Reborn Capital Empire

Chapter 735 The Godfather of American Finance

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"Catherine, what I mean by waiting is not to keep Guo from developing. The apex is to give up the strategy of borrowing to develop. In the first three years, Guo's focus was on telling expansion and occupying the market. I hope that in the next three years, Guo will The focus of the company has changed to integrating the internal structure, optimizing the management structure and distribution system, and improving profit margins. We will strive to reduce the debt ratio to less than 50% in the next three years.”

Catherine thought for a moment and nodded.

"What about Universal? How are you going to integrate?"

"Integrating Global's logistics business with Guo's logistics business has become Guo's fifth business unit, which is divided into five different business types: sea transportation, land transportation, air transportation, port services, and warehouse management. Global business website as Guo's business. The sixth largest business unit, integrating Kuo's trading division, is mainly engaged in the online and offline transactions of electricity, oil, natural gas, grain, cash crops, livestock and fresh products."

"I originally wanted to acquire Dunkin' Donuts next year to expand our market in the catering sector. Now it seems that there is no chance." Catherine nodded and sighed.

Dunkin' Donuts is a fast-food chain brand specializing in the production of donuts and providing freshly ground coffee and other baked products. It is headquartered in Massachusetts, and is one of the top ten fast-food chain brands in the United States. Today it has 7,239 franchise stores in 31 countries around the world.

"Catherine, I think Starbucks is a better buy than Dunkin' Donuts."

Although Dunkin' Donuts is evenly matched with Starbucks in the United States, its internationalization is too poor. When Starbucks became a check-in destination for Chinese petty bourgeoisie, Dunkin' Dulle was just preparing to expand the Chinese market. Even Guo Shouyun had never heard of this name.

And Guo Shouyun has no interest in acquiring food brands that miss China's huge catering market.

"do you agree?"

Guo Shouyun smiled and shook his head, "It's not the time yet."

In another 20 days, we will enter 2005. Under the leadership of real estate subordinated bonds, the US economy will enter a period of prosperity, and the stock market will be booming. At this time, mergers and acquisitions are too expensive.

"I guessed you would say that!" After a pause, Catherine continued, "However, the company's scale has expanded too quickly during this period of time, and we do need a period of time to integrate the internals. In addition to integrating Universal and Guo It also takes time, so I agree with the strategy of slowing expansion.”

"So, let's discuss the details of the merger of the two companies!" Guo Shouyun continued with a smile.

Although the assets of Universal Corporation are not as large as that of Guo's Business Group, the total assets are also nearly 16 billion US dollars. When the two are merged, the new Guo's Business Group will become Guo Shouyun's second only to Pacific Energy, with total assets of 80 billion US dollars. The third largest company after Unocal. Of course, Phoenix Bank's assets are higher, but as a bank, it is fundamentally different from the way industrial companies' assets are calculated.

The internal integration of a company with $80 billion in total assets and $56 billion in liabilities is also cumbersome. So in the last period of 2004, except for a break on Christmas day, Guo Shouyun was busy with this matter.

In 2005, it was a new beginning. After temporarily putting aside his work, he took the Kunpeng to Washington.

January 5 is the time for Bush's inaugural speech after his second re-election. As one of his staunch supporters, coupled with the close cooperation between the two sides for many years, Guo Shouyun was naturally invited.

Compared to when he first came in 2000, he could only stand on the fringes, watching business dignitaries and political leaders chat. Now, he is also standing at the center of power and has become the envy of others.

"Mr. President's inaugural speech this morning was really heartening. The humiliation that 9/11 brought to the United States should be washed away by war. ... I believe voters will be more supportive of maintaining our military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan after listening to Mr. President's speech. Importance and necessity. And America will be more prosperous under Mr. President.”

Guo Shouyun said a lot of good things, and Bush Jr. was naturally elated. After all, who doesn't want to be recognized? In particular, the other party is a person who has a huge influence in the business world, especially the financial world!

"Thank you Mr. Guo for your appreciation. I just fulfilled the responsibilities and obligations of an American who loves this country, especially an American president."

"I believe that the United States of America will become even more brilliant under the leadership of Mr. President!" Guo Shouyun smiled and nodded.

"I will do my best!"

After the two clink glasses, they each took a sip of the champagne in their glasses.

"Mr. Guo also supports us in punishing Iraq?"

The slightly hoarse words attracted Guo Shouyun's attention.

Richard Bruce Cheney, a grey-haired, stocky, middle-aged white man with gold-rimmed glasses, had a stern look despite his smile. He was the vice president of the Bush administration and also the Republican whip.

The party whip first appeared in the British parliamentary system in the 17th century. By the end of the 19th century, the two parties in the U.S. Congress, drawing on the British experience, began to establish this position in the Senate and House of Representatives one after another. Its main responsibility is to coordinate within the party. It does not represent its own party in congressional affairs, and it seldom dominates exchanges and negotiations with opposing parties or the White House.

In terms of status, within the House of Representatives, he is the third largest after the speaker and party leaders. When it comes to rights, anyone who has watched the American TV series "House of Cards" must have been impressed by Underwood's ruthless wrists, who has turned upside down in the political arena and exerted great influence in national affairs.

As the Democratic whip Richard Bruce Cheney, has no less power than Underwood in "House of Cards".

The generally accepted view of Washington reporters is that he instigated Bush Jr. to carry out the Iraq War for the sake of oil, so he was likened to the dark knight Count Darth Vader, the big villain in the "Star Wars" movies.

In fact, Vice President Cheney was indeed the main driver of the Iraq War. In the words of the previous Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell, he saw an incomprehensible "fanaticism" about the Iraq war. When Bush Jr. was still hesitating about the Iraq war, he personally persuaded Bush Jr. to launch the missile that was going to kill Sa-Dam and his son, igniting the war in Iraq.

Therefore, even Guo Shouyun, who is now influential all over the world, has become cautious when he is considered by the outside world as the 'most powerful vice president in American history'.

"I endorse any act of war that is in America's interest and that is just!"

"Does Mr. Guo think the Iraq war is just?" Richard Bruschney immediately asked.

Guo Shouyun narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the guy in front of him. When the domestic public opinion in the United States has been quarreling because of the Iraq war, Guo Shouyun always feels that there is something hidden behind the other side when he asks such a question on such an occasion.

"I believe in the decision of the Congress and the President. Since the Congress and the President believe that the Iraq war is just, it is a just act of war." Guo Shouyun said after a quick thought.

In any case, standing next to Bush at this time is the safest way.

"Mr. Guo is indeed wise!" Cheney smiled.

"thanks!"

The two touched the champagne in their hands.

Bush looked back and forth on the faces of the two and smiled: "Richard, Bruce, I have to visit other people. After today is over, we will find another opportunity to chat."

The two nodded.

After watching Bush leave, Richard turned his head, "Mr. Guo, the Majinu Oilfield is so large, does Unocal have any idea of ​​seeking a partner?"

"Partner? Who is Mr. Richard referring to?"

"Halliburton Energy, they have a very solid foundation in the energy field in the Middle East, and I believe they can help Mr. Guo to open up the situation here."

Guo Shouyun's eyes flashed with surprise. Richard Bruce Cheney was CEO of Halliburton Energy in the last century.

"I can't answer Mr. Cheney right away. You know I'm not alone in Unocal right now."

"There are other people who share the risk. I don't think Unocal's board of directors will have an opinion. Moreover, Mr. Guo occupies the majority of Unocal's shares."

Guo Shouyun smiled lightly, "The shareholders of Unocal can't be easily persuaded just by virtue of their equity. Mr. Cheney knows this better than me."

After the two exchanged eyes for a moment, Richard Bruschney smiled slightly.

"What Mr. Guo said is very true. But I still hope that this matter will have a good outcome."

"I hope so too!"

"I want to see other friends, so I'll say goodbye first."

"goodbye!"

Looking at the back of him leaving, Guo Shouyun's eyes narrowed slightly. At the stalls where Iraqi oil resources are to be allocated, more and more ghosts and demons want to pounce on it.

"Mr. Guo...!"

The voice from behind made Guo Shouyun turn around subconsciously. The middle-aged man who appeared in front of him with slightly bald hair, large black-rimmed glasses, and an indescribable smile on his face made him subconsciously respect him.

"Mr. Greenspan!"

During the Clinton era, the United States created a "zero-inflation" economic miracle under his leadership. If he sprays, the global economy will 'rain'.

When it comes to status and influence, as many media have said: it doesn't matter who is the president, as long as Greenspan is the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

It is precisely because he realizes that he has too much influence, in order not to have too much impact on the market, Greenspan's speech has always been vague, and his famous words came into being: "If you think you understand me exactly. The meaning of the speech. Then, you must have misunderstood what I said."

In 2007, Guo Shouyun did not dare to neglect the old fox who stepped down as the chairman of the Federal Reserve before the subprime mortgage crisis and left the mess to his successor, Ben Berkenan.

After the two shook hands, Greensfan glanced at the glass in Guo Shouyun's hand.

"Mr. Guo, do you want a change? The waiter is over there. I can call him over for you."

After glancing at the champagne that was almost bottoming out in his hand, he smiled and shook his head.

"Forget it. Talking to Mr. Greenspan, a clear head is the most important thing!"

"Oh why?"

"If you can analyze some future US financial policy trends from your words, Phoenix Bank will be able to prepare early and maybe make a fortune." Guo Shouyun said with a smile.

"Haha! Mr. Guo is very funny. However, I wouldn't easily say such an important thing in social situations."

Guo Shouyun shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Getting to know Mr. Greensfan is the biggest gain today!"

"This kind of evaluation really makes me feel a little ashamed! ... Knowing a business genius like Mr. Guo is also my biggest gain tonight."

"Now I think I should call the waiter over here."

With that said, Guo Shouyun followed his words and really called the waiter to fill his glass.

"Mr. Greensfan, I hope this glass of Moët & Chandon is the beginning of a good friendship between us!"

"I hope so too!"

"Ding…!"

Accompanied by the light and pleasant collision sound, the two smiled at each other ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ and drank the champagne in their glasses.

"Mr. Guo is an elite in the financial world. What do you think of the current state of the U.S. economy?" Greensfan asked after letting the waiter refill his glass.

"Very good. Driven by Mr. Greensfan's loose credit and financial policies, the United States has come out of the economic trough brought about by the Nasdaq crisis and 9/11. The growth rate in 2004 has shown a lot of problems."

"It is true that gdp is growing. But the industrial production index, capacity utilization rate, sim manufacturing index, have increased by less than 2%, and the government deficit has increased by 5.7%. This is not a good phenomenon!"

"Maybe this is just a temporary change brought about by the war." Guo Shouyun smiled.

"War? Maybe! But I'm curious, why does Mr. Guo insist on allowing Phoenix Bank to implement such a strict real estate loan review policy? You must know that financial institutions across the United States are now vying for home loans. Moreover, Wall Street's leverage on real estate bonds is constantly increasing. rise."

"I'm just following the most basic business principles. Reviewing the repayment ability of lenders and providing loans reasonably are just the most basic principles of commercial banks."

"Of course it is good to have principles. However, if it remains the same, I am afraid that profits will flow to competitors."

"Maybe. But Phoenix's 2004 financial statements were no worse than competitors like Wells Fargo and Citigroup. So we don't need to change anything."

Greensfan looked directly into his eyes and said in a erratic tone, "But why do I always think that Mr. Guo noticed something?"

Looking at the deep eyes of the other party, Guo Shouyun froze in his heart, and secretly said: "This guy's intuition is really sharp."

In the face of the living fossil figures in the American financial industry, Guo Shouyun put away all his thoughts and dealt with it with all his strength.