Chapter 212: Chapter 212 Just Normal Business Tactics.
At Edward Noble\'s candy company, Henry and his team did the same thing, installing wiretaps on the phones.
The wiretaps were small, powered by the phone, and could clearly hear conversations in the room even without picking up the phone.
Eavesdropping and monitoring to obtain useful business information, Henry and his team\'s actions were entirely normal business tactics.
Everything was ready.
Andy called Edward Noble, stating that he represented his employer and wanted to buy ABC broadcasting company. Edward Noble was not surprised and arranged to meet at the candy company\'s office.
Andy walked into the chairman\'s office of the candy company, and Noble smiled and shook his hand.
"Mr. Noble, nice to meet you. My name is Andy, and I am Mr. Jon Hardy\'s economic advisor. I am here on behalf of Mr. Hardy to discuss the acquisition of ABC broadcasting company."
"Jon Hardy? Is that the Jon Hardy who is the owner of Playboy?" Noble asked.
"Yes, it is Mr. Jon Hardy, the owner of Playboy magazine."
Now that Playboy magazine is gaining more recognition, people used to refer to Hardy as the owner of HD Security or HD Films, but now more people call him the owner of Playboy, especially men.
What does this indicate?
It means these men all read Playboy magazine.
Don\'t doubt it.
Even the current President of the United States might secretly read it.
Noble invited Andy to sit, and Andy said, "Our boss owns HD Films and is also interested in broadcasting companies, so he wants to buy Mr. Noble\'s ABC broadcasting station. What do you think, Mr. Noble?"
"How much are you offering?" Noble asked straightforwardly.
"We offer $10 million."
Noble immediately shook his head, "Your offer is too low. Someone once offered $14 million, and I didn\'t agree. How could I sell it to you for $10 million?"
Andy was not anxious. The other party\'s words were normal business negotiation tactics, indicating that someone else had offered a higher price to create a sense of urgency.
"Four years ago, you bought the Blue Network for $8 million. In the past few years, Blue Network has had no development, with almost zero viewership. Now, equipment is rapidly updating, and Blue Network\'s equipment is becoming outdated and devalued."
"You and I both know that ABC\'s real value lies in its agreements with other television stations, and because of that agreement, we are willing to pay $10 million."
Noble waved his hand.
"I know very well what it\'s worth. No matter how you devalue it, I believe it is worth that price. Television users are increasing, and TV broadcasting will definitely develop well in the future, which is why you want to buy ABC, right?"
"Mr. Noble, whether it\'s $10 million or $14 million, this is a big deal. We\'ve organized a negotiation team and hope to have formal negotiations with you. What do you think?" Andy said.
"Okay, but you have to wait three days. My economic lawyer is out and will return the day after tomorrow."
"No problem, see you in three days." Andy smiled and said goodbye.
After sending Andy away, Noble sat in his office chair, pondering for a long time before picking up the phone and dialing.
"Hello, is this Mr. Alderman? This is Noble. I have something to tell you. Two other companies are also competing to buy ABC Radio. I decided to organize formal negotiations with you three, and whoever offers the highest price will get it."
Alderman, the owner of Pegasus Rubber Tires, frowned at Noble\'s words, "Noble, we\'ve known each other for a long time. Isn\'t $11.5 million enough? You\'ve already made a $3.5 million profit."
Noble chuckled, "No, I believe someone will offer more. The day after tomorrow, in the meeting room of the Hotel in Springfield, there will be formal negotiations. If you come, we will talk together. I have decided to sell this time. If you don\'t come, you will miss the opportunity."
After hanging up Alderman\'s phone, Noble called Paramount again. Paramount Chairman Leonard Goldenson answered the phone. Noble repeated what he had said to the owner of Pegasus Tire to the chairman of Paramount.
Three days, Only three days. If you don\'t come to the negotiations, you might not get another chance.
Noble\'s idea was simple. He no longer planned to keep ABC Radio. What Andy said was correct. ABC is now an empty shell, with no staff, no programs, and aging equipment. Its only valuable asset is the Blue Network.
If he held onto it for a few more years, who knows what might happen. If other TV stations emerged and replaced the Blue Network\'s position, ABC would be worthless. Now while it can still fetch a good price, it\'s best to sell it quickly.
The Playboy owner\'s approach gave him an opportunity. Pegasus Tires offered $11.5 million, Paramount offered $11 million, and he knew Jon Hardy was more powerful than the other two. His business acumen kicked in, and he decided to bring the three together to bid, hoping to sell at a higher price.
Noble went home and discussed his thoughts with his wife over dinner. Mrs. Noble asked, "What price do you have in mind?"
"Hehe, the higher, the better. As for the bottom price, it shouldn\'t be less than $12 million, and it would be best to sell for $13 million."
Wanting the three to bid against each other to raise the purchase price, Noble\'s approach was not uncommon in business, and Andy was not surprised.
However, if the three really bid together, the price might be hard to control.
"I\'ll call the boss and explain the situation."
Andy called Hardy and explained everything. After thinking, Hardy said to Andy, "Give the phone to Henry."
"Okay, boss."
The next afternoon,
Another plane flew from Los Angeles to Springfield, bringing Richard and his sniper team, along with Matthew and his combat team.
Hardy had no other intentions, just normal business tactics.