"Transfer?"

Rand was very surprised by Tang Bao's proposal, and at the same time, he couldn't help but be moved. The acquisition of FirstWisconsin International Bank's operations in only five states would significantly reduce the cost of acquisition.

"Yes, when East West Bank acquires First Wisconsin International Bank, it will spin off its operations in five states, including Arizona, and sell it to Wells Fargo." Tang Bao solemnly repeated one side, obviously, relying only on Wagner's face, it is difficult to make Rand withdraw directly from the competition. And if the competition continues, Wells Fargo will definitely continue some of its previous tactics and continue to smear East West Bank.

Benefit-sharing is the most effective solution. Wells Fargo acquires operations in five states, while Tang Bao swallows the overall framework of FirstWisconsin International Bank.

"Good!"

After a moment's consideration, Rand happily agreed, and it was a win-win ending. It would be no good for anyone to continue the endless fighting.

Soon.

Tang Bao and Rand reached a consensus on cooperation, "Happy cooperation! ”

……

Citigroup stated that it was willing to take a stake in East West Bank!

Wells Fargo announced that it has withdrawn from the bid for FirstWisconsin International Bank!

Saying.

After a secret meeting with Lanter, Tang Bao persuaded the other party to withdraw voluntarily, and then successively found the major shareholders of FirstWisconsin International Bank and conducted in-depth negotiations one by one. The results were also very encouraging, and the major shareholders of FirstWisconsin International Bank were attracted by Tang Bao's terms and agreed to East West Bank's acquisition plan.

on this.

Tang Bao was also very satisfied.

……

Syllable.

"Damn, what the hell is going on?" After Edward finished reading today's news, his whole mood suddenly became terrible.

Wells Fargo, as his competitor, suddenly withdrew at this moment, and Edward did not mean to be happy at all, but was in a heavy mood.

There is only one reason. Next. First International Cincinnati will face off against its strongest competitor, East West Bank.

Pity.

According to the intelligence data, First International Cincinnati and East West Bank competed, and even if the bid was higher, there was no obvious advantage.

"Hey."

Edward adjusted his irritability and calmly picked up the phone.

"Edward, I'm sorry to inform you that you are out of negotiations to acquire FirstWisconsin International Bank." Fitner said.

What the? Out?

Edward was momentarily stunned, and only came to his senses a few seconds later. Immediately said urgently: "President Fitzner, First International Cincinnati has always shown enough sincerity, what do you mean by being out?" ”

"The Board of Directors has decided to accept the acquisition of East West Bank!" Feitner paraphrased the board's decision.

"Uh."

Edward was caught off guard by the sudden news, he had no idea that FirstWisconsin International Bank would make a decision so quickly.

"President Feitner, why, why is the decision made so urgently. If FirstWisconsin International Bank is not satisfied with our offer, it is perfectly fine to continue the negotiation. We will show enough sincerity and give a satisfactory price......" Edward still didn't want to give up. "How much East West Bank is bidding. We are willing to add another 10% premium to East West Bank's bid! ”

Feitner shook his head, "East West Bank's purchase price has not changed, and the offer remains at $1.8 billion. ”

"Only $1.8 billion? Oh, my God. Our offer is $2.6 billion...... Are you all crazy? Edward exclaimed, and then, feeling lost, the shareholders of FirstWisconsin International Bank were not fools. Giving up the high offer and choosing East West Bank in favor of it must have gotten something he didn't expect. It's also a benefit they can't provide.

……

"Boss, congratulations on getting what you wanted." Nick congratulated with a smile, and following Tang Bao's side, he naturally understood how much Tang Bao cared about FirstWisconsin International Bank.

Scold.

Tang Bao smiled.

Although the board of directors of FirstWisconsin International Bank approved, Tang Bao's completion of the acquisition was not so simple. U.S. government officials have long been clamoring for restrictions on the veto of East West Bank's acquisition and expansion, and it is hard to say whether it will be able to get regulatory approval this time.

Even......

Tang Bao knew in his heart that the acquisition was more likely to be rejected!

Night.

Tang Bao decided to visit Mrs. Annette again, knowing that the attitude of the U.S. government was crucial to the successful acquisition of FirstWisconsin International Bank. And the one who can help him in this regard is naturally Mrs. Annette, who has deep connections and resources in American politics.

"Don, you're in a hurry to come over for the acquisition of FirstWisconsin International Bank, right?" After Mrs. Annette invited Tang Bao to take a seat, she said with a smile.

"Hmm."

Tang Bao smiled awkwardly.

Mrs. Annette just helped him out of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of the United States a few days ago, and she hasn't thanked him properly.

"It's all talked."

Lady Annette asked in surprise.

"Yes, the board of directors of FirstWisconsin International Bank has agreed to the acquisition of East West Bank, but it has not been announced to the public for fear of causing a storm." Tang Bao also did not hide that after solving the run crisis of East West Bank, he has been busy promoting the acquisition of FirstWisconsin International Bank. "Mrs. Annette, whether East West Bank can successfully acquire FirstWisconsin International Bank is only one last step."

Hear the words.

Lady Annette smiled and nodded, she certainly understood what the last step meant. "Don, you're finally shrewd this time."

"Huh?"

Tang Bao was puzzled, not knowing what Lady Annette was referring to.

"You're right to not be reckless in announcing the news in advance, FirstWisconsin International Bank is a huge bank, and many people and officials don't want to see it bought by foreign capital. This caused panic and concern in them...... This affects the attitude of the regulatory authorities. ”

Tang Bao agreed with this very much, he was afraid that after the news was announced, it would cause public indignation, demonstrations, boycotts, and stirred up the acquisition case. The decision-making of U.S. regulators seems to be very fair and rational, but in fact, many times they are subject to external pressure and influence.

"It's a very sensible and smart decision to talk to government regulators in advance, and it will save you a lot of unnecessary headaches."

Mrs. Annette pondered for a moment and suggested, "This time, East West Bank has acquired FirstWisconsin International Bank. At the very least, you need to communicate with the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the Foreign Investment Commission to get their understanding and agreement to ensure success. ”

Well.

Tang Bao nodded in agreement.

"Tang, in fact, the most complicated and tricky thing is the newly established Foreign Investment Committee, which involves many departmental interests and is very complex."

"Mrs. Annette, do you mean that if the East West Bank acquisition hits an obstacle, it will inevitably be the Committee on Foreign Investment?"

Tang Bao frowned.

"Yes."

Mrs. Annette confirmed.

"But. Isn't your friend McVeigh also a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in China? Tang Bao felt that with McVeigh's help, it shouldn't be a big problem. To be honest, after Tang Bao learned that McVeigh was one of the members of the Committee on Foreign Investment. put their hopes on him, and even thought that the Committee on Foreign Investment was the best solution. Lady Annette, however, had the exact opposite view of him.

"Don, you're not right. McVeigh is a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment. Decisions will definitely be made based on their own ideas, and it is impossible to be influenced by outsiders. Mrs. Annette shook her head.

Hear the words.

Tang Bao could only apologize helplessly, but thought in his heart. Not under your influence, how is it possible?

"CFIUS involves representatives of more than a dozen agencies, and if one member raises a challenge, the takeover will be investigated. McVeigh is the president's assistant to economic policy, but he doesn't have as much power in this institution as you might think. This institution is dominated by the Ministry of Finance! Lady Annette explained.

Survey?

Tang Bao was anxious.

If CFIUS were to investigate the East West Bank takeover, it would inevitably be influenced by the outside world, which would be really dangerous. The most effective way to do this is to persuade U.S. regulators to approve East West Bank's acquisition of FirstWisconsin International Bank.

"Well, Mrs. Annette, the acquisition of East West Bank cannot be investigated, and the veto will be a long night." Tang Bao said.

"Don, you said that East West Bank can't be investigated, don't you ......?"

"No, Lady Annette, you misunderstood me. There's absolutely nothing wrong with everything that East West Bank is doing, and I'm worried that there will be opponents who will make trouble during the government investigation. You should know that some time ago, East West Bank was suppressed by some competitors. ”

"Hmm."

Mrs. Annette nodded understandingly, she also knew that Tang Bao's concern was justified. "Huh, Tang, I'm not sure about this matter, I can only say try my best. CFIUS is a nascent body, and not every member will give me face. ”

"Hmm."

Tang Bao hummed lightly, as long as Mrs. Annette promised to help as much as she could, he would be at ease.

……

Tang Bao and Mrs. Annette discussed various issues for a long time, and it was not until more than one o'clock in the morning that Tang Bao said goodbye and got up to leave.

The next day, in the morning.

Tang Bao and Mrs. Annette went to the Federal Reserve together and had in-depth communication with Fed officials, who quickly expressed their approval of the acquisition of East West Bank.

Day 3, morning.

The original plan was to go to the Treasury Department, but today is the weekend, and Treasury Secretary Baker is on vacation. Tang Bao and Mrs. Annette went directly to Baker's house to visit. Somewhat different from Tang Bao's imagination, Baker was an amiable person, listened carefully to Tang Bao's interpretation of East West Bank, and decisively agreed to the acquisition. The whole meeting lasted just over half an hour and was unusually smooth.

After the conversation, Baker also warmly invited Tang Bao and Mrs. Annette to stay for dinner.

Both the Fed and the Treasury Department have passed the review, and as long as CFIUS has no objection to the takeover, it's done.

…… (To be continued......)