Chapter 1022: Let the French have no water to drink

French Vivendi is a company that can be considered legendary. In 1994, Vivendi was just a water company in France, but four years later it became the second largest media empire in the world. From "old-fashioned"

From a water company to a glamorous media empire, Vivendi has completed a transformation. But it has also laid the foundation for its own disaster because of its rapid expansion.

In 2000, Vivendi's revenue was as high as US$38.6 billion, ranking 91 among the world's top 500 companies. But after entering 2002, the company's financial statements clearly listed a huge deficit of US$34 billion in debt. In order to fill this huge

Due to the financial hole, Vivendi had to sell 11 billion US dollars of assets within two years to alleviate the serious financial crisis. Otherwise, Vivendi will face the danger of bankruptcy!

At present, Vivendi President Messier has sold a large number of bad businesses, such as houghton and other publishing houses, canal+ technology, seagram art, mp3 websites and some telecommunications departments, including some excellent acquisitions that were swallowed up during the previous rapid expansion, but were not as good as the integration.

Asset companies. The sale of these companies has brought a large amount of cash to Vivendi, but at present, Vivendi still needs about 4 billion US dollars to fill the hole. If it cannot be filled, Vivendi will be like a "myth"

Messier, the existing president, is in danger of being forcibly dismissed.

In fact, based on Vivendi's current debt, Messier should have been fired long ago. This is just because Vivendi has not been able to find the most suitable replacement, and Messier has failed to sell these non-performing assets.

The efficiency brought about made many directors of Vivendi decide to give Messier another chance. After all, he was once a hero of Vivendi, and they hoped that Messier, a former hero, could lead Vivendi out of trouble.

However, Vivendi's board of directors only gave Messier one year. Before the full-year financial statements are released, Messier must raise US$11 billion to fill this hole. As of now, there is only less than 1 year left.

January. Messier must raise $11 billion by the end of December 2003.

There is less than one month left!

At this critical time, Lin Feng contacted Messier.

New York, Vivendi U.S. headquarters.

It was quite a surprise when Lin Feng walked into the Vivendi U.S. headquarters in New York. The luxury of this Vivendi New York headquarters is far more luxurious than the Vivendi headquarters in France, and its president Messier works in New York all year round and rarely returns to the French headquarters.

As for company meetings, they are often held via video conference. There have been rumors from the outside that Messier, a Frenchman, has become Americanized and moved his office to New York so that he can be closer to those Hollywood superstars.

Originally, Lin Feng didn’t quite believe these rumors, but after stepping into Messier’s luxurious office, Lin Feng believed it. Looking at the walls covered with photos of Messier and Hollywood superstars, Lin Feng had to admit that these rumors from the outside world were false.

It's true, at least partially true.

"Hello, Mr. Lin!" Although Messier was surrounded by enemies, his eyes still showed absolute confidence.

Lin Feng smiled.

"Hello, Mr. Messier! You should be very clear about my purpose of coming!" Lin Feng placed the contract he had prepared in front of Messier's desk.

Messier tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Lin Feng had already received a simple contract, which showed that Lin Feng wanted to acquire Blizzard Entertainment for US$1.2 billion.

1.2 billion U.S. dollars, which is a sum of money that cannot be underestimated for the current Vivendi company. It plays a key role in Messier's capital recovery plan at this final juncture. However, Messier feels that 12 Selling Blizzard for $100 million is too cheap.

1.8 billion US dollars! - Messier came up with his own quotation. This is a relatively reasonable price.

"Mr. Lin, although Vivendi is currently in trouble, I can still distinguish between bad assets and good assets. Vivendi is by no means a supermarket!" Messier said.

During this period, due to the huge debt crisis, Vivendi sold many assets, which also attracted companies from various countries to take advantage of the situation. For example, it sold Houghton Mifflin, one of the largest educational publishers in the United States, It was sold to Thomas H. Lee Associates and Bain Investments for $1.68 billion, a full $500 million less than Vivendi Universal purchased it a year ago, and of course, there is more. In short, Vivendi has suddenly become a "hot cake" in the mouth of the outside world. This makes Messier, who has always been extremely self-admired, extremely dissatisfied.

Now Lam Feng wants to take away Blizzard for a mere US$1.2 billion, which is absolutely impossible.

Lin Feng smiled. The price of 1.2 billion is just a bargain for Messier. Is Blizzard only worth 1.8 billion US dollars? - Lin Feng smiled. As long as "World of Warcraft" comes out, Lin Feng believes that within three years, its profits will be Can make money back.

However, Lin Feng did not immediately agree to Messier's "lion's big mouth". Lin Feng had other plans.

"Mr. Messier, I got a rumor that if you can't raise 11 billion US dollars in funds by the end of the month, you, the legendary hero of Vivendi, will be dismissed from the board of directors..." Lin Feng chirped, I believe Messier already understands what it means.

"What do you mean?" Although Messier was authoritarian and extremely personal, he was not angry at Lin Feng's words because he heard the implication in Lin Feng's words.

"It's very simple, Blizzard sells it to me for US$1.2 billion, and I'll help you solve the remaining funding problems." Lin Feng said, snapping his fingers.

Messier’s brows jumped!

If according to what Lin Feng said, Messier sold Blizzard in exchange for US$1.2 billion in cash, then there is still US$2.8 billion to fill this huge hole. Then Lin Feng will help provide him with US$2.8 billion in cash? What is Lin Feng going to do? .

"Mr. Messier, you should know that I own three banks, 'Second Bank', 'Bank of East Asia', and 'Standard Bank of South Africa'. I believe that providing billions of dollars to Vivendi is not a big problem. ." Lin Feng said with a smile.

"Price!" Messier said solemnly. There is no free lunch in the world. Currently, Vivendi's credit rating has been downgraded from BBB1 (average credit, basic ability to pay, slight risk) by Moody's, a world-famous rating agency. By B3 (poor credit, unstable payment ability in the near future, and high risk), it can be said to have a rubbish reputation. At this time, Lin Feng's bank is still willing to inject capital into Vivendi, which means taking a considerable risk. Risk With such a huge risk investment, Lin Feng would not be doing good deeds. He must have an agenda!

"Mr. Messier, I want you to use 20.4% of the shares of Vivendi Environmental Protection Company and 12.34% of the shares of NBC owned by Vivendi as collateral!" Lin Feng stared at Messier and said.

Messier frowned! He had already thought that Lin Feng would have something up his sleeve, but he didn't expect that Lin Feng's request would be so weird. Vivendi Environmental Protection Company, formerly the largest water company in France, supplies most of France's water supply companies.

Residential water supply, garbage disposal, and environmental protection business. In Vivendi's view, this is a rather "old-fashioned" industry. Why does Lin Feng, an IT elite, want such an "old-fashioned" industry?

As for "nbc" (National Broadcasting Corporation of the United States), Messier very much agrees with Lin Feng's request, which is in line with Lin Feng's interests. Lin Feng himself owns "Second Entertainment", which involves television, movies, records and other industries.

Moreover, Lin Feng also owns the "fsn-houston" TV station. If he can own shares in the "NBC" company, it will be a considerable complement to Lin Feng, which is enough to take Lin Feng's "Second Entertainment" to a higher level.

However, just US$2.8 billion is obviously not enough to get Messier to agree to such a contract.

"Mr. Lin, I require a capital injection of US$7 billion! If the banks under your consortium can lend Vivendi US$7 billion, I will agree to your conditions!" Messier said in a deep voice.

7 billion US dollars, after deducting the US$11 billion cash hole, Vivendi still has US$4.2 billion in liquidity, enough for Messier to make a comeback again! This time Messier was isolated by the board of directors and issued a time-limited order.

Messier considered it a great shame and humiliation, and he must take revenge.

Lin Feng was stunned. He didn't expect that Messier would actually ask for a capital injection of US$7 billion. However, this was not a big problem for the three banks under Lin Feng. Of course, Messier and Victoria couldn't be so cheap.

Wangdi. It's Messier's Good Friday now. If Lin Feng doesn't take the opportunity to knock it down, he would be really sorry for himself.

In the end, after some hard and short bargaining, Lin Feng's "Second Bank", "Bank of East Asia" and "South Africa Standard Bank" jointly invested US$7 billion to finance Vivendi with a low-interest loan of 3.2%

. And Vivendi used 20.4% of Vivendi Environmental Protection Company’s shares, 12.34% of NBC’s shares, and 5% of Vivendi’s own shares as collateral. Of course, these are mainly Vivendi Environmental Protection Company’s shares.

And NBC's stock is valuable. If Vivendi cannot repay the loan by then, its company's stock will definitely be worthless, and 5% of the stock will naturally be worthless.

Of course, what Lin Feng gained even more was that Messier agreed to sell Blizzard to Lin Feng for US$1 billion. This is also the balance of this financing agreement. Now Vivendi's credit is unable to loan US$7 billion.

If Lin Feng showed his sincerity, Messier would have to show his sincerity. Therefore, Messier gave Lin Feng another discount on the sale of Blizzard.

In exchange for a US$7 billion loan for a company that has been launching a game for several years, Messier thinks it is worth it! What’s more, if Messier wants to continue to sit down as the president of Vivendi, Lin Feng’s bank will

Financial assistance was indispensable. It can be said that Messier had no choice.

But when the news came out, the whole world was shocked.

Vivendi's debt crisis has always been the focus of much attention from the outside world, especially Messier because of his legendary status, which has led to speculation about whether Messier will step down and whether Messier will complete his redemption. However, the outside world

It is generally believed that Messier is finished! If Vivendi wants to regain its momentum, it must replace Messier, who is autocratic, autocratic and extremely self-worshipping.

Unexpectedly, just when the outside world thought that Messier's resignation was certain, things took a shocking turn. No one expected that Lin Feng would suddenly come to the aid of Vivendi.

US$7 billion in funding Vivendi! From the outside, this is simply ridiculous. A company that is saddled with a debt crisis of US$34 billion, and its institutions are bloated. It has repeatedly carried out large-scale financing and mergers and acquisitions, but has not integrated and digested the company.

, is not worth investing at all. Not to mention US$7 billion, even US$70,000 is a waste. Especially with the existence of Messier, a "lone wolf", it is impossible for Vivendi to see the light of day again.

But it happened that Lin Feng funded Vivendi, and the amount was US$7 billion. This made the outside world very confused and incomprehensible.

The media from various countries also ruthlessly criticized this business behavior. They believed that Lin Feng had lost his mind and invested US$7 billion in Vivendi. They believed that Lin Feng's irrational and reckless investment would

It has brought a large amount of non-performing assets to its own "Second Bank", "Bank of East Asia" and "Standard Bank of South Africa", and may even affect the three banks in the future.

(Some financial groups around the world are also paying close attention to Lam Feng’s investment incident! They are paying close attention to Lam Feng’s investment and are constantly calculating it!)

Compared with the criticism of Lin Feng by European and American countries, the French media sang praises for Lin Feng, believing that Lin Feng was France's best friend. Since the rise of Vivendi, Vivendi has become the pride of France.

It has become the second largest media empire in the world in four years. This is an achievement that others cannot imagine. This makes the French, the "Gaul Rooster", very proud. However, the Vivendi crisis that broke out last year made the French feel depressed. This once was

The miracle company is actually facing the threat of bankruptcy, which is really embarrassing for the proud French people.

Fortunately, now that Lin Feng's appearance has saved Vivendi, the French are naturally very fond of Lin Feng. Even French President Nicolas Sarkozy claimed that Lin Feng, a Chinese, may have done the most correct thing in his life.

For a decision, he paid 7 billion US dollars, but what he gained was the friendship of the French.

Sarkozy even threatened to invite Lin Feng to dinner to discuss deeper cooperation between the two parties if given the opportunity.

Regarding Sarkozy's invitation, Lin Feng just smiled and did not respond. With this investment, Lin Feng has achieved his goal, but I am afraid that the outside world does not know the real purpose of Lin Feng's trip.

Lin Feng is willing to invest this time for three reasons: first, to acquire Blizzard, second, Vivendi Environmental Protection Company, and third, France's favor.

Now, Lin Feng can acquire Blizzard for US$1 billion, and Lin Feng's first goal has been achieved perfectly.

As for coveting the shares of Vivendi Environmental Protection Company, it seems very strange to the outside world. I don’t understand how Lin Feng would want to get the shares of Vivendi Environmental Protection Company. This has nothing to do with Lin Feng’s industry.

Indeed, the shares of Vivendi Environmental Protection Company have nothing to do with Lin Feng's company, but are related to China. After Lin Feng was reborn, with the development of his career and the expansion of his horizons, he had a new understanding of the world. Entering the 21st century

From now on, the world will be a hot, flat, and crowded world.

The world is "hot" because the burning of various fossil fuels, as well as the application of various electrical appliances and vehicles, have caused the world's average temperature to continue to rise, making the earth hotter and hotter.

The world is said to be "flat" because the rise of the Internet has made communication unlimited and everything in the world can be connected through the Internet.

The world is said to be "crowded" because of the population explosion. The earth has begun to be unable to bear the various impacts brought about by the population explosion, such as the environment, humanities, etc.

China, in particular, is the most populous country in the world and a country with rapid economic development. Some scientists once predicted that if China maintains its population at 1.3 billion and its economy reaches the level of the United States, the world will become a furnace.

, at the same time, China will become a country uninhabitable. Because of China's large amount of carbon emissions, it will cause a sharp rise in world temperature. Think about if 1.3 billion people have one car, one refrigerator, and one per capita.

If the current per capita living standards in the United States include air conditioners, microwave ovens, washing machines, etc., the carbon emissions of that day will be an extremely scary figure.

While economic development brings a lot of carbon emissions, it will also bring about a lot of environmental pollution problems. As for carbon emissions, Lin Feng cannot solve it. Unless Lin Feng can develop new energy, this problem cannot be solved. After all, if the country wants to develop, the people must

If you want to be rich, whoever stands in the way will be abandoned by the people.

Since carbon emissions cannot be changed, Lin Feng hopes to make more efforts in environmental protection. France is undoubtedly the world's leading country in environmental protection technology, and its technology in environmental protection is world-leading. And maintenance

Vendi Environmental Protection Company is a leader in France. If Lin Feng acquires Vivendi Environmental Protection Company, he will bring France's leading environmental protection technology back to China, so that China's environment will no longer be destroyed by rapid economic development. Lin Feng

I hope that Chinese people will not be able to drive cars in the future. When we take a plane, the entire motherland is already in a mess.
To be continued...