Chapter 735: The Godfather of American Finance

……

"Catherine, what I call waiting is not for Guo to not develop. Vertex X 23 U S but abandon the strategy of borrowing for development. In the first three years, Guo's focus was on telling to expand and occupy the market. I hope that in the next three years, Kwok's focus will shift to integrating internally, 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 it?"

"Integrating the global logistics business with Kuok's logistics business has become the fifth largest business unit of Kuok's, which is divided into five different business types: sea transportation, land transportation, air transportation, port services, and warehouse management. As the sixth largest business unit of Kuok's, Global Business Website integrates Kuok's trading division, focusing on online and offline transactions of electricity, oil, gas, grain, cash crops, livestock and fresh products. ”

"Originally, I wanted to prepare to acquire Dunkin' Donutor next year to expand our market in the food and beverage sector. Now it seems that there is no chance. Catherine nodded and sighed.

Dunkin' Donut is a fast-food chain brand specializing in the production of doughnuts and providing freshly ground coffee and other bakery products, headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, 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.

"Katherine, I think Starbucks is more worth buying than Dunkin' Donuts. ”

Although Dunkin' Donut is on par with Starbucks in the United States, it has done too poorly to internationalize. By the time Starbucks became a check-in destination for Chinese petty bourgeoisie, Dunkin' Donut was just preparing to expand the Chinese market. Even Guo Shouyun had never heard of this name for a while.

As for the food brands that missed the huge catering market in China, Guo Shouyun had little interest in acquiring them.

"You agree?"

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

In 2005, led by real estate subordinated bonds, the U.S. economy will enter a boom period, and the stock market will be red, and mergers and acquisitions will be too expensive at this time.

"I guessed you'd say that!" Catherine continued, after a pause, "but the company is growing so fast these days, and it does take us a while to consolidate internally. In addition, it will take time to integrate Universal and Kwok's, so I agreed with the strategy of slowing down the 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 Company are not as large as those of Guo's Commercial Group, its total assets are also nearly 16 billion US dollars, and the merger of the two companies will make the new Guo's Commercial Group the third largest company under Guo Shouyun after Pacific Energy and Unocal with total assets of 80 billion US dollars. Of course, Phoenix Bank's assets are higher, but as a bank, there is a fundamental difference in the way the assets are calculated from industrial companies.

Consolidating a company with $80 billion in total assets and $56 billion in liabilities is also a cumbersome affair. 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 putting aside the work at hand for a while, he came to Washington aboard the Kunpeng.

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

Compared to 2000, when he first arrived, he could only stand on the sidelines, watching business elites and political bigwigs talk. Now, he is also standing at the center of power and has become the envy of others.

"Mr. President's inaugural address in the morning was really inspiring, and the shame that 911 brought to the United States should be washed away by war. … I am confident that voters, after listening to Mr. President's speech, will be more supportive of the importance and necessity of maintaining our military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. And the United States will become more prosperous under the leadership of Mr. President. ”

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

"Thank you Mr. Guo for your appreciation. I'm just doing my duty as an American who loves this country, especially as an American president. ”

"I believe that the United States of America will become even more brilliant under the leadership of Mr. President!" Guo Shouyun said with a smile and a nod.

"I'll do my best!"

The two clinked glasses and took a sip of champagne from each glass.

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

The slightly hoarse words attracted Guo Shouyun's attention.

Richard Bruce Cheney, a middle-aged white man with gray hair, short stature, and gold-rimmed glasses, gives a cold and harsh feel despite his smile. He is vice president of the Bush administration and also a Republican whip.

The whip first appeared in the British parliamentary system in the 17th century, and by the end of the 19th century, the two parties in the US Congress began to create this position in the Senate and the House of Representatives, drawing on the experience of the United Kingdom. Its main responsibility is to coordinate within the party, and it does not represent its own party in congressional affairs, and it rarely leads 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 the party leader. When it comes to rights, anyone who has watched the American drama "House of Cards" must be deeply impressed by Underwood, who is ruthless in the political arena and exerts great influence in national affairs.

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

The accepted view of Washington reporters is that he instigated George W. Bush to carry out the Iraq War for the sake of oil, so he has been compared to the villain of the "Star Wars" movie - Count Darth Vader, the Dark Knight.

In fact, Vice President Dick Cheney was indeed the main driver of the Iraq war. In the words of the previous Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell, he saw a certain incomprehensible 'fanaticism' about the Iraq war. When George W. Bush was still hesitating about the Iraq war, he personally persuaded George W. Bush to launch the missile that was about to blow up the Sa ~ Damm father and son, igniting the war in Iraq.

Therefore, when the outside world is considered to be 'the most powerful vice president in American history', even Guo Shouyun, who now has influence all over the world, has become cautious.

"I approve of any act of war that is in the interests of the United States and is just!"

"Does Mr. Guo think the Iraq war was just?" asked Richard Bruce Cheney next.

Guo Shouyun's eyes narrowed slightly, looking at the guy in front of him. At a time when public opinion in the United States has turned up because of the Iraq war, asking such a question on such an occasion, Guo Shouyun always feels that there seems to be something hidden behind the other party.

"I trust Congress and Mr. President's decision-making. Since Congress and Mr. President believe that the war in Iraq is just, it is a just act of war. Guo Shouyun thought quickly and said.

In any case, standing by George W. Bush's side is the safest way to do this.

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

"Thank you!"

The two touched the champagne in their hands.

George W. Bush smiled after surveying their faces back and forth, "Richard, Bruce, I'm going to have a look at the others." When the day is over, we'll have another chance to chat. ”

The two nodded.

After seeing George W. Bush leave, Richard turned his head, "Mr. Guo, with such a large volume of Majinu Oilfield, does Unocal have any ideas for seeking a partner?"

"Partner, who is Mr. Richard referring to?"

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

A hint of abruptness flashed in Guo Shouyun's eyes. Richard Bruce Cheney was the 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, and I don't think Unocal's board of directors will have an opinion. Moreover, Mr. Guo occupies a majority of Unocal's shares. ”

Guo Shouyun smiled faintly, "Unocal's shareholders are not easily persuaded by virtue of equity alone, and Mr. Cheney knows this better than me. ”

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

What Mr. Guo said was very true. Still, I hope for a good outcome in this matter. ”

"I hope so, too!"

"I still want to see other friends, so I'll take my leave. ”

"Goodbye!"

Looking at his departing back, Guo Shouyun's eyes narrowed slightly. In the stalls where Iraq's oil resources will be allocated, there are more and more bulls, ghosts, snakes, and gods who want to pounce on them and get a piece of the pie.

"Mr. Guo...!"

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

"Mr. Grimes!"

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 president, as long as Greenspan is the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

It is precisely because of the realization that his influence is too great, in order not to bring too much impact on the market, Greenspan's speech has always been vague, hence his famous quote: "If you think you understand exactly what I am saying." Well, you must have misunderstood what I said. ”

In 2007, Guo Shouyun stepped down as chairman of the Federal Reserve before the subprime mortgage crisis and dumped the mess on his successor, Ben Burknang, Guo Shouyun did not dare to slack off.

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

"Mr. Guo, would you like to change the glass? The waiter is over there, I can help you call him over." ”

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

"Forget it. When communicating with Mr. Greensfan, it is most important to have a clear head!"

"Oh, why?"

"If we can analyze some future trends of U.S. financial policy from your words, Phoenix Bank will be able to prepare early, and maybe it will be able to make some money. Guo Shouyun said with a smile.

"Hehe! Mr. Guo is very funny. However, I don't make it easy to say something so important in a social setting. ”

Guo Shouyun shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Getting to know Mr. Grimes is the biggest takeaway of the day!"

"I was a little ashamed to take such an assessment... Being able to meet a business wizard like Mr. Guo was also my biggest takeaway this evening. ”

"Now I think I should call the waiter. ”

Saying that, Guo Shouyun did as he said, and really called the waiter and asked him to fill his wine glass.

"Monsieur Grimesfan, I hope this glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne is the beginning of a good friendship between us!"

"I hope so, too!"

"Ding...!"

With the light and pleasant sound of collision, the two looked at each other and smiled, and each drank the champagne in the glass.

"Mr. Guo is an elite in the financial world, what do you think of the current state of the American economy?" asked Greens after letting the waiter refill his glass.

"Very nice. 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 911, and the growth rate of % in 2004 has explained a lot. ”

"GDP is really growing. However, the industrial production index, capacity utilization rate, and SIM manufacturing index increased by less than 2%, and the government deficit increased by 5.7%. That's not a good sign!"

"Maybe it's just a temporary change brought about by the war. Guo Shouyun smiled.

But I'm curious as to why Mr. Guo insisted that Phoenix Bank implement such a strict real estate loan approval policy? And Wall Street's leverage on real estate bonds is rising. ”

"I'm just following the most basic business principles. Reviewing the borrower's ability to repay and providing a reasonable loan is only the most basic criterion for commercial banks. ”

"Of course it's good to be principled. However, if it is set in stone, I am afraid that the profits will flow to the competitors. ”

"Maybe. However, Phoenix's 2004 financial statements showed no worse profitability than its competitors such as Wells Fargo and Citigroup. So we don't need to change anything. ”

Greens looked him in the eye and said in a wandering tone, "But why do I always think that Mr. Guo has noticed something?"

Looking at the other party's deep eyes, Guo Shouyun's heart sank, and he said secretly: "This guy's intuition is really keen." ”

In the face of living fossil-level figures in the American financial industry, Guo Shouyun put away all his thoughts and tried his best to deal with it.