America's Road to Wealth

Chapter 384 Sending off Avalokitesvara Smith

American Express is essentially a financial services company.The company is best known for its credit cards, charge cards, and traveler's checks.

It is one of the thirty stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

It is also the only company in the service industry among these 30 stocks.

It can be said to be a heterogeneous, but it can also reflect from the side that its business is too successful.

Among the world's top 500 companies selected by "Forbes" magazine, American Express has never been below one hundred.

In the "Business Weekly", it is listed as the 15th most valuable brand in the world, with an estimated brand value of about 78.7 billion US dollars.

Its original chief executive was Kenneth Chenault.

In fact, Kenneth Chenault had just taken office in early 2001, and his term of office was less than one year.

It may also be because he does not want to give up the power he just acquired.

Kenneth Chenault has always been very resistant when facing Abel's acquisition.

So much so that he was willing to be used as a gun, rushing to the forefront, and finally got the end of being dismissed.

He also became the fastest CEO to step down on Wall Street last year.

On the morning of May 1th.

Wall Street.

In the past 80 years, this street in New York, which is only more than 500 meters long and only 11 meters wide, has always been a global financial center.

Until then, it was London that held that status.

But London's position in the financial world, with the abdication of the Great Yin Empire, it also had to give up its position as the financial leader to New York.

It's like the Great Yin Empire gave up the position of world leader to the US Emperor.

However, the most famous financial street in the world is now in a state of depression.

The British "Guardian" published a report a month after the September [-] incident, describing the situation on Wall Street:
[Signboards with the words "for rent" can be seen everywhere on the street; even in the holiday season, there are few people in the store; rental activity has dropped by nearly 55% compared with a year ago, and 8% compared with August. 】

In fact, before 1995/2000, there was an evacuation wave on Wall Street, probably from [-] to [-].

In the past few years, Morgan Stanley and Morgan Chase, one of the four major banks in the United States, have withdrawn their headquarters from Wall Street, but they have not left New York.

The second real wave of evacuation came after last year's "September [-]" incident.

A large number of financial companies and banks withdrew.The horrific disaster caused the financial companies that once gathered near Wall Street to disperse, and some even directly withdrew from New York.

After all, there are already very practical Internet technologies, and communication technologies are sufficient to support the gradual improvement of fully electronic transaction capabilities.

After September [-], what happened to those unfortunate companies in the Twin Towers also gave most financial capital companies the need for distributed offices to prevent risks.

The advancement of technology, coupled with this major crisis, has made Wall Street less attractive to financial companies.

This situation makes the "financial capital" New York face the embarrassing situation of losing tax revenue and losing its status.

The situation is so serious that the New York City government has begun planning to encourage financial companies to return to lower Manhattan through tax breaks.

Taking the lead in bucking the trend and relocating their headquarters to a string of Smiths in Lower Manhattan at a time when everyone was terrified and fleeing Lower Manhattan and Wall Street.

They are all on the list of tax exemption and tax reduction.

Who is the building where these companies are located, that is, the Smith Tower, although it is not in the 500-meter-long Wall Street.

But it also happens to be in lower Manhattan, in the heart of downtown.

Just within the scope of tax cuts and subsidies.

Such role models would have been pushed even without Bloomberg.

What's more, Bloomberg has the final say in New York now.

Naturally, this kind of welfare policy belongs to the Smith family.

Even if these benefits are given to Smith, others can't say anything.

Dare to say, let them move back to lower Manhattan, too.

On this day, the 52nd floor of the Smith Tower.

Abel's office.

Abel sat on the soft boss chair with a slight smile on his face, looking at Otto Warburg, President of North America of UBS, who was specially visiting today, sitting opposite him.

Among the major shareholders of American Express, the overseas institution with the largest shareholding is UBS.

The United Bank Group, the largest in Switzerland, owns almost 3.96% of the shares of American Express.

It is the institution with the largest shareholding in American Express, besides the five major institutions in the United States, including State Street Bank.

When the previous shareholders of American Express Company resisted Abel's arrival.

UBS is at the forefront of the comparison and is the one that strongly supports Kenneth Chenault.

It's a pity that they are not united at all within this union.

In the end, it was directly disintegrated from the inside by Abel and Soros.

Let it be a matter of course for Abel to officially enter the board of directors of American Express.

In a sense, it can be understood that UBS is one of the groups that planned to cheat him.

It's just a pity that they didn't succeed.

Not only was it unsuccessful, but it could be regarded as falling into the hands of his Abel Smith.

Facing such a guy, Abel had already raised the knife in his hand high and pointed it at the opponent's veins.

What kind of enemies should be resolved rather than knotted, and things like that should not be thrown into trouble.

It's all bullshit here at Abe.

Since you have chosen to be the enemy, you must be responsible for your own choice.

Abel will never be merciful.

Although this malicious enemy can't be killed, a lesson is inevitable.

"...Okay, Mr. Smith, you win, 35 dollars, and the 3.96% shares of American Express held by UBS are yours."

Otto Warburg felt bitter and unwilling in his heart, but the situation was stronger than others, even if he didn't intend to bow his head, he couldn't do it.

Because American Express already has more than 50% of the shares, all of which are owned by Abel Smith.

As the largest shareholder that has reached the security holding line.

If Abel is bad, the only way for the remaining shareholders of American Express to restrain him is to sue the law.

The problem is that even if all the remaining shareholders work together to sue Abel, they may not win.

Who doesn't know that Robert Morgenthau, the Manhattan District Attorney, came close to having "Smith's Party" written on his face.

Anyone who wants to sue Abe Smith in Manhattan can do so.

But want to win... where do you think this is?
This is New York!

What's more, "working together" is impossible for these institutional shareholders.

If they could work together, Abel would not have been able to get so many Amex shares before.

As the most targeted meat on the cutting board, UBS was well informed and quickly sensed the crisis.

Knowing that Abel is serious this time, and even if the other shareholders of American Express are united, there is a high probability that it will be difficult to resist.

Even if he didn't want to see Abel Smith again and was worried about being humiliated, Otto Warburg had to come to the door in person.

Because you want to avoid losses, or not be targeted.The only way for UBS is to find Abel Smith.

At $35, it's less than Soros' price.

If UBS Group sells at this price, although there will be losses (UBS Group entered the market early, and American Express was valuable at that time).

However, in the process of privatizing American Express, General Manager Biaber aimed at UBS, and ended up fighting.

The headquarters of UBS is already very dissatisfied with Otto Warburg.

If you can't get back as much capital as possible as soon as possible, make the books more beautiful, and let the stock price of UBS Group rise, waiting for Otto Warburg will be the same fate as Kenneth Chenault.

That is to be kicked out.

"Sorry, Mr. Warburg. As far as I know, the stock market of American Express is only 32 dollars."

Abel smiled back.

In his takeover battle to acquire American Express, AmEx's share price once exceeded $45 a share.

But after his tender offer ended.

The market saw that he already had the power over Amex, and knew that no one else could compete with Abel for the control of AmEx.

After that, shares of American Express began to fall.

After falling for so long, only $32 is left.

Even a few days ago, Abel announced that he was about to launch a general tender offer, but there was no way for his stock price to rise.

Because stockholders with a normal head know that Abel holds more than 50% of the shares.

The share price of American Express is absolutely the same as last time, and will only remain at Abel's purchase price.

That's $30 a share.

I have been cheated once before, but not many leeks will be fooled this time.

What's more, most of the remaining shares of American Express are in the hands of institutions.

Institutions are speculating in stocks because they want to fool leeks.

But in the leek field, there are not many leeks.

The little bit left is still fine leeks.

And their gang of guys who specialize in cutting leeks.

Then they can't cut leeks any more.

Naturally, the shares of American Express could not be circulated.

Some small institutions and retail investors who could not bear the pressure or were pessimistic about the future of American Express quietly sold out and left the market, causing the stock of American Express to keep falling.

The stock of American Express has no value in the eyes of investors.

"...Looking at the stock price of American Express, there is a high probability that it will fall to my comprehensive tender offer price of $30."

"Obviously, the 35 dollars requested by UBS is very uneconomical for me. Mr. Warburg, you need to give me a reason before I can agree to such a condition."

Abel smiled brightly, his eyes were sharp and bright.

Hearing what Abel said, Otto Warburg's complexion changed slightly.

He could also see that it was impossible for UBS Group to leave the market safely without any effort.

Otto Warburg gritted his teeth and said softly:

"Mr. Smith, if you are willing to buy all the shares of American Express held by UBS at a price of 35 dollars."

"Then I will help you, and help you convince all the European shareholders of American Express. Let them sell all their shares to you at around $32, which is the current stock price in the stock market."

"All our shares add up to more than 9%. With our shares, you will be able to dominate American Express in no time. Mr. Smith, what is my reason?"

Abel's broad smile spread.

That was why he was willing to see Otto Warburg today.

Almost 17% of American Express's shares were acquired by foreign shareholders.

Among them, Europe occupies the bulk, and the rest are held by Neon and Singapore institutions in Asia.

As the North American president of UBS, Otto Warburg has great influence in the North American divisions of European financial institutions.

If UBS can help, the process of Abel's acquisition of American Express can be greatly shortened.

Seeing Otto Warburg so good, Abel was very satisfied.

"This reason is very convincing. The stock transfer agreement can be signed first." Abel said with a smile:
"But the condition of the contract is that you actually do what you say, Mr. Warburg."

"call--"

Otto Warburg took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"I know. Mr. Smith."

He agreed.

It doesn't matter if you don't agree, the headquarters of UBS Group is too urgent.

After cooking Otto Warburg.

Abel didn't stay in New York much longer.

There is no need to worry about the business of American Express.

As long as Otto Warburg and Buffett can handle it all.

Then within a month at the earliest, more than 80% of the shares of American Express will fall into the hands of Abel.

At that time, it can directly announce the success of the privatization of American Express, and then start the delisting process.

In one month at most, American Express, a century-old well-known large enterprise and the only service component of Dow Jones, will become a part of Pacific Bank of Commerce.

And at that time, Abel's more important plan can be launched.

That is—the Pacific Commercial Bank, which will be listed on the skin of the American Express Company!
From a serious point of view, this will also be the first listed company under Abel!
January 2002, 1, which is day 3.

Abel's Boeing 747 takes off at JFK International Airport in New York.

More than 8 hours later, it landed at Los Angeles International Airport.

Meet Abel's convoy and drive through downtown Los Angeles towards Beverly Hills.

In downtown Los Angeles.

Abel looked at the roadside outside the car window, one after another tents and homeless people basking in the sun, and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Those people outside made him suddenly realize that his mentality seemed to have changed a bit.

He remembered the first time he came to Los Angeles, and when he saw these people, he asked David Jones why downtown Los Angeles looked like this.

At that time, he felt a little pity for these homeless people.

If David didn't stop him, he even wanted to save these people.

But now, Abel found that when he looked at these people, he had no feeling of pity or sympathy.

He found that the way he looked at these people was a bit like how humans look at dry batteries that have been almost drained, leaving only the last bit of residual power.

There is no pity at all, and there is no anxiety in my heart.

Abel took a deep breath, knowing that he had really changed.

"But... this is life!"

He retracted his gaze, closed his eyes and fell asleep.

When he opened his eyes, 10410 Bellagio Road in Beverly Hills had already arrived.

At the main entrance of the villa, some bodyguards and all the maids lined up to welcome the return of Abel, the master, under the leadership of a housekeeper whose photo Abel had seen before.

The housekeeper has just come over from England.

She received Joanna's systematic butler training specially designed and tuned for Abel.

It is the first batch of personnel trained by Abel's own private butler school.

Batch 1 will only have 6 in total.

One is housed here at 10410 Bellagio Road.

The reason is because in this house, there is now a woman who already has Abel's blood in her belly.

The other 5 female housekeepers who have graduated from the teacher.

One was sent with little Laura and one with Charlize and little Arya.

One went to Ikana, and the other went to Han Country.

Of the remaining two, one will be with Abel in the future.

The last one, here we go.

"Sir, welcome. Mrs. Nicole and Mrs. Kate are waiting for you inside."

The housekeeper was a step behind Abel, and followed step by step, reporting to Abel.

Walking into the main entrance, Abel nodded, took off his suit and handed it to the housekeeper.

He had already seen two Australian national treasure beauties standing up after seeing himself in the living room.

Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett.

"Oh, my dear. You are here!" The big Australian white sheep walked towards Abel with a smile on his face, like a spring breeze.

When Kate saw Abel, her expression was a little excited. As soon as she took a step, she saw that Nicole was almost approaching Abel.

She retracted her steps secretly.

At this time, the Australian white sheep has been eaten.

Amidst the sound of tsk tsk tsk, Kate looked at the two people in the passionate kiss with hatred, and thought to herself: Mrs. and Mrs. Y!
But a few minutes later, Kate also made "woo-woo" and "tsk-tsk" sounds.

Because after the Australian big white sheep, she was also caught by Abel with a smile, just a kiss.

A few minutes later, the two Australian goddesses were embraced by Abel.

The three of them sat on the sofa in the living room together.

After sitting down, the big Australian white sheep leaned against Abel. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Abel turned sideways and said to Kate with a smile, "It's been a month? Really..."

While talking, his hand gently touched Kate's flat stomach.

Kate's thoughts are very complicated, and she doesn't know how to reply.

I can't wait to eat it next to my stomach.

Nicole, who was also successfully planted by Abel, said first:
"It's true. Our Miss Blanchett already has a four-week-old baby in her womb. Poor Mr. Upton, I don't know about it."

Abel responded with a smile: "Could it be that the child belongs to Mr. Upton?"

Nicole was just about to answer with a smile, but Kate, who was touching her belly and showing a little shyness, immediately said:

"It's not Andrew's, the child in my stomach is not Andrew's! Absolutely impossible!"

"Oh?"

Abel raised his eyebrows on purpose, then looked at Nicole Kidman and gave her a look.

The Australian white sheep froze for a moment, but quickly realized.

In this regard, this woman is very scheming, it can be said to be very powerful.

"Ha~"

Nicole asked Kate deliberately with a smile: "Then Mrs. Upton. As Mr. Upton's wife, the child in your womb is not your husband's, so whose would it be?"

"Who else could it be!" Kate stared at Abel a little angrily.

During the ten days at the end of October and the beginning of November last year.

Kate was always with Abel and was not allowed to go anywhere.

As long as I have free time, I have been...

During those dangerous days.

Even more crazy homework.

Before that, she was separated from her husband Andrew Upton for more than two months and has been busy with work.

Who else could the child in this belly belong to except Abel at that time?
After Kate finished speaking a little angrily, she saw Abel and Nicole, and they both laughed narrowly at the same time.

"Hahaha~"

Only then did she realize that she had been tricked, and that it was Abel's bad taste.

"Humph……"

Kai is very open-faced, and doesn't want to see Mrs. J and Mrs. Y.

Then she heard Mrs. J and Mrs. Y chatting.

Australian Aries: "Honey, I'm so envious of Kate."

"What do you envy her for?"

"I envy her that she will soon be the mother of your child. I am older than her, and I also want a child, but I have never..."

"This is simple. Come, I'll give you one."

"Huh? Huh... um..."

"..."

Tut tut sounded.

Kate didn't need to turn her head to know that the couple in the back must have gnawed on it again.

"Wife and wife!"

The actor who played Galadriel almost gritted his teeth.

(End of this chapter)