Chapter 927 The First Acquisition (5k)

Fang Zhuo's psychological quality is very good.

His psychological quality has always been very good.

When I saw some follow-up comments on the domestic Internet, I was not worried about my own reputation at first, but I looked at the public opinion in the United States to avoid any unplanned situation.

The American media did not pay attention to the ridicule of a rich man on the Internet in the Far East. With a series of shocks such as the bankruptcy of Lehman, the acquisition of Merrill Lynch, and the government's takeover of the insurance group, they were overwhelmed with themselves and the final election sprint in November. It has its own liveliness.

But it’s not like no one mentioned Mr. Fang, and even accurately mentioned the short selling of Lehman.

In order to criticize Fuld, the head of Lehman, some media brought up the fact that he was shorted by Mr. Fang.

"Lehman is so bad, no wonder people are shorting you!"

"Mr. Fang should go short, go short, and insist on shorting you!"

"Do you know how to write this word?"

"Shameless!"

Fuld, who was beaten, was criticized verbally by the media, and he will have a lot of troubles in the future.

Fang Zhuo would never make trouble for the last leader of Lehman at this time.

As for the ridicule on the Internet... He increasingly has the experience of wandering around the world. Whether it is misunderstanding or praise, it is all mixed together to create reputation. Just like the visible light of the sun is divided into seven colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, There is no need to dwell on the inner details.

Fang Zhuo's state of mind improved. He even gained something from observing the Wen Zhengming calligraphy he bought earlier. He wrote four words in one stroke - not stuck in things.

On September 24, world financial markets were still volatile.

Just as Fang Zhuo was considering what to do after flying to New York, he received a call from Alan Fishman, the new head of Washington Mutual Bank.

MIGA Fund once had a very harmonious cooperation with Washington Mutual Bank.

Because of this relationship, Fang Zhuo roped in Washington Mutual Bank to make up for his expertise in the process of investing in ICBC.

However, as the MIGA Fund considered the risks of the CDO contract market and discontinued cooperation with it, the exchanges between the two parties became much weaker, and Alan Fishman just became CEO on September 8, and there was no actual contact. .

Fang Zhuo was surprised to receive a call from Allen, and even more surprised to hear the purpose of the call after the two exchanged a few words.

"Mr. Fang, the financial market has been too turbulent recently, and our bank has gradually suffered heavy losses this year." Allen's tone was very serious, "Washington Mutual Bank is in a difficult situation now, and we really hope to receive an emergency fund."

Fang Zhuo knew that Washington Mutual had a great time playing CDO before, and he also knew that it would inevitably encounter this round of backlash, but he didn't know how far it had reached. He thought about it and realized that the money he asked at this time was in units of hundreds of millions. Said: "Thanks to you, a company I just listed lost more than 2 billion yuan. The funds in my hands are also very tight and I can't move them out for the time being."

He continued: "Well, I will come to the United States in a while, and we will meet and chat then."

It's not impossible to borrow money, it depends on what you can come up with.

Fang Zhuo believes that Washington Mutual Bank has some useful information, and he can talk about it in detail when he gets to New York.

"Mr. Fang, Mr. Fang, Yike mobile phone sales are so hot this year, we can really talk in detail. I can fly to you right now. Our bank only needs 500 million U.S. dollars in short-term pledged loans." Allen's voice was a little urgent. , “As long as we pass this level, there is still a lot of room for cooperation between us.”

Hearing these words, Fang Zhuo felt vaguely familiar.

Did Mr. Qimondaro make a similar promise when he borrowed money?

He said regretfully: "Alan, I am telling the truth. The global economy is not good now. My industry has suffered a lot of losses this year. All the money a company makes is going back and forth."

Allen was silent for two seconds and said: "Mr. Fang, the MIGA fund did very well before and made a lot of profits on the CDO contract. Can you think of a way to help us deal with the emergency."

Fang Zhuo smiled and said a few polite words to you. Why are you so excited?

"Just because I entered the CDO market with you before, the MIGA fund is now almost bankrupt."

"The bank is short of funds. I'm very busy right now. I'll give you my secretary's phone number. You guys can see if you can come up with a charter. We look forward to more cooperation in the future."

Fang Zhuo ended the call regardless of the voice on the other end of the phone that was still struggling.

Listening to Allen's request and voice, he should be similar to Mr. Luo, the troubled head of Qimonda, who has given up everything for money.

Only then could I find myself, who had never dealt with him before, and be able to raise the profits that MIGA Fund had made from CDOs in the past.

Today's public opinion in the United States does not have a good impression of CDOs. Allen's bringing up the past is out of good intentions.

Fang Zhuo is not afraid of this at all. MIGA Fund has been liquidated in this regard very early, and current clients also have the ability to intervene in public opinion.

As for his attitude toward his former partner, Washington Mutual Bank, it was just... businesslike.

However, having said that, Washington Mutual is definitely one of the top ten banks in the United States. Has its situation deteriorated to the point where the CEO needs to call a familiar stranger for $500 million?

Fang Zhuo considered the significance of this matter and called Geithner's newly activated number to seek advice from the New York Fed in the name of considering borrowing.

"Its situation is very bad now." Geithner suspected that Mr. Fang was going to spend the money he had in the fund. "Don't have anything to do with it at this time."

He paused for a while, fearing that a wealthy man like Mr. Fang would be obsessed, and revealed a piece of news: "This bank is about to be taken over, and Allen will be the shortest-lived CEO. Neither it nor him will be a problem. We are working hard for it." Looking for buyers."

Fang Zhuo was stunned: "Are you looking for a buyer for it? Allen didn't mention this. He hid the situation from me?"

Geithner paused for a long time this time, but still said: "The situation at Washington Mutual is very, very bad. Without the impact since the 15th, it might still have a chance, but now it can't. We can't let the situation spread. , Don’t let Washington Mutual open a bigger hole, Allen didn’t hide it from you, he didn’t know this.”

"The CEO of the bank doesn't know that you are helping them find buyers?" Fang Zhuo felt amused, "Are you sure this isn't illegal?"

Geithner said seriously: "Whether it's illegal or not, we can't make any more mistakes."

Then he added: "Of course it will be legal, everything will be legal."

At this time, Fang Zhuo recalled the voice from CEO Alan Fishman, and felt that the voice was a desperate wailing.

Since I made the call, I will inform you of the itinerary.

"I'm flying to New York in two days."

Fang Zhuo only talked about the itinerary and nothing else.

Geithner naturally understood what this person meant, sighed, and said simply: "Just wait."

What are you waiting for?

Waiting for the US$700 billion bill submitted by Abramovich to be passed in Congress?

Waiting for Olympic Jr. to reverse the campaign situation with McCain?

Wait until Geithner and others gain more executive power?

Wait until the situation becomes more corrupt?

Fang Zhuo did not do much reading comprehension, but only slightly corrected the arrangements for his upcoming flight to the United States. He would focus on his own affairs first, and then look at how to help Geithners detoxify "toxic assets."

That night, he called Su Wei and talked about the bank asking him to borrow money.

"The bank is asking you to take money to fill the capital hole..." Su Wei was surprised and amused, "You are really a rich man, one of the few rich people in the world!"

She added: "This Allen really used the wrong method. He should fly to Xiangjiang immediately, knock on the door of your room, and offer high-quality assets. It is best to shed two more tears, and maybe he can get it from you. money."

Fang Zhuo was silent.

Su Wei said in surprise: "Isn't this possible?"

"Now I feel that there is a shortage of money everywhere. No matter who comes, I have to do everything first." Fang Zhuo sighed, "After all, it is not easy for us to make money. It is difficult to get some money. Of course Spend it slowly.”

Su Wei just felt like vomiting, but she didn't know how to vomit.

Finally, she mentioned something that happened to a competitor: "It's true that everyone is short of money. I heard that Dangdang's logistics center in Wuxi has stopped working."

"Isn't the logistics center over there going to be built as a demonstration?" Fang Zhuo was a little surprised.

"Well, according to Dangdang, it is comparable to our No. 1 demonstration warehouse in Kunshan." Su Wei said, "They want to establish a foothold in East China through Wuxi. They say they will spend a lot of money to build it, but at the beginning of this year The economic situation is not very good. It is said that Dangdang has taken funds from abroad. Once Lehman went bankrupt, the construction site in Wuxi stopped. "

Dangdang realized its shame and became brave after supplying a private jet last year, and worked hard to catch up. It has truly become a rival that Tesco deserves to take seriously in the B2C industry.

Three people go together there must be my teacher.

Suddenly awakened, Dangdang basically learned from the development of Tesco, built its own warehousing, established logistics, and expanded categories. It can be said that it is quite ambitious, and it has indeed made progress.

But there is also a problem. Dangdang is an unlisted company and its funding sources are not that abundant.

However, domestic investors have either become cautious due to the economic situation, or feel that B2C already has Tesco ahead of them, or they believe more in Mr. Fang’s methods of developing his business, so they are not very willing to invest in Dangdang.

In the end, Dangdang took money from foreign financial institutions.

"I know that Dangdang took money from Bear Stearns once." Fang Zhuo corrected the news, "Bear Stearns was acquired by Morgan this year. I don't know how the money was handled."

"Then we don't know. It's definitely not just this time." Su Wei was doubtful. "Anyway, it went so far as to stop work, which shows that the situation is really bad."

Fang Zhuo was speechless.

Regarding the development of the enterprise, I initially disliked Qingzi for being cautious and did not listen to advice, but now I am making such big strides and yet I am suffering again. It is really... impermanent.

"In short, it's quite chaotic. I'm afraid many companies will close down on the Internet this year." Su Wei said, "I plan to take a look at the situation. If Wuxi really can't build it, I think it would be good for Tesco to take over."

Fang Zhuo sighed: "Are you too cruel?"

They wanted to build a logistics center comparable to Kunshan No. 1 Warehouse, but half way through it was taken over by a competitor that was trying so hard to catch up. No matter how you look at it, you feel sad.

Su Wei said calmly: "You taught me that business is so ruthless. Besides, maybe they are willing to have someone lend a helping hand."

Fang Zhuo didn't say anything. After all, Mr. Su was the president who controlled specific affairs.

However, a little later, he didn't expect that when he received a call from Lao Xiong, he also talked about Dangdang.

“Yike mobile phone is great.”

"Financial markets are in chaos."

"Dangdang the situation is not good."

Xiong Xiaoge and Mr. Fang’s communication was often simple. He first praised the first two things briefly, and then focused on the third thing: "Dangdang’s warehouse construction in many places has been suspended, and it has also defaulted on some suppliers’ payments. The situation is quite serious."

"I had a brief communication with Mr. Li. If it is not handled in time, the risk of bankruptcy will be relatively large."

Fang Zhuo was shocked: "Dangdang is bankrupt? Not really?"

"Why not?" Xiong Xiaoge was very surprised by Mr. Fang's reaction, and gave an example, "Lehman Brothers was ruined by you. How big was it? How big is Dangdang? In order to buy back your shares, they used their own collateral. The development in the past year was also very aggressive. Unfortunately, they encountered this financial turmoil."

"If it weren't for this turmoil, they might have considered going public, so that they could get more funds to seek development."

Fang Zhuo was silent.

After a while, he thought of refuting a question: "Lehman Brothers was not bankrupted by me. It was so big that I didn't have the ability to do so. It was purely its own fault."

"That's what I mean. The key point is the problem Dangdang encountered." Xiong Xiaoge said, "Our team analyzed it. Dangdang and Yiguo are both B2C and have similar businesses. The most important thing is that Dangdang's money was invested in warehouse construction. If Yiguo can acquire Dangdang, it will just strengthen its strength."

"Now Taobao is also developing Taobao Mall. Yiguo uses acquisitions to strengthen its strength. I personally think it is desirable."

"Mr. Fang, what do you think?"

Fang Zhuo carefully sorted out the proposal from Lao Xiong.

China was also hit by the financial crisis. He used to pay more attention to the semiconductor industry, considering maintaining the development of the industry and trying to match administrative forces. Now he focuses on e-commerce...

Taobao no longer conceals its intention to compete, and Qingzi has a good relationship with himself.

If Yiguo reaches out to acquire Dangdang, it can further expand its logistics advantages and realize a user experience with a wider range and faster transportation speed as soon as possible.

In Yiguo's plan for the next few years, warehousing and logistics have always been a high priority.

"Old Xiong, are you lobbying for Qingzi?" Fang Zhuo asked.

"Not really, I am an investor after all. From an objective point of view, I think this is a win-win situation." Xiong Xiaoge thought, "The only possible obstacle is probably Mr. Li's perception of you. It is not impossible that he would rather sell it to others than to you, Mr. Fang."

Fang Zhuo asked again: "Dangdang has a part of the logistics and warehousing system. Do you think Taobao will take action at this time?"

"It depends on what Mr. Ma thinks. If he insists on his platform-based and asset-light gameplay, then he won't." Xiong Xiaoge has already considered it, "After all, he would rather change Taobao CEO to stick to his ideas, but if he has new experiences during this period, he may have to take action."

Ma Dian's Taobao Mall is now the prototype of a platform-based B2C, and is still attracting major brands to settle in. It does not have its own warehousing. It is somewhat similar to Taobao's C2C gameplay, just upgrading small and medium-sized merchants to large merchants.

Fang Zhuo thought quietly for a while, feeling that it was ambiguous. Taobao Mall's established development model might not have been frustrated, but it might also be intercepted in order not to strengthen its opponent.

"Old Xiong, you and Qingzi have not lost contact, so you can communicate first. I will go to New York in two days. Let President Su take care of this matter. In principle, I think this is a good opportunity."

"Okay, there is no need to rush." ​​Xiong Xiaoge ended the call neatly, "Dangdang's situation is likely to deteriorate in the future, and everyone is also watching the economic situation this time."

Fang Zhuo held the phone, and never thought that the first acquisition decision after Lehman's bankruptcy might come from China, to an old friend.

He suddenly felt that it was only seven days in the mountains, but a thousand years in the world.

Fang Zhuo thought about this for a while, called Su Wei again, and explained the situation concisely.

Su Wei didn't expect that what she heard after a while was completely different.

She just wanted to buy a warehouse, but this man actually wanted to buy Dangdang directly?

She hesitated for a moment and asked in the same words she had heard before: "Are you too cruel?"

Dangdang's current situation is really related to this man. If it ends up being acquired by a competitor... it's too sad!

Fang Zhuo was helpless: "Then I can only teach you again. Business is so ruthless."

"Got it. I'll take a look at the situation in China. The most important thing is to find out the debt situation of Dangdang." Su Wei quickly formulated several guidelines in her mind. She agreed that acquiring Dangdang would enhance competitiveness.

Fang Zhuo put down his phone and couldn't help but walk to the French window to look at the night view of Victoria Harbor.

If it really comes to this, it may not be a bad thing for Qingzi to take the money and leave. After all, there are still many opportunities in this era.

The first possible acquisition still needs time to verify and contact.

When Fang Zhuo began to get ready, the latest news from Washington Mutual Bank came from the United States.

On the 25th, Washington Mutual Bank's headquarters in Seattle was seized and taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of the United States, and its head Allen was still on the plane at a loss.

It was rumored that the FDIC was interested in facilitating Morgan's acquisition of Washington Mutual Bank.

All procedures were indeed legal, even though the bank's management had no idea that the authorities had found a buyer for them.

Fang Zhuo felt the spread of legal and secret power from the news.

After Morgan acquired Bear Stearns, it is very likely that it will acquire Washington Mutual Bank at a bargain price and continue to expand its scale in the financial crisis.

It is worth mentioning that on this day, there were media that claimed that "the worst is over."

With Washington Mutual Bank becoming the largest bank failure in the history of the United States, it is clear that the worst has just begun.