[Chapter 427: Fortune and Competition Arises]
The next day, in the business conference room of the Hilton Hotel, both negotiation teams began intense and prolonged discussions about the acquisition price for Universal Group.
At the very start, both Linton and Masaharu Matsushita were responsible for the negotiation.
Later, Linton returned to his room to continue enjoying his time with Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, Shizuka Kudo, and Sukato Matsushita, playing games and having fun.
Sukato seemed to have reverted to her single days, feeling at ease staying at the hotel without any mention of going home.
"Sukato, aren't you going back?"
"Linton, don't worry. I already told my family I needed a break. I'll stay here for the whole week to keep you company. Is that okay?"
"Alright, but..."
"No buts. Just think of it as creating a wonderful memory, okay?"
"Okay, then let's make the most of our time."
---
By evening, after a full day of negotiations, Linton summoned his team for a detailed briefing.
"Boss, overall today's negotiation atmosphere was decent. The other side is eager to sell, and we want to buy. The key issue is the price. We offered six billion dollars; they asked for seven billion.
As per your instructions, we disclosed the real internal issues at Universal, including management chaos and executive corruption, with detailed examples to help them see the true value.
But they're stubborn -- they keep emphasizing Universal's brand influence, the global reach of their films and music, the widespread coverage of MCA TV network, and their rich library of rights. They're not budging easily."
"So what's the takeaway from today?"
"By the end, they only budged down to 6.9 billion; we're still firm at six billion. Looks like if we want our ideal price, we're in for a long haul."
"That's natural. It's a deal worth over six billion -- any slip could mean hundreds of millions. There is no rush, take your time. Follow the strategy we planned. But don't drag it out too long -- we aim to close it within two weeks."
Linton was thinking about whether the Seagram Company, which had tried to acquire Universal in his previous life, would appear again. Although he had acted quickly this time to secure the upper hand, to avoid a bidding war with Seagram, it was best to settle swiftly before they reacted.
Of course, he had to avoid appearing too eager in the negotiations; otherwise, the other side would sense his desperation and hike the price.
Thus, the negotiation teams entered a tense stalemate, with offers inching closer.
---
Meanwhile, Linton was enjoying endless pleasures in the hotel.
Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, Akina Nakamori, and Sukato Matsushita fully utilized their home court advantage, preparing various props, uniforms, and stockings.
Every day was packed with exciting parties and dramatic roleplays that enchanted Linton completely...
Even better, Izumi, Noriko, and Akina took turns heading out daily to buy new props, keeping the hotel parties vibrant and fresh with new themes.
After a whirlwind week, Sukato left with satisfaction but reluctance.
Before leaving, she hugged Linton tightly, "Dear, can we meet again?"
"Sukato, you should forget me."
"But I can't forget you. What am I supposed to do?"
"Let fate decide." Since Sukato had chosen to marry, Linton couldn't make promises. For him, just winning a small victory was all he could manage. Even his energy output to her was minimal, barely enough to keep her going.
---
After a week, the negotiations made good progress; the offer from their side had risen to 6.2 billion, while the other side dropped to 6.55 billion.
According to Goodman's estimates, they could reach an agreement within a week, likely staying below 6.35 billion.
Time slipped by, and Linton's stay in Tokyo already reached half a month.
Izumi, Noriko, and Akina had to work by day and join Linton at the hotel by night.
The negotiation prices further converged to 6.3 billion and 6.35 billion.
After that day's session, Goodman excitedly reported, "Boss, by tomorrow at the latest, we should have a deal. The price won't exceed 6.325 billion."
"Good job, everyone. Hang in there a little longer. After we close, there'll be a big bonus for all."
However, their celebration was premature. The next day's talks took a dramatic turn.
---
At 10:30 AM, Goodman hurriedly knocked on Linton's door.
"Boss, something's wrong."
"What's up?"
"Yesterday, Masaharu Matsushita's price was down to 6.35 billion. But today, they suddenly retracted all progress and reset their asking price back to the original seven billion. Their attitude grew dismissive. I suspect something's up on their side."
"What do you think happened?"
"There are three possibilities. One: Masaharu Matsushita's finances improved, so they no longer want to sell Universal. Two: Universal got a major boost, raising its value. Three: We have a new competitor. With new competition, Masaharu Matsushita might be trying to drive up the price."
"I'll call back to Los Angeles to check for any new developments."
...
"Hey, Robert, this is Linton. Any news about Universal -- films, TV, music..."
"Nothing new? Okay, keep tracking, and update me if anything happens."
...
"Goodman, looks like the second possibility is unlikely. It's either improved financing or new rivals. You go back to the meeting and keep the mood steady. I'll handle investigating Masaharu Matsushita's side."
After Goodman left, Linton expanded his awareness to scan Matsushita Electronics, which was 33 kilometers from the Hilton.
Fortunately, thanks to his cultivation and powers, his spiritual reach extended to 35 kilometers, making this feasible.
At the same meeting room where Linton had been hosted before, he saw a man in his forties, apparently Jewish, chatting happily with Masaharu Matsushita.
...
"Mr. Matsushita, our Seagram Group views Universal highly and formally submits an acquisition offer."
"Great, welcome. But before you arrived, we already have an American company negotiating with us for Universal -- Linton Films."
"Linton Films? I know them -- just a small company. How could they have the funds to buy Universal? Are you sure you're not being fooled?"
"No need to worry. We've checked -- they have the financial muscle for a cash acquisition."
"How far along are your talks?"
"We've been negotiating for half a month and are close to an agreement."
"My suggestion: don't rush your decision. Listen to our terms first."
"Alright, what's your offer?"
"Six-point-three billion in cash."
"At that price, there's no point discussing. To be truthful, Linton Films' offer is already beyond that."
"Don't be so quick. That's our lowest price; the actual figure can be negotiated upwards."
"Okay, how about a public auction -- highest bidder wins?"
Masaharu Matsushita grinned widely. Unexpectedly, another bidder fell from the sky, and now the advantage was all on their side. Looks like Universal would sell for much more.
"No, it's better both sides form negotiation teams."
...
Linton realized that despite his rush, he was too late. Seagram had arrived at the crucial moment, and the acquisition price was bound to jump significantly.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.