America's Road to Wealth

Carrington training ground.

After Peter Kenyon, the CEO of Manchester United Group, and the big boss from the United States left.

An angry Ferguson called a somewhat uneasy David Beckham over.

"Alex, what's wrong with you?"

David Beckham looked at Sir Alex Ferguson and said with a guilty conscience.

Ferguson looked at the handsome face in front of him.

Thinking about how David listened to me so much in the past, and he and I were almost like father and son.

But now the two can only drift apart.

Who is to blame?

Blame Victoria.

At least that’s what the head coach thinks.

Sir Alex Ferguson took a deep breath to calm down his anger.

"David. I know what you want to do. Was that the ball you just shot on purpose?"

Ferguson looked directly at Beckham and said.

Of course David Beckham couldn't admit it.

In fact, David already regretted that he was too impatient.

The ball that was kicked just now was very accurately positioned.

David kicked it deliberately.

One of David Beckham's most famous and best abilities is his extremely accurate passing and set-piece abilities.

Just kicking the ball to Abel and others was a decision made by David Beckham in a moment of enthusiasm.

The trigger for this bold decision was David's wife Victoria.

The reason for this can be said some time ago.

Since some time ago.

After the news that Manchester United was acquired was exposed.

Throughout Manchester United, the happiest person is Beckham's wife.

The reason is very simple.

Because of the new owner Abe Smith who acquired Manchester United, others thought he was a Wall Street tycoon and a media magnate.

In the eyes of Victoria and her team and group members, the other party is one of the giants of Hollywood.

A Hollywood giant acquired Manchester United, and her husband is the star of Manchester United.

If you can find a way to get involved with this boss.

Victoria feels that she and Beckham have hope of developing into Hollywood and the United States.

European filmmakers have always been proud of themselves, but they are still adherents to the art of film.

But the reality is that European movies are hitting Hollywood one after another.

As of 2001, whether we admit it or not, Hollywood is already the center of world cinema.

At the same time, Grammy has also become the center of world pop music.

This makes the entertainment circles around the world look like China.

That is, they all want to go to Hollywood and become famous in the United States.

The British are no exception.

Victoria and her husband talked about many possibilities in this regard, and David Beckham was also moved by the talk.

Having already seen the colorful world of the entertainment industry, Xiao Bei is willing to develop into that circle.

David wanted to have an encounter with Abel, and he saw Abel appear at the training ground just now.

After thinking for a while, David Beckham kicked the ball over.

David's idea was simple. He wanted to use this subtle way to interact with his new boss.

It's best if we can become familiar with each other, even if it doesn't work, just give it a try.

This was indeed not the case, because the new boss did not interact with the players after kicking the ball away.

He just chatted with Ferguson and Peter Kenyon for a while and then left.

Beckham was very disappointed.

But this is not over yet.

Ferguson knew Beckham too well, and he knew the Victoria behind David even more.

Others thought David had made a mistake and had seen through David Beckham and Victoria's Ferguson.

But I thought about this possibility, and then this conversation happened.

"How is that possible?" David Beckham cried out guiltily, "I just accidentally kicked him during training. Alex, people always make mistakes."

Ferguson looked at David Beckham, who mustered up the courage to look him in the eye.

"It's best." Ferguson finally decided to let him go.

David Beckham breathed a sigh of relief.

But he was a little disappointed, disappointed that Abel didn't interact with him at all.

In the silence of Ferguson, David Beckham returned to training with his companions.

At this moment, the members of the Manchester United team were all discussing the new boss's exaggerated volley just now.

But there was no discussion about the reason, because the boss only drew the ball once.

Then left.

Abel, who walked around Manchester United's training ground, arrived at Manchester City, the core of the Greater Manchester County area, at noon.

Manchester is the largest financial center city in the UK after London.

On King Street here, there is the Stock Exchange and the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the earliest and most prosperous Bank of England branch.

Abel leaving Old Trafford.

At noon, he was here waiting for Ian Conn, CEO of the British Centric Group, and Richard Heisenwit, the chairman.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen."

A cafe on King Street was temporarily booked.

Abel, who came in, first apologized to the two old white men, "I just came from the Carrington training base. As you guys know, I bought a team and I like Manchester United."

Chairman Richard Heisenwit smiled and shook hands with Abel, "It's understandable, that's the Red Devils. Who wouldn't want to own the Red Devils as long as they can?"

Ian Conn also shook hands with Abel, but the chairman had already spoken, so he just smiled and said hello to Abel.

After the greetings, everyone took their seats.

Unlike Americans, the British talk before they get down to business.

Many times there are other things to talk about.

Chat about the weather, hobbies, or even pets.

Richard originally wanted to talk about Manchester United, but Abel happened to acquire Manchester United.

Fortunately, this is not the first day Abel has come to England.

During this time, he has become aware of the British temper.

Abel felt that this was a bit like the habits of businessmen in China.

It probably has a little bit of history, or maybe it’s a country that our ancestors have been great at.

It will all look like this.

But Abel was in no mood to chat with two old white men.

When Richard Heisenwirth wanted to speak, but had not yet spoken.

Abel said straight to the point:

"Mr. Heisenwirth, and Mr. Conn. As I said when I invited you here, I want to acquire the distribution network company of the Centric Group."

Ian Conn and the chairman looked at each other.

Both of them were thinking - Americans are so direct and not gentle at all.

But since Abel had already discussed business directly, it was certainly not easy for the two of them to talk about anything else.

Richard said, "Of course. That's why we're here."

"2.4 billion pounds." Abel made a direct offer: "It can be the corresponding stocks, or of course it can be cash."

This is why Abel came to Manchester from London today.

He went to the Red Devils, but he just happened to be here and stopped by to take a look.

To him, the Red Devil is just a toy of affection and love.

Abel still knew what was more important to him.

For example, Centric Group's power distribution network company, Abel knew that it was far more important than the Manchester United team.

"Mr Smith."

At Richard's glance, the CEO of Centric Group smiled and spoke.

Ian Conn has a very obvious Welsh accent, and his surname is also a Welsh-British surname.

He said: "Centric Distribution Network is one of the six largest electricity distribution companies in Great Britain. It owns 3 of the 14 regulated power grids in the UK, with a total length of 110,000 miles of cables and a grid coverage of approximately 110,000 square kilometers, supplying electricity to more than a quarter of the UK population and 8 million users."

"The company's net profit last year was 130 million pounds. Don't you think the price of 2.4 billion pounds is too low?"

The Centric Group, managed and controlled by these two people, is a British multinational utility company that was just established in 1997 and is developing rapidly.

The reason is because this company is the same as the original Sempra Energy.

They are all companies that emerged after the merger of several other companies.

And behind this company, there is also capital from Wall Street.

This is why Abel was able to contact them so easily and start negotiations immediately.

Who is called Abel himself, he is from Wall Street.

The company is headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, and its main business is to supply electricity and natural gas to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America.

It is the UK's largest gas supplier and one of the UK's largest electricity suppliers.

Its subsidiary Centri Distribution Network Company is headquartered in Manchester.

This is also the reason why the two sides met here for talks.

"The price is not low anymore."

Abel said calmly:

"In fact, tonight, I'm already here, having an appointment with someone from EDF."

Hearing what Abel said, Ian Conn quickly looked at the chairman.

Richard Heisenwirth considered it for a moment and immediately said:

"What about EDF's Southern Distribution Network Company? Mr. Smith, in terms of scale and power grid quality, Southern Distribution Network Company is not comparable to Centric Distribution Network Company."

"But it's cheaper." Abel smiled: "If it is Electricity of France. I think the asking price is about two billion pounds, they will have a high probability of selling the company to me."

"Two gentlemen." His eyes became aggressive.

"I can definitely buy the Southern Distribution Network Company from EDF for two billion pounds."

"Inject another 400 million pounds to allow Southern Distribution Network Company to develop its business, or engage in a price war. I think this may be more effective than directly purchasing Centric Distribution Network Company with 2.4 billion pounds. "

"2.8 billion pounds." Richard Heisenweit did not accept Abel's words, but offered another price.

"No, I will only accept a maximum of 2.5 billion pounds."

"Twenty-seven billion pounds, this is the bottom line of Centric Group."

"Bottom line, I also have a bottom line. My bottom line is"

"."

The final price negotiated by both parties was set at 2.65 billion pounds.

At this price, Centric Group sold its Centric Distribution Network Company to Pacific Energy Company of the United States.

“A pleasure to work with.”

Abel stood up and shook hands with the two giants of Centric Group.

Two old white British men also smiled and shook hands with him.

"It's already noon." After shaking hands, Richard Heisenweit said happily:

"Mr. Smith, do I have the honor to invite you to lunch and taste our British delicacies with you?"

British food.

Starry sky fish head pie?

Abel thought to himself, let it go.

"Next time." Abel said with a smile, "I have an appointment later."

"Oh, well." Richard Heisenweit was not sorry at all, "That's a pity. Next time Mr. Smith, if you go to Berkshire Windsor, you must inform us so that we can It is appropriate for us to be landlords.”

"No problem." Abel agreed with a smile.

The two Centric Group giants soon left.

Suddenly, Abel and his people were the only ones left in the cafe.

Abel waved to Allen and Amo Alamuddin next to him.

"Alan, send someone to Berkshire Windsor immediately."

The core of the advisory group nodded yes.

The corresponding negotiation team has been deployed, and you only need to wait for the local team of lawyers and accountants to come to sign the contract.

"Elmo, please notify Clifford Chance Law Firm." Abel said to Legally Blonde again: "Your business is here."

Elmo Alamuddin should be sweet.

Serves as Clifford Chance's liaison with Abel.

Amo Alamuddin was brought to Manchester today by Abel.

She originally thought with some expectation that she might be unspoken.

I didn't expect to come here. I went to see the team first and then had a business negotiation at noon.

Abel's purchase of a company worth over 20 billion pounds was negotiated in less than an hour.

This incident gave the unsophisticated Aymo Alamuddin a great insight.

She feels that this is much faster and more efficient than shopping at those cosmetics counters.

The rookie lawyer didn't know that it was for today's negotiation.

Abel's advisory group had already made a rough plan when they were in the United States.

Before Abel met with Richard Heisenwirth and Ian Conn today.

Contact between the two parties has been going on for a few days.

The giants from both sides can meet here because of the basic price and some terms.

We have already had contact with each other before and already have intentions for each other.

This made the negotiation at noon today seem unusually efficient and fast.

This kind of transaction model involves the advisory group first sending people to contact the other party, and after the negotiations have yielded results, Abel will come forward and then directly make a decision.

Abel and the advisory team have become more and more proficient in using it, and they already have an established pattern.

Because Abel is quick to deal with things, he is never hesitant about the price.

At present, this model has not encountered a hard nut that cannot be chewed off.

Of course, these are also the companies that Abel is currently eyeing. Most of them are relatively easy to negotiate and have the intention to purchase.

If what Abel wants to buy is something more important, such as a company like NBC television network.

Then this extremely efficient mode is completely useless.

After explaining Amo Alamuddin, Abel looked at Alan Baker.

"Alan, are the EDF people here?"

Alan Baker quickly checked the time. It was half past twelve noon.

"People from EDF are expected to arrive around mid-afternoon," Allen said.

Abel nodded, "Then let's talk here tonight. You go and inform them."

Allen quickly responded.

What Abel just threatened to Ian Conn and Richard Heisenwirt that if they don't buy Centric Group's distribution network company, they will buy EDF's Southern Distribution Network Company is true. .

But it is not comprehensive. What is comprehensive is that he wants to buy both power network companies.

Since the 1980s, the wave of privatization of state-owned enterprises in the UK began.

Many of the original British state-owned enterprises have fallen into the hands of foreign investors.

For example, the British power grid network currently has six major companies.

Of these six major companies, only two are local companies.

The other four companies are Deutsche Electricité, EDF, E.ON and Iberdrola Electricité.

The four companies belong to Germany, France and Spain respectively, and only Centric Group and Scottish Southern Power are local companies.

Now Centric Group has sold the distribution network company to Abel.

In the UK electricity network, only one company is local.

It is still a Scottish company that has never had much trouble with England.

The most important foundation of a country can be controlled in this way.

It can only be said that Mrs. Thatcher was too popular with capitalists.

As for Abel now, he wants to buy the distribution network companies of both EDF and Centric Group.

As long as the two companies are successfully integrated, the new company will suddenly become the largest power network giant in the UK, occupying at least half of the UK's electricity market.

This investment was one of dozens of projects in Europe that Abel had specially selected for him by the advisory group.

The reason why the advisory group recommends this asset is simple.

Because this type of asset involves a country’s infrastructure and is a public utility asset, its value and income source are generally linked to inflation and are supported by regulatory guarantees, making it a better safe haven asset.

To put it simply, profits are stable and asset inflation can be avoided by increasing prices.

The real estate giants in Hong Kong like to invest most in this type of monopoly company.

The reason why Abel chose to enter this field in addition to finance and media is in the UK.

It's also because he knows that Hong Kong's richest people like this kind of asset the most.

The advisory group thought he was going to make a reasonable asset allocation.

Abel is thinking about reasonable asset allocation at the same time.

After a few years or more, I will make a fortune from the rich people of Hong Kong Island.

After confirming the matters to be negotiated with the people from Electricity France in the evening.

Abel relaxed for a moment.

He said to David Jones next to him: "What is there to eat in this cafe? Let them send some food over."

David smiled and walked aside to give instructions.

Abel looked at Amo Alamuddin who came back from the phone call, smiled and waved to Legally Blonde.

"Miss Alamuddin, how about sitting down and having lunch with me? I just made an appointment with someone, maybe it's you."

Alan Baker quickly turned around and went to work on the next work.

Amo Alamuddin was of course very happy, and she came to Abel with a smile.

She sat down where the two Centric Group giants had sat just now.

"It's my pleasure, Mr. Smith." Amo Alamuddin tried his best to smile more charmingly.

Her smile made Abel feel that she looked more and more like Anne's sister.

Do you want to eat the beautiful girl delivered to your door?

Is this a problem?

It's not a problem at all.

As long as physical and physiological safety can be ensured.

Abel felt that he could handle other problems now.

Unless the person sitting in front of me is a European princess or something. Of course, Amo Alamuddin is not a princess, so the matter is simple.

Damn, the order is wrong. I'll ask the editor to adjust it tomorrow.