America's Road to Wealth

Chapter 338 Buffett Smith Soros

Following Pacific Bank of Commerce on November 11.

It was announced that the tender offer price for American Express would be raised to 35 US dollars.

Intraday.

The stock of American Express rose directly from 30.5 US dollars to 37 US dollars in one fell swoop.

The second day, November 11, and the third day, November 10, are Sundays, and global stock markets are closed.

The fourth day, November 11.

As soon as the market opened in the morning, the price of American Express's stock broke through $[-].

On this day, one of the shareholders of American Express, Jim Walton, came to Los Angeles.

At the foot of Beverly Hills, in the business meeting box of the InterContinental Hotel Executive Lounge where Abel and Ikana stayed last year.

".Sorry, Mr. Smith, we think AMEX is grossly undervalued, so, you get the point."

In the bright and simple Intercontinental Hotel business conference room.

On the left and right sides of Abel, sat David Jones and Alan Baker, the two humming generals.

David always had that smile on his face, while Alan Baker looked calm.

Behind him stood several members of the Smith Brain Group, as well as Abel's Four King Kong.

Opposite Abel, it was brought over by Jim Walton, which belonged to his own private investment company.

The person who spoke just now is Jim Walton, the major shareholder who holds 1.5% of the shares of American Express.

"Snapped!"

Abel smiled and snapped his fingers.

He reached out and took the checkbook that David handed over in due course.

Under the staring eyes of everyone on the opposite side, Abel picked up the signature pen and drew circles on the cash check.

tear-

The cash check was torn off, and Abel raised the corner of his mouth, holding the cash check between two fingers with a smile on his face, and said lightly:
"It's $7.5 million at $35 a share. If you agree to the deal, Mr. Walton, then it's yours."

"."

Jim Walton's eyes couldn't help staring at the cash check trembling in mid-air.

Jim suppressed the slight urge to agree. After all, greed had the upper hand in his heart, and he wanted more.

"Sorry." Jim Walton smiled and wanted to say something.

"You declined, didn't you?"

The faint smile on Abel's face disappeared, and he asked again with a cold expression.

"Yes, I don't think the current offer can't" Jim Walton wanted to say at least fifty dollars.

Even when Jim entered the market, the stock price of American Express was only $10 a share.

According to Abel's quotation, Jim can already earn close to 5 million US dollars.

But people are greedy after all, and the richer people are, the more greedy they are.Jim Walton is also a person, still has a lot of money, and his greed is of course stronger.

Jim Walton wanted more, and he felt that one billion dollars was worthy of Abel's worth as the richest man in the world.

But what happened next made Jim Walton suddenly feel bad. .

"Stab, sting~~"

In Jim Walton and his entourage stunned and changed countenance.

Abel withdrew his hand indifferently, took the cash check and tore it from the middle.

Then leisurely fold it in half and tear it apart again until it is shredded. Spread your hands and let the paper fall on the conference table.

"Sorry to take up your time. Good-bye, Mr. Walton."

Abel stood up with a faint smile and raised his chin slightly.

He looked proudly and sharply at the ugly-looking Jim Walton, pulled off the hem of his suit, and walked directly to the temporary business meeting room provided by the Intercontinental Hotel.

The others followed closely, and kept smiling. David, who looked the mildest, stopped slightly.

As Jim Walton waited, David gathered the scraps of checks on the table into his hands and pocketed them.

Then David smiled and nodded at the other party before leaving directly, looking like a gentleman in a mess.

But what he did just made Jim Walton feel like his lungs would explode.

"Fake! Fake!"

As soon as David's men left, Jim Walton began to curse.

With an unusually ugly face, when he stood up and wanted to curse.

dong dong——

A few seconds later, a trader working for Jim Walton appeared at the door of the meeting room with a somewhat anxious expression and knocked on the door twice.

Under the gaze of the boss, he reported nervously.

"Mr. Walton, the Pacific Bank of Commerce announced just now that it will not raise the price of the general offer for American Express again. The purchase price will only be $35, not a penny more."

"After Pacific Bank of Commerce announced the news, the stock price of American Express Co., Ltd. fell immediately. From the highest price of 41.5 US dollars a share, it has now fallen to 39.5 US dollars a share. According to the data analysis, it will continue to fall."

"Peng!"

Jim Walton kicked the desk hard, and it turned out that the desk at the Intercontinental Hotel was too hard and heavy.

Instead of kicking, Jim couldn't help jumping on one foot in pain, looking a little embarrassed.

"Fake! Fake!"

"Sigh~~"

Jim gasped again and again, the kick hurt too much.

But now is not the time for flesh pain, Jim Walton endured the pain and immediately ordered a subordinate.

"Call Abel Smith right away! Tell him, I am willing to use the conditions just now to make a deal! $7.5 million is $7.5 million."

Jim Walton said.

The general manager of his private investment company quickly contacted Smith Intelligence Group.

The call was easily made, but the result made the general manager look ugly.

"What's going on?" Jim Walton, whose feet didn't hurt so much, became a little worried when he saw his face.

The general manager of the investment company said: "Boss, Alan Baker said that your rejection just now made his boss very angry. So Abel Smith decided not to buy the shares of American Express in your hand again."

Jim Walton was taken aback, with anger on his face: "Fuck! Fake! Fake the Smith! Shet!"

No matter how much the son of the founder of Wal-Mart scolds, he has missed the perfect time to sell all his shares quickly at once.

on the U.S. stock market.

The stock of American Express also fell crazily, falling to around $12 before the market closed on the 35th.

At this price, it stabilizes.

Because of the Pacific Commercial Bank, it really did as it said, buying as many as it can under $35.

For stocks above this, it is indifferent.

This looks a bit similar to that of Sempra Energy, the difference is that this time Abel did not deliberately wait for the stock to skyrocket before selling.

Before it was too late, he had the Pacific Bank of Commerce issue a circular.

Compared with the previous act of uniting those institutions to cut leeks, this time there are also some unlucky ones who suffered heavy losses.

But at any rate, it is not like manipulating the market like last time, so not many financial media came out to criticize this time.

The next day, November 11th.

Abel's motorcade had just rolled out of 812 North Bedford Road in Beverly Hills this morning.

David in the co-pilot's cab answered a call, and after answering the call.

David turned to look at Abel, "Boss, there is a spoiler. After the opening of the market in the morning, a large amount of money entered the market and began to sweep the stock of Freight Express."

Abel frowned slightly, but he wasn't too worried.

In hostile takeovers, if there are black knights like yourself, there are white knights.

The probability of a white knight appearing is too high. Whether it is an ally of American Express or a speculator who hopes to make a fortune, this kind of thing can never be eliminated.

"Do you know who the other party is?"

"I know, the other party didn't hide himself. According to the information provided by the exchange, the funds came from Soros Fund Management Company."

No need for anyone to explain, just listen to the name, you know who is behind this company.

Soros Fund Management Company is a fund company owned by George Soros.

Different from the quantum fund he and Rogers created together, Soros Fund Management Company is mainly engaged in normal financial investment, mainly stock investment.

In contrast, Quantum Fund is one of the most well-known hedge funds. It plays a small game and uses super exaggerated leverage to take advantage of the tide of the dollar and harvest the world.

The last time I was in the Norwegian krone, it can be said that I stood on the opposite side of Soros and international hot money.

Although Soros withdrew early, the loss was not great.

But Abel let Soros waste a few months in Europe, but nothing, and even lost millions of dollars.

For George Soros, this was already a defeat.

You must know that at the beginning, Soros showed his favor to Abel frequently.

In the middle, Abel once hinted why the international hot money and Soros stood together, and everyone happily cut Norwegian leeks together.

But later, when Abel was profitable, he immediately turned his face and refused to recognize anyone.

Standing in the middle of Norway and Soros swings left and right, taking advantage of both sides.

Although Soros said nothing afterwards, because Abel's approach was too in line with the tone of a financial capitalist.

Even deep down in Soros' heart, he was still laughing at Abel's immaturity.

If Abel and Soros had switched positions at that time, the old guy felt that he had dozens of ways to make himself more profitable than Abel!
Comparing his heart with his heart, Soros didn't think there was anything abnormal about Abel's actions.

Other financial capitalists would do the same thing, or even do it even more outrageously.

But after this incident, the two became enemies.

Given the opportunity to retaliate or to add insult to injury, George Soros never hesitated.

Just like when Abel was standing in the middle and swaying from side to side, asking for benefits from both parties!
This time the old guy would want to take revenge on himself in the stock market, and Abel was not surprised at all.

Abel squinted his eyes slightly, and the cold light flickered. In any case, if the other party came out to disrupt the situation at this time, it would bring him some trouble.

If Soros has already contacted American Express and became an alliance, then the trouble may be even greater.

No matter what, since the other party couldn't bear the loneliness, he made a move.

It is impossible for Abel to ignore it, and he cannot ignore it. After all, Soros Fund Management Company is also one of the giants of Wall Street.

Standing behind Soros of Oilman Capital, if you really want to get serious, the financial strength is very strong.

If I can dig a hole for Soros, it is naturally impossible to ask Soros not to fight back.

"Hehe, let's see who is more skilled!"

The corners of Abel's mouth raised, his eyes became sharper, and he said to himself.

On April 11th.

After knowing that Soros Fund Management Company made a move.

The top executives of American Express, represented by Kenneth Chenault, immediately expressed their favor to George Soros publicly.

Soros Fund Management Co., Ltd. is also very cooperative.

George Soros himself did not come forward.

Tims, the general manager of Soros Fund Management Company, held a press conference this morning.

At the press conference, Tims praised the value of American Express.

Claiming that this company has a long history and is valued by Buffett, Smith and Soros at the same time, its actual value far exceeds its stock price.

Tims claimed that Soros Fund Management's move this time was not speculation, but value investing.

Soros Fund Management Company will hold the stock of American Express for a long time and regard it as the company's heavy stock.

After the press conference is over, wait until noon when the U.S. stock market is closed.

The stock of American Express, stimulated by this great positive news, once again rushed to $35.9 a share from $39 at the close of the market yesterday.

At this time, whether it is investors or those financial media.

All wondering what Abel Smith means now.

Soros stood up and said that he would compete with him for Express.

Wouldn't the richest man in the world come out and say a few words?

This is the only service company in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Buffett is just right, Smith is also optimistic, and now even Soros is also optimistic.

Of course I bought it.

Obviously, after the market reopens in the afternoon, the share price of American Express will rise.

At this time, the Alberts were already at the busiest crossroads in Hollywood, Los Angeles - the intersection of Highland Street and Sunset Boulevard.

To be precise, he was in the new headquarters building of the MGM movie group next door.

A few months ago, Abel took a fancy to a [-]-story square commercial building here.

After taking a fancy to it, he directly asked his new starting point real estate company to sell.

After buying this building, they leased it to MGM at a very cheap price and took this building as the new headquarters of the film group.

A few months later, MGM Films, DreamWorks Films, Marvel Films, DreamWorks Animation, Pixar Animation and other subsidiaries under the MGM Film Group basically moved to work here.

Since the building is spacious enough, there is still a lot of office space left.

DreamWorks Music also opened a recording studio here.

A part of Smith Media's subsidiaries also set up a Los Angeles branch here.

The occupancy of a large number of office workers and staff made the building lively.

Tourists and passers-by who pass by Sunset Boulevard or Highland Street every day will see the parking lot outside the building that has hung the signboard of "MGM Film Group", full of various cars.

Being able to work in such a spacious, comfortable place with new equipment, new building decoration, and a very important geographical location.

All the staff are very happy, including the stars and actors.

The only not-so-good thing is that the building is at one of the busiest intersections in Hollywood.

During the rush hour of commuting every day, if there is no traffic jam for more than one or two hours, it is as if the sun is coming out from the west.

Abel has always liked working from high places.

His office here is naturally located on the top fifty floors, directly facing the intersection below.

noon.

In front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows of the chairman's office, Abel put his hands on his hips.

Looking at the traffic jam below for at least a few kilometers, he had a feeling of gloating.

Turning around, he looked at the sofa in the sitting area of ​​the office.

The CEO of MGM Film Group, Robert Iger, the CEO of Smith Media, and others sat on the sofa and watched him.

Abel walked over, facing his subordinates, he smiled and spread his hands——

"It seems that it is necessary to prepare a commercial helicopter for you? Otherwise, it will be more troublesome when you encounter such a big traffic jam when you travel in a hurry."

Robert said with a smile: "Now there are many employees who would rather come by bicycle or motorcycle."

Michael Levine also chimed in: "I don't need staff, I just came here on my bike. It's too much traffic to drive."

The head of the DreamWorks film next to him, the great director Spielberg, thought to himself-the luxury apartment you live in is less than a mile away, of course you can come by bicycle.

But Spielberg didn't say anything, because the mansion where the big director lives is closer to here, and it only takes less than 10 minutes to walk
"Okay. Let's not talk about this issue." Abel said with a chuckle: "It's already November. Let's talk about the plan for next year."

He is here today, convening the people in charge of the entire Smith Media Group related to the film.

The heads of the major film companies under the MGM Film Group are all here at this time.

Abel glanced at it and directly named the great director Spielberg.

"Steven." Abel smiled and said, "How about you talk about it first? Let's talk about DreamWorks' film plans for next year."

The Big Three of DreamWorks Films, after selling all the company's shares to Abel.

According to the contract, as long as the three people still make movies, or engage in work related to movies.

Smith Media, which acquired DreamWorks Films, has the right to hire them first.

In fact it is.

Jeffrey Katzenberg of the DreamWorks Big Three, who is now in charge of DreamWorks Animation, is also here today.

David Geffen is responsible for the music of DreamWorks. Today it is mainly about the film, and David does not use it.

The famous director Steven Spielberg is currently the general manager and chief producer of DreamWorks Films.

In addition to making the film himself, Spielberg is also responsible for DreamWorks Pictures.

After all, a few hundred million dollars is not so easy to get. The value of the Big Three itself is the most fascinating part of DreamWorks.

Spielberg is not opposed to this either. As the general manager, he has a general manager's remuneration, and the chief producer also has a producer's remuneration.

In addition, if you shoot a movie, you should also pay the director a penny.

With a little more work and a lot of responsibility, he also has a little more power in Hollywood.

What's more, the young man standing in front of him is the richest man in the world.

Working for the richest man in the world, the big director thinks there is nothing wrong with it.

"This year's work is basically done." Spielberg said:
"Because Jeffrey was injured in the early stage, David didn't do anything. Therefore, after DreamWorks came here this year, only one movie was shot. This movie is currently undergoing post-production and is expected to be released in February and March next year. Oh , the name of the movie is "Tuxedo."

"Tuxedo?"

Abel felt that the name of this movie was familiar, as if he had seen it before.

Spielberg explained:
"The director is Kevin Donovan, a new director, but very capable. The lead actor is Jack Cheng, a well-known Chinese action superstar. He had a good box office at Rush Hour last year, and we thought he would be very popular in Hollywood, so Invited him to shoot this Tuxedo."

Abel nodded, no wonder he felt that this work was familiar.

It turned out to be Cheng Long's work. He remembered that he had seen it, and it was pretty good.

"Other than this movie?" Abel asked again.

"Currently plans to shoot two works."

Spielberg reported: "One is "Cat and Mouse Game", I will direct, and I plan to invite Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks."

"The other is an alien sci-fi movie. The director is tentatively determined to be Toby Hooper. The actors are tentatively named Emily Bogle, Dakota Fanning and others."

"Oh, that all sounds good"

(End of this chapter)