Siheyuan starts from the stationmaster

After three years of dormancy, William Millard rekindled his ambition in [-] and founded the data processing consulting company-IMS Partners. This time the venture was much more successful than the first time.

During this period, just as Intel Corporation invented the new 8080 microprocessor, William Millard keenly seized the opportunity to use this relatively cheap Intel microprocessor and components from other manufacturers to imitate MITS' Altair Personal computer, made its own low-cost microcomputer, named IMS-8080.

William Millard formed the IMSAI Manufacturing Company and began selling the IMS-8080 personal computer in kits of parts, and placed classified ads in Popular Mechanics and some hobbyist magazines.

Because early microcomputers were primarily marketed as hobbyist and engineering minded objects, and sold by mail order or small specialty stores. The IMS-8080 was introduced to the market and quickly won the favor of customers.In the personal computer market in [-], IMS also occupied an important place.

Although the sales of IMSAI's IMS-8080 computer were encouraging, the good times didn't last long. With the advent of Apple's personal computer, the competition in the microcomputer market became more and more fierce. Many early microcomputer manufacturers were out of strength and ran out of cash. situation and closed down.

William Millard's IMS company could not stay out of this fierce competition and was on the verge of bankruptcy. Millard could have raised funds by listing the company's stock publicly or attracting investment partners, but he was unwilling to tolerate outsiders. Interference, made a move that he regretted.

Millard borrowed a loan of $25 from the Marina Company. After receiving the loan, Millard began to shift his attention from IMSAI to new projects. Out of self-interest considerations, Millard let Millard An agreement was signed that gave Marina the right to turn the IOU into a 20 percent stake in Millard's holding company, IMS Partners and any other venture he might start.

When Millard was operating the IMSAI8080 computer, he realized that the sales of complete sets of computer parts could not meet the needs of small business owners and professionals for microcomputers. Only by opening a computer store could they meet their needs. Millard soared The idea of ​​running Computerland, Computerland was the result of William Millard's third venture.

While most stores limit themselves to a few specific models of computers, Computer Paradise distributes computers from many manufacturers, making it easier for it to attract potential customers.

Millard sensitively foresaw that only by opening a large number of computer stores first, can he lead the growing personal computer industry. Millard and his assistants began a crazy expansion plan. By the end of 1977, Computer Paradise had 24 stores. branch, with sales of $1 million in the company's first year of business.

1980年分店增加到147家和营业额达到7500万美元，到1983年又增加到了580多家和9.634亿美元，分店不但遍布漂亮国各州，还把市场扩展到加国和袋鼠国，米勒德个人财产在1983年达到了5亿美元，1984年跃升至6亿美元。

The scale of the computer park has continued to expand and has achieved a competitive advantage. When IBM launched the personal computer in August 1981, only three retail affiliates were authorized to sell it, and the company itself owned the IBM Product Center, Sears Business Systems, and Computerland.

Bai Zirui looked at William Millard's entrepreneurial history, and felt that this acquisition was not easy to talk about. Millard was not a rookie in the business world, but a veteran of the mall.

Bai Zirui read the information at the end, in addition to the estimated value of the computer garden company, he also saw a piece of information that was very useful for negotiations, which was obviously sorted out by Zhou Jiayi on purpose.

After Bai Zirui got ready for work, he met William Millard, the founder of Computerland, in a coffee shop in San Francisco.

William Millard was not handsome, with a broad, high forehead, a little baldness, two prominent cheekbones, and a dull look when he was not smiling.But don't be fooled by his appearance. Anyone who knows Millard knows that he is a very shrewd businessman.

Bai Zirui smiled and said: "Mr. Millard, hello, I am Zirui Bai from Xiangjiang Dingtian Company, you can call me Andrew in English."

Facing Bai Zirui's enthusiasm, William Millard acted a little coldly, and said flatly, "Hello!"

He's been in a bit of a tizzy lately with a lawsuit, so he's not in a good mood.If it wasn't for Dingtian Company's reputation in the industry, he wouldn't have come here.Bai Zirui didn't care about William Millard's indifferent and perfunctory attitude, as long as he could successfully acquire the computer garden company.

Since Millard's attitude is cold, Bai Zirui will not put his face on someone's cold ass, and said directly: "Mr. Millard, I take the liberty of meeting you this time because I intend to acquire the computer garden company you founded. Do you know if you want to give up your love?"

William Millard said in surprise, "You want to buy my company?"

William Millard was a little disheartened by a lawsuit recently, so it's not impossible for the Computer Park Company to sell, and the price offered can satisfy him, and he really needs money now.

Bai Zirui nodded and said, "That's right! Mr. Millard, if you're interested in selling it, the price I offer will definitely satisfy you!"

A shrewd look flashed in Millard's dull eyes, he observed Bai Zirui's expression carefully, and asked, "What price are you going to offer to buy the shares of Computer Park Company in my hand? ?”

"Ninety-five million dollars!"

"NO, this price is too low!"

Bai Zirui said solemnly: "Mr. Millard, this quotation is the value obtained after our company invited a professional asset appraisal company to evaluate the computer park! The brand is paying the right premium."

Millard shook his head and said, "I think your company's offer undervalues ​​my company."

Bai Zirui said, "Mr. Millard, may I ask what price Computer Park should be worth?"

"Two hundred million dollars!"

Bai Zirui knew that Millard would open his mouth, but he didn't expect him to more than double his offer.Computerland was valued at $9000 million, and an offer of $500 million was already a premium.

Bai Zirui said slowly: "Mr. Millard, I have learned a piece of news. I heard that the dispute over the shareholding of the computer park company seems to have reached a critical juncture. The current situation does not seem to be very beneficial to you!"

Millard was caught with a sore foot, and said with a gloomy face, "What do you mean?"

In 1980, an employee named Martin Musume was fired by Millard. Martin Musume was a veteran employee who followed Millard. When he signed the agreement with Marina Company, Martin Musume right there.

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