The Magician’s Memorial - Chapter 94



Only Krnovel

Episode 94. WIN-WIN (2)

Why do presidents like Korean-style restaurants so much?

The meeting place with CL Group Chairman Koh Seung-taek was also a Korean-style restaurant located in Cheongdam-dong.

“Nice to meet you. This is Ko Seung-taek of CL Group. “You’re much taller than I heard.”

“It is truly an honor to meet you. “This is Kim Min-jae, general manager of Taewo Group.”

After a brief greeting, the meal began.

Perhaps because he came from a noble family, he refrained from talking as much as possible during meals and only focused on the food.

It was only after the table was cleared that Chairman Koh Seung-taek got to the point.

“I heard that you want a big deal with our CL Group. Do you really want to exchange Taewoo Card for the department store?”

“Shouldn’t we comply with the government’s policies as much as possible?”

“Chairman Kim has been very interested in telecommunications for a long time. But I can’t figure out why they want the battery division.”

Everyone expected that the secondary battery market would grow.

Therefore, Chairman Koh Seung-taek established a new battery division and was developing secondary batteries.

Although it was Chairman Ko Seung-taek, he did not think that the battery division was worth more than Taewoo Department Store.

“I’m trying to start the battery business properly. We have already signed an agreement with TDK’s battery division in Japan.”

“If we have signed an agreement with TDK, isn’t there a need for CL Electronics’ battery division at Taewu?”

“It is also to increase scale, and wouldn’t the government dislike it if money was invested in a new business? That’s why CL Group’s battery division is needed.”

Print it with money and press it.

There was a hidden meaning in my words.

This meant that if CL Group’s battery division could not be acquired, the Korean battery market could be suppressed based on the enormous investment.

A threat possible because it is Taewoo Group.

Taewoo Group, with a debt ratio of 0%, had an abundance of available cash compared to other large corporations, and Chairman Koh Seung-taek was very aware of this fact.

“Since it is provided by the battery division, the story will end here. But I really didn’t know that Chairman Kim would give up the Taewo Card. “Taewoo Securities is said to be doing well with funds these days, but aren’t credit card companies a cash cow?”

“It was a decision I could make because the fund was doing well. Isn’t the fight for the top spot in the industry fierce? “It is also to escape that competition.”

The number one player in the Korean card industry was CL Card.

However, it was not an overwhelming first place, and it was a market share that could give way to second place at any time.

And the second place in the industry was Current Card.

The number of users was increasing rapidly because you can receive discounts by using your current card when purchasing a current car.

“Are you saying you will give up competition with our CL card?”

“That’s right. To be honest, I received a request for acquisition from Hyunjae Card. “If Taew Card and Hyeon Card merge, won’t the ranking of the credit card industry change?”

It wasn’t something that didn’t exist.

Hyunjae Card has subtly shown its intention to jump into the takeover of Taewoo Card.

It was a natural reaction because if Taew Card could be acquired, CL Card could be pushed out and Hyun Card could take the top spot in the industry.

“Are you threatening to hand over Taewoo Card to Hyunjae Card?”

“It’s not a threat, it’s a negotiation. “I am telling you this because I think the Chairman is underestimating the value of Taewoo Card.”

“I never underestimated Taeukad. “As the sales of Taewoo cars increase, the number of Taewoo Card subscribers will also increase.”

“If CL Group acquires Taewu Card, we plan to provide Taewo Automobile discount service as well. Of course, the discounted amount must be borne by CL Group.”

In the CL group, the conditions were drool-worthy.

Since Taewoo Motors had acquired Kai Motors, sales volume was expected to increase significantly every year.

If Taewo Motors discounts could be obtained only through the CL card, it was clear that the number of subscribers would increase significantly.

“You are asking us to compete fiercely with the current group. “It sounds like the Taewoo Group is only going to watch the ritual and eat rice cake while we fight.”

“If you’re going to fight, shouldn’t you fight on an advantageous battlefield? “The card industry is a battlefield where CL Group has an advantage.”

“Does Taewoo Group really want to surpass Hyunjae Group and become number one in the business world? “Do I have to instigate a fight to come in first?”

Chairman Koh Seung-taek misunderstood.

Taewoo Group is said to be taking over the credit card company to keep the Hyunjae Group in check.

Well, it wasn’t a completely wrong misunderstanding.

The moment Taewoo Card is transferred to CL Group, Hyunjae Group will become more aggressive even at the risk of losing money.

“Are you planning on avoiding a fight? The one who started the dispute first was the current group. Didn’t CL Group take away CL Semiconductor, which was well-run?”

“Hmm, that’s too much to say.”

I intentionally made a provocative statement.

Only then will Chairman Ko Seung-taek’s misunderstanding deepen.

“I apologize if I said too much. However, this big deal means that CL Group and Taewo Group have nothing to lose at all. “If you calculate market capitalization, sales and net profit, it’s almost an equal deal.”

“If you look at it now, it’s okay, but if we compete with the current group, it will be different.”

“I don’t think it is a matter of choice and should not be negotiated. If you give up the cutthroat competition, it will actually be an advantageous condition for CL Group.”

I continued to emphasize competition to conceal hidden intentions.

Considering the future of the battery division and the communications business, the conditions were unconditionally favorable to us.

But I was the only one who knew the future.

CL Group’s situation was so desperate that they could not turn down the Taewoo Card, which would immediately earn them cash.

Did you say that you would slap a child who wanted to cry?

How can you turn this down when you are laying the groundwork for CL Group, who are desperate to fight with the current group?

“Hehe, I came to see you after hearing about Ansam, but it turned out to be bigger than I thought.”

“Wouldn’t this have been the situation because the Chairman wanted it?”

Chairman Koh Seung-taek’s tone of voice changed.

It was clear that his tone of voice had changed because he had made a big decision in his mind.

“I’ll take the big deal you offered. The detailed conditions are a matter for working-level officials to resolve. “Let’s have a drink together.”

“If the chairman gives you alcohol, then of course you should drink it.”

Is this what a captain going to war looks like?

It was Chairman Koh Seung-taek, who quenched his thirst with alcohol before a major fight between Hyunjae Group and the credit card industry.

* * *

Detailed coordination proceeded quickly.

Taewoo Securities, the planning office, the secretary’s office, and the legal team were all mobilized to pay attention to detail.

Finally, today, reporters were gathered together and the grandfather and Chairman Koh Seung-taek shook hands and officially announced the big deal.

I watched it on TV with the planning director.

Only after the press conference was over did I return to work.

“CL Communications has become Taewoong Communications from today.”

“Congratulations. “Thanks to the efforts of the general manager, a big deal was achieved.”

“The chairman should receive the congratulations. Because he really wanted to own a telecommunications company. But wouldn’t CL Communication be enough to beat KS Telecom?

Although it is said that a telecommunications company was acquired.

The market share of Korean telecommunication companies was almost monopolized by KS Telecommunications.

“KS Telecom has an overwhelming position. Right now, it seems difficult for CL Communications to surpass.”

“To beat 011, I need to add 017 and 019 to become a weight class worth fighting in.”

KS Telecom’s use number is 011.

The usage number given to CL Communications was 019.

And the company assigned number 017 was Shinsegae Telecommunications.

“Are you suggesting we take over Shinsegae Telecommunications?”

“Isn’t the situation just perfect? Shinsegae Telecommunications is shared by several large corporations, so there is sufficient justification to close a big deal.”

Shinsegae Telecommunications was actually owned by KS Group.

However, due to political problems, Shinsegae Telecommunications’ business rights had to be returned, and the shares were now shared between Kolon and Pohang Steel.

“It is possible, but I think it will take quite a bit of money. “Rather than a big deal like a corporate exchange, a big deal is possible by exchanging cash and company shares.”

“Problems that can be solved with money are the easiest. Isn’t this a time when dollars are precious for any company? If we give you the dollars we have, we will be able to acquire it at a cheaper price than you think. Please give it a try.”

There was no large company that was not in trouble due to the foreign exchange crisis.

In this situation, if they offer to buy shares of a company that they are not directly managing with dollars, they will sell it quickly.

“We will begin negotiations with Kolon and Pohang Steel.”

“Don’t be too aggressive, but try speaking subtly. And if we can just take over Shinsegae Telecommunications, the government will not have an issue with our telecommunications business.”

Taewoo Group also had a telecommunications company.

However, it was smaller than other companies, and although it was said to have acquired CL Communications, it was not a big deal in the way the government wanted.

But what if Shinsegae Telecommunications is also acquired?

Since the company can rise to second place in the industry in an instant, the government will have no reason to take issue with it.

“We will proceed as quickly as possible.”

“ah! And do you like Coca-Cola?”

“yes? ah. “I don’t like soda that much.”

I took out a can of Coca-Cola from the small refrigerator.

Click! Chi-ik! I opened the can lid and took a sip of cool cola.

“I have loved Coca-Cola since I was in the United States. So that’s it. “I wish our company would have distribution rights for Coca-Cola in Korea.”

“I didn’t know you were even thinking about the beverage business.”

There was a reason why the story of Coca-Cola was suddenly brought up.

While thinking about a big deal with CL Group, what came to mind was Coca-Cola.

Before the company’s return, CL Group held Coca-Cola’s distribution rights in Korea and was making a handsome operating profit every year.

Of course, it was a small business for me to touch.

The plan was to grow Taewoo Distribution through various businesses, not just Coca-Cola distribution rights.

“If you look at it broadly, it is a beverage business. “Starting with Coca-Cola distribution rights, we are even planning to launch Starbucks in the U.S. in Korea.”

“I’m sorry, but this is my first time hearing of a company called Starbucks.”

“This is a famous coffee shop in America.”

“Taewoo Group and a coffee shop don’t seem to be a good match.”

You could see it that way.

But it’s clearly a profitable business, so shouldn’t I do it?

“If it doesn’t fit, you have to make it fit. “It will definitely help improve the corporate image.”

“All right. Then, I will contact Starbucks.”

“ah! You don’t have to. Because we already sent someone. “A close friend of the American entrepreneur is already talking to Starbucks.”

David was an expert at this.

When should I use David, who has consistently developed close relationships with not only American politicians, but also celebrities and businessmen, at times like this?