any of the several companies he controls is huge.

Like the Elizabeth Back Garden Company.

The company has been established for just over a year now.

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

Its market valuation has exceeded US$3 billion.

But so far, it has not raised a single round of financing.

Even more eye-catching is Smith Media in Abel’s hands.

Abel has stated on many occasions that Smith Media will be listed in the future.

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

With Abel's strong reputation, it seems that surpassing Disney will not be a big problem.

If you can invest in it in advance, you can easily obtain a minimum multiple of profits when it is listed.

There is also Abel's New Start Real Estate Company, which began to acquire properties across the United States last year.

From last year to now, the average house price in the United States has increased by about 10%.

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

The key is that all investment institutions now know it.

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

This means that Xinqidian Real Estate, which has accumulated a large amount of good land and a large number of luxury homes in advance, will definitely have a terrible value growth in the future.

If it can go public, it will also be a company with profits several times higher.

Abel still has several such companies.

If these companies can allow them to invest in the company, they will receive a portion of the shares.

When it goes on the market one day, they will definitely make a lot of money.

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

He had so many chips in his hand that he didn't even worry about these vampires resisting the temptation.

Look at it now, just throwing one out will make them look greedy.

At this time, William, the CEO of State Street Bank, finally couldn't help it. He said:

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

"Well, I agree with William, I have no objection!"

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

"No problem. Over the past few years, the magic of American Express has gradually disappeared, and its revenue and profit growth have declined. I very much look forward to Mr. Smith's ability to make American Express continue to perform magic!"

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

"."

The curve of the corners of Abel's mouth rose wider, and he smiled with some sharp-edged confidence.

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

Abel smiled and raised the champagne and clinked it with everyone, "Thank you. In the future, you will be proud of today's decision! Happy cooperation!"

“Happy cooperation! x5”

At the reception, Murdoch occasionally chatted with his son.

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

At this moment, Murdoch saw the financial giants on the terrace toasting together in celebration.

Murdoch knew that something good must have come out of their chat.

"I wonder who will be unlucky this time"

Murdoch couldn't help but whispered.

After all, if financial giants can celebrate, companies in other fields will be unlucky.

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

In fact, no one in the entire cocktail party cared about the above.

"What company is he going to acquire this time?"

James Murdoch whispered.

"Who knows?" Murdoch whispered: "In any case, he doesn't want to acquire News Corporation, does he?"

The old guy made a little joke.

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

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

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

You will definitely not laugh at this time.

But not anymore.

Because Murdoch has already used the AB share model in his News Corporation through internal equity reforms.

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

That is, the voting rights of Class A stocks are equal to ten votes, while the voting rights of Class B stocks are only one vote.

If A shares are shares with ten voting rights, 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 of its kind in China, nor is it the first of its kind in Silicon Valley.

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

Currently in 2001, there are approximately 5,000 listed companies in the U.S. stock market.

Among them, 236 households use this model.

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

At this time, if Abel and the five major institutions purchase a large amount of News Corporation stock.

On the contrary, it is helping Murdoch to raise the share price of News Corporation.

Murdoch himself was the first to raise his arms and legs in favor.

"Look over there."

Suddenly, beside Murdoch, his young Chinese wife whispered:

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

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

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

No matter how small the problem is.

Murdoch immediately said to his Chinese wife:

"Wendy, come over and have a look. Don't let those stupid guys ruin my drinking party."

Now in 2001, Wendy Deng, who had only been married to him for a few years, was not that active in the social scene.

At this time, she was still working hard to gain Murdoch's favor and trust.

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

Only then did she gradually gain the trust of Murdoch and be able to display her social skills in the United States.

So now she is not as active as she will be in the future, and she stays 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 gently on the surface: "I understand, I'll go right away."

Wendy Deng suppressed her excitement and went over there.

After his young stepmother left, James Murdoch spoke frankly to his father:

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

News Corp. CEO Raven was a little embarrassed at this time.

He didn't want to hear about this kind of family matter of the Murdoch family. He would only get into trouble if he heard too much.

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 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 Anne's small circle, which already has an additional Wendy Deng.

In this small circle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and other members of the "Bibichi Sisterhood" of Hollywood actresses are also present.

However, including Anne and the others, everyone discovered that after coming down from above.

Abel actually waved directly to Annie and waited for Annie to pass.

He took Anne with him again and went to Murdoch's side to have a few words.

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

In other words, Abel and Anne left the reception just like this.

"what's the situation?"

Gwyneth Paltrow, who had been getting close to Anne just now, was dumbfounded.

The actress said in surprise that her acting skills were average, but she had a good Hollywood background and had Spielberg as her godfather.

"I don't know." Angelina Jolie muttered.

Even though he was very reluctant to let go, the reality was that Abel ignored the existence of Hollywood she-wolves like them, and left with Anne after the discussion.

Many of the plans of these Hollywood she-wolves came to nothing.

The next day,

This day is November 6, 2001.

While it's starting to get cold in New York, it's still very warm here in Los Angeles.

For the executives of American Express, a company on the Dow Jones Industrial Index, and some shareholders.

Something happened today that made them feel cold inside.

In Los Angeles on the West Coast, Abel officially announced his plan to acquire American Express for US$28.9 billion.

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

American Pacific Commercial Bank, owned by Abel Smith, plans to launch a tender offer for American Express.

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

As of the time of publication by various media outlets, American Express's stock price rose by more than 5% before the market opened.

Some media directly estimated in the press release that before the stock market closes today, American Express's stock will likely rise by more than 60%!

Because before Abel launched this tender offer, the share price of American Express was $17.5.

At a distance of $25, there is a premium of nearly $8.

This premium has almost reached 50%.

Combined with the person who acquired American Express, it was Abel, the richest man in the world.

There will definitely be many retail investors entering the market, hoping to raise some shares of American Express so that they can enjoy some soup during Abel's acquisition of American Express.

This is bound to push the stock price up, easily exceeding $25 per share.

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

It will also make Abel Smith a real commercial banking giant and consolidate the foundation of his wealth.

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

Behind this sky-high acquisition plan that may overturn the structure of the U.S. banking industry, the 21-year-old genius investor, super media tycoon, and world rich man Abel Smith has once again become the focus of the world's news media and banking industry.

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

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

There seems to be no warning, but in fact, it has been planned for a long time. When a sudden attack occurs, it will be followed by strong cash strength, and the opponent may have no power to fight back.

There was Sempra Energy Group in the past, and there are examples of many other companies out there.

Everyone unconsciously believed that it was only a matter of time before Abel Smith's acquisition was successful.

An hour after Abel's press conference.

American Express responded immediately that it would review the proposal and act in the best interests of shareholders.

Kenneth Chenault, CEO of American Express, immediately accepted an interview with the television media.

What this person meant implicitly is that American Express is not willing to be acquired. American Express can create a new round of value for shareholders by relying on its own strength.

However, everyone including American Express itself knows that this is just wishful thinking on their part.

For Abel Smith, who has been successful in business every time he makes a move in the past two years, the ideas of the acquired companies are of no use at all.

The NBC TV case does not count because both parties are still in contact and the process has not been started.

After the press conference, Kenneth Chenault also quickly left for New York.

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

At that time, Abel was acquiring Sampra Energy.

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

It can even be said to be forced.

Otherwise, Abel has always been relatively gentle in his treatment of the original management of the acquired company.

As a senior beater, Kenneth Chenault really didn't have to fight him.

It’s just that Abel was not the majority shareholder at the time, and other shareholders asked Kenneth Chenault to do this.

Even though the migrant worker Kenneth felt a little uneasy, he had to stand up at that time.

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

They also slandered them as "people acting in concert."

This was a huge risk for Kenneth Chenault.

If Abel or Buffett were to take control of American Express, it would be just to establish their authority.

I will also kick Kenneth Chenault, the CEO who dares to talk nonsense.

Kenneth Chenault was in a dilemma.

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

After all, Abel couldn't do anything to him at that time, but shareholders united to make him step down.

In addition, if Abel really takes over American Express, there will be a certain degree of uncertainty.

Kenneth Chenault was somewhat worried and stepped forward.

Well now, trouble has come.

Abel made it clear that he wanted to get American Express.

Kenneth Chenault felt that he, a small CEO, had narrow shoulders and could not carry it, so he had to find support from the big shareholders behind him.

He mobilized his network and invited the shareholders who asked him to refuse.

Kenneth Chenault wanted to get the support of these people.

In order to avoid being fired by Abel after Abel's acquisition is really successful.

Even if you know it's unlikely.

But for this position with an annual salary of more than 10 million US dollars, Kenneth Chenault had no choice but to do it.

It was only when he arrived in New York and arrived at a property owned by Express Company.

Kenneth Chenault's heart suddenly froze because of the two dozen shareholders he met with.

Only about half, or about a dozen shareholders, came.

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

And 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 time, the CEO of American Express was filled with sadness.

He knew he was really doomed this time.

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

He looked towards a small shareholder with whom he would have a better relationship in the future.

"Jack." Kenneth Chenault smiled reluctantly: "Why didn't Mr. William and the others come?"

Jack, the minority shareholder, was actually wondering if he knew that the major shareholders had not come.

Jack himself didn't want to come, go out against the world's richest man, and find trouble for Abel.

Not many people are willing to do it now.

But since Kenneth Chenault asked this, Jack had no choice but to answer: "We don't know. Kenneth, maybe you can call and say hello?"

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

The call was quickly answered, and Kenneth Chenault first called William Kendricks, CEO of State Street Investment Bank.

"Hello, Mr. Kentish! I am Kenneth Chenault, CEO of American Express, and I would like to ask."

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

"Ah, Mr. Kendricks"

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

"Oh, okay, okay. Just a moment."

Then Kenneth Chenault heard William Kenders say to himself: "Sorry, Kenneth. I have something to do here, let me deal with it first. We will talk about your matter later. How about it? If you are in a hurry, you can call a few other major shareholders first. You know what I mean."

Kenneth Chenault couldn't do anything even if he knew better.

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

Because over there, he had hung up the phone in advance.

It’s time.

Kenneth Chenault thought it was obvious.

It seems that I have really been given up.