Genius Grandson Of The Loan Shark King

The fact that George Soros had entered the Dow Jones acquisition battle meant one thing.

It meant he was letting go of the hand he had once joined with Dream High.

“What’s their acquisition price?”

— “They’ve offered fifty dollars per share. Just like The New York Times, they’re guaranteeing editorial independence...”

“Isn’t the current stock price above fifty?”

— “Precisely fifty-two dollars.”

They were offering a price lower than the current market value, and yet the situation had strangely become more unfavorable for Murdoch, who had proposed a higher price.

“This is unfolding in a very strange way.”

— “That old man Buffett already folded, and now the Bancroft family is split in two, clashing over their positions.”

“The elders will insist on selling to the Sulzberger family, who already own The New York Times. The younger ones will argue that this is the chance to drive up the price.”

— “Exactly. Until just a few days ago, the atmosphere had almost completely shifted to our side. And now, out of nowhere, the Sulzberger family jumps in. It’s driving me insane.”

Han Kyungyeong muttered gloomily and let out a deep sigh.

— “I thought this would be straightforward. I accounted for every possible variable before moving... I never expected this.”

“There’s nothing we can do. In this line of work, there’s always a new variable waiting to appear. I’ll head to the United States for now. The presidential election is coming up anyway.”

— “Are you sure that’s okay? We’re practically at war with China.”

Han Kyungyeong’s voice carried genuine concern.

“This should be viewed as an extension of the same event. I’m fairly certain Baltiche is behind it.”

— “Baltiche... those European aristocrats?”

“That’s right. China’s pressure on us, and the sudden movement of George Soros and the Sulzberger family — it all feels like an attack aimed directly at me. Let’s discuss the details once I’m in the U.S.”

— “Okay. We’ll come up with countermeasures on our side and respond accordingly.”

“Got it. Hang in there a little longer.”

After ending the call with Han Kyungyeong, I called in Manager Ma.

“Manager. Make preparations for my departure to the U.S. And contact Black Bear — I want detailed intelligence on the key members of the Sulzberger family, their family relationships, and any potential weaknesses.”

“Yes, Boss.”

The relentless surge of events made my head pound.

After Manager Ma left, I opened the drawer, took out some headache medicine, and swallowed it dry.

“...There are too many variables.”

The acquisition of The Wall Street Journal had not been entirely my own plan.

But if we were pushed out of the bidding war, it would mean being pushed out by them.

“And at a time like this, they choose to antagonize me... Wall Street dogs truly repay kindness with betrayal.”

The losses they had suffered during the Asian financial crisis had been partially recovered when we struck Japan together.

After that, Dream High and Wall Street had maintained fairly good relations.

I shook my head sharply, trying to clear my thoughts.

“Well, regardless of the circumstances, if they’ve picked this fight, we’ll accept it.”

* * *

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. entered the Bancroft family estate alongside George Soros.

“It’s been a while.”

Sulzberger Jr. muttered as he looked around the surroundings.

“I take it you’ve been here before?”

George Soros asked from beside him.

“I came here once as a child. Since our families operate in the same field, there was frequent contact between them.”

Soros nodded slightly, and Sulzberger Jr. let out a faint chuckle before adding,

“Well, after my father stepped down, there was no more contact.”

As they spoke, the Bancroft family’s butler, who had come out in advance to receive them, escorted them inside.

“Ha ha, Sulzberger Junior. It’s been a long time.”

John Bancroft warmly welcomed Sulzberger Jr.

“Uncle John. It’s been a while. You’ve aged quite a bit.”

“Yes, yes. It may be time for me to step down as well. Still, it’s good to see your face again after so long.”

John joked lightly, but he appeared genuinely pleased.

“I feel the same way. It’s time our families resumed contact.”

At Sulzberger Jr.’s words, John nodded and lightly patted his shoulder.

Then he extended his hand toward George Soros.

“Well, if it isn’t George Soros, the legend of Wall Street!”

“Haha. You flatter me.”

“Flatter you? Even if you were beaten by Dream High a few times, you still created legendary achievements.”

At John’s remark, Soros’s expression stiffened as they shook hands.

Forcing his lips upward, Soros withdrew his hand first.

“Let’s sit. Everyone’s waiting.”

Once they were seated, the negotiations began in earnest.

“You’re interested in Dow Jones? Let’s hear your terms.”

Sulzberger Jr. began outlining the conditions.

“If we acquire Dow Jones, we will guarantee employment for the current editorial staff and journalists, and we will ensure full editorial independence.”

“Well. Murdoch has already made the same proposal. What about the acquisition price?”

“The amount we can offer is fifty dollars per share.”

“You are aware that the current stock price is fifty-two dollars?”

Not only was it lower than Murdoch’s offer, it was also below the current market price. John narrowed his eyes slightly as he asked.

“We are aware. However, that price increase occurred after Murdoch publicly announced his intention to acquire the company — it reflects market expectations, not Dow Jones’s intrinsic value. Furthermore, we are not acquiring the publicly traded Class A shares, but rather the Class B shares held by those present here and the trust company. The market price is irrelevant.”

“Hmm.”

“The fair value of Dow Jones, according to analysis by Mr. George Soros here and Wall Street, is thirty dollars per share. Including a control premium, fifty dollars already represents a generous premium. And...”

Sulzberger Jr. let his words trail off, glanced around the room, and slowly curled the corner of his lips upward. free𝑤ebnovel.com

“No one here truly wishes to hand The Wall Street Journal over to a tabloid publisher like Murdoch, do they? Even if that means selling to a competitor like The New York Times. If money were the sole objective, you would have accepted Murdoch’s proposal without hesitation. Am I wrong?”

Silence filled the room.

“I have no interest in managing The Wall Street Journal. The New York Times alone is sufficient for me. What I am offering all of you here today is an opportunity to preserve your pride. Not money — but the pride of your family.”

John bit down firmly on his lip.

To hear such words from a rival family like the Sulzbergers was itself a blow to his pride.

At that moment, George Soros, who had been quietly listening, spoke.

“If we acquire Dow Jones, the influence of The Wall Street Journal will grow even greater. We intend to expand its European and Asian editions. In particular, it could serve as an opportunity to enter the Chinese market.”

“The Chinese market? That place...”

At the mention of China, John’s expression tightened again.

China was a country that prohibited the publication of foreign media Asian editions and even blocked internet news.

“Articles related to finance and economics would likely be permitted for publication in China. Naturally, they would have to pass censorship.”

Even so, there was a reason they were eyeing what was essentially a [N O V E L I G H T] graveyard for journalists.

China was a market of such enormous scale that it could not be ignored.

“The New York Times covers political issues extensively, so entry would be difficult. But The Wall Street Journal would face fewer obstacles. Discussions with the Chinese government are already underway. With entry into the Chinese market, The Wall Street Journal could turn from deficit to profit.”

Access to the Chinese market.

That was the negotiation card George Soros had brought with him.

“And in addition...”

Soros continued presenting increasingly attractive proposals.

* * *

After finishing urgent matters in Korea, I arrived in the United States.

Han Kyungyeong was waiting to receive us at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“Muhyuk. Long time.”

“You look worn out, hyung. Are you sleeping at all?”

“Do you think I am? It’s driving me insane. They’re even negotiating with the China market entry card.”

“Really? I expected that. So this is connected to the earlier issue after all.”

“This isn’t something to say so calmly. Let’s go.”

Han Kyungyeong let out a deep sigh and led me out of the airport.

We took a pre-arranged vehicle to Dream High Investment headquarters.

During the hour-long drive, we discussed numerous matters. Given the subject, the atmosphere in the car remained heavy.

As soon as we arrived, we headed straight to the conference room.

Inside, Rupert Murdoch, Eric Clark, and several others were waiting.

“Charlie.”

After greeting Murdoch warmly, I extended my hand to Eric.

“President Eric. I heard about your appointment. Congratulations.”

“Haha. James insisted on making me president. I was more comfortable as vice president.”

Eric smiled as he shook my hand, and Han Kyungyeong added from beside us,

“Black Bear has grown enough that we don’t need a figurehead anymore. Eric taking the presidency makes sense.”

I had already received the report, but hearing it directly felt different.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s discuss countermeasures.”

I naturally took the vacant seat at the head of the table.

“I’ve heard most of the details from James. What is the biggest obstacle in the Dow Jones acquisition plan right now?”

Eric Clark spoke first.

“The biggest issue is not the acquisition price, but the lack of trust in Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation. The union is also backing the Sulzberger family.”

“Is that truly such a significant problem? Chairman Murdoch has already guaranteed job retention for the editorial staff and agreed to establish an independent editorial oversight committee.”

“Even so, the prevailing sentiment is that he cannot be trusted.”

A dry laugh escaped me.

“What could possibly be more important than money in America? The Wall Street Journal is the nation’s leading financial newspaper. And you’re telling me they would reject a higher offer and sell for a lower price?”

No one answered.

Murdoch met my gaze.

“Charlie. I received a call from John this morning. He made a counterproposal. But I have no intention of accepting it.”

Judging by his expression, the proposal had been humiliating.

“He asked that, even after the acquisition, the Bancroft family be allowed to continue managing the company. That I step aside. That they, despite holding only a minor stake, retain management control. Does that make any sense?”

Murdoch clenched his fist.

“They wish to sell, yet continue managing as before... Their greed knows no bounds.”

“I have no intention of throwing six billion dollars into the air. My proposal was not a bad one. This has been my dream, and I was willing to give up much for it. But they are unwilling to concede even the slightest thing. They want me to pay the money while they keep the honor.”

Murdoch finally raised his voice.

Those listening nodded silently, as if acknowledging the legitimacy of his anger.

I nodded as well and turned to Han Kyungyeong.

“CEO James, what is your assessment?”

Since this was a formal setting, I addressed him respectfully, and he responded in kind.

“The acquisition price we proposed exceeds forty times Dow Jones’s operating profit. Most opinions are negative regarding whether News Corporation could generate sufficient synergy to justify that valuation.”

“That’s true. But we must remember this acquisition proposal is driven more by external considerations.”

“Even so, the sentiment is negative. George Soros knows this — that is why he offered fifty dollars per share. He must have judged that there is no merit in going higher.”

“What if we offer seventy dollars per share?”

“Seventy dollars? That’s insane.”

Han Kyungyeong shook his head firmly.

“Even sixty dollars was set strategically to shape the board. Media companies are not profitable businesses. Chairman Murdoch’s outlets are different, but most are not.”

“As James says, newspapers are not high-yield businesses. Even if this acquisition is not solely about profit, seventy dollars per share is excessive.”

Murdoch also expressed opposition.

But with the Sulzberger family having entered the bidding, unless the price difference was significant, we would never win.

“This is no longer a matter to approach as a business transaction.”

My voice was firm.

“They have declared war on us. At times like this, even if we incur losses, we must secure the acquisition.”

All eyes turned toward me.

“If they reject our offer, then we simply present a price they cannot refuse.”