Chapter 876
Taking Over Oracle Company in Advance
Chapter 876 Taking Over Oracle Company in Advance
Malcolm Forbes ultimately left the Recreation Building with mixed feelings.
The deal was reached, but the price the Forbes family paid was far too high.
In the end, he agreed to all of Lin Haoran's conditions, but he didn't know how to explain it to his family and the board of directors.
Given the current situation of the Forbes Group, he has no other choice.
They either agree or watch helplessly as the Forbes media empire collapses.
And Forbes' decades of accumulation vanished into thin air.
This heavy reality weighed on his chest like a boulder, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
However, he knew even more clearly that in the cruel business world, survival is always the top priority. Only by surviving can one possibly regain some dignity and initiative in the future.
As Lin Haoran watched Malcolm Forbes' slightly hunched figure disappear through the doorway of the meeting room, the calm, all-encompassing expression on his face did not immediately fade.
He walked back to his large desk, made a call to Citibank New York, and told John Reed about it.
John Reed was overjoyed to learn that Malcolm Forbes was willing to make Citigroup the largest shareholder of the Forbes Group and give it veto power on the board of directors.
After all, everyone in the United States knows that the Forbes Group is the private business of the Forbes family and a symbol of the family. Very few external capitals can intervene so deeply in its core equity and control.
The return gift from Lin Haoran was far more valuable than a typical business assistance offer.
This means that Citibank will be able to substantially influence one of the most important business media outlets in the United States and even the world.
This is a huge strategic boost to the bank's brand, high-end customer network, intelligence gathering, and public opinion influence.
If Citigroup had offered to raise funds for Forbes Group, Forbes would have been more than happy to do so, but at most it could only be a financing shareholder, and it would never have been able to become the largest shareholder.
Therefore, this is indeed a great gift for Citibank.
"Lin, this is truly an unexpected and wonderful gift!" John Reed's voice came through the transoceanic telephone line, unable to hide his excitement.
"Even amidst turmoil, the Forbes brand still retains a tremendous aura and influence."
We not only acquired an excellent investment target, but also embedded a crucial information node and voice channel for Citigroup.
Rest assured, Citibank's team will follow up immediately to ensure that the negotiation details maximize our interests while fully respecting your strategy and the rights of Oriental Media.
“Mr. John, there’s no need for formalities between us.” Lin Haoran said calmly, “Citibank helped with the Forbes project, and this is a well-deserved reward. Besides, I’m also a part of Citibank, aren’t I?”
I hope that Citigroup's investment will truly stabilize Forbes and guide its future content towards a more objective and global approach, especially in its business reporting on Asia, particularly China.
John Reed immediately understood Lin Haoran's implication: "Of course, as an international bank, Citibank would naturally welcome a more balanced and objective global business environment."
We will ensure that the new board and the Forbes family fully understand this; day-to-day operations can be handled by the Forbes family, but the overall direction must align with our shared strategic interests.
The two also exchanged views on some key principles and personnel arrangements for the subsequent negotiations.
After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran knew that Citibank, this powerful financial machine, would be operating efficiently and would begin specific negotiations with Forbes.
He, on the other hand, needs to focus on gains on another level.
Lin Haoran immediately called Cui Zilong over.
He wanted to talk to Cui Zilong about this in person, not over the phone.
Soon, Cui Zilong arrived at the Kang Le Building.
"President Cui, Forbes has basically agreed to fully open its core business database. In the next few days, the technical team of Oriental Media Group will be able to connect with them. Your task is to lead the most elite analysis team to get involved as soon as possible."
I want more than just a list of companies and financial data; I want to uncover the hidden data they've accumulated over decades that has never been publicly released.
Those are the leads on global political and business leaders, hidden billionaires, offshore company networks, non-public transactions, internal research reports, and even some business intelligence with a gray area.
"Especially information related to American political and business elites, established financial groups, and individuals with connections to intelligence agencies," Lin Haoran said solemnly.
How could he possibly miss such a great opportunity?
Before the US government imposes strict controls on this sensitive data, the data reception and analysis must be completed as soon as possible.
This is more important than a public apology and changes in shareholding; it represents the true core interest.
Although Malcolm Forbes promised that all Forbes Group data would be available to MediaCorp in the future.
But Lin Haoran knew that the US government would eventually control this kind of data.
At that point, all of this will be nothing but empty talk.
Upon hearing this, Cui Zilong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and his expression immediately became serious.
As a key figure in Lin Haoran's media and intelligence system, he was well aware of the significance of Forbes' open database to the Oriental Media Group.
This is not just about sharing business data, but also about limited access to the memory center of mainstream American business society.
The potential value contained therein, especially the undisclosed dark data, is enough to provide a decisive informational advantage in countless future business decisions and strategic games.
“Boss, I understand. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the window of opportunity may be very short.” Cui Zilong spoke quickly, his brain working at lightning speed.
"Okay, that's enough for you. Go on!" Lin Haoran waved his hand and smiled.
Watching Cui Zilong's departing figure, Lin Haoran felt extremely pleased.
It's quite interesting that two business tycoons have come to beg for mercy on two consecutive days.
The first choice was Samsung of South Korea, which allowed him to acquire 20% of the shares at a very low cost, and also made Samsung the bridgehead and partner for Lin Haoran's industries to enter the South Korean market.
Next up is Forbes, which, while not as impressive as Samsung's, is still quite good.
Not only did it deal a heavy blow to its rivals and enhance its own reputation, but it also secured a partnership with Citibank and gained access to the treasure trove of its core database.
Liu Xiaoli brought over a plate of grapes and peeled them one by one for Lin Haoran.
"Samsung, Forbes..."
Lin Haoran swallowed a grape, a meaningful smile curving his lips.
"A giant of industry and technology representing East Asia, and a symbol of commercial authority representing the West, were both forced to bow to my will in different ways within a short period of time."
This wasn't just about money; it was also because I had grasped their individual weaknesses, and they all came to me willingly, without me ever provoking them.
"Interesting! The business world is so interesting!"
Samsung's weakness lies in the ambitious vision of its founder, who not only wanted to reinvest in semiconductors but was also unwilling to limit Samsung's future to the small South Korean market.
Forbes' weaknesses lie in its arrogance leading to mistakes, its fragile financial structure, Malcolm's personal dependence on a luxurious lifestyle, and the heavy burden of family honor.
"The essence of business, in the final analysis, is a game of people. If you understand human nature and seize the opportunity, you will be invincible," Lin Haoran thought to himself.
He enjoys the process of unraveling complex games and ultimately delivering a decisive blow.
This made him feel that he was alive, that he was creating history, rather than simply following the course of history.
In the blink of an eye, more than a week has passed, and it's January 22nd.
There are only two days left until the Chinese New Year, a traditional festival in China.
The day after tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve.
Lunar New Year's Eve is not included in Hong Kong's statutory holidays, so Hong Kong residents still have to go to work on Lunar New Year's Eve.
However, Lin Haoran's various companies will start their holiday a day earlier, on the 24th, the day before Lunar New Year's Eve.
In Lin Haoran's view, Lunar New Year's Eve is a traditional Chinese festival, and the significance of family reunion is extraordinary, far beyond the limitations of statutory holidays.
The British Hong Kong government is a Western regime, and they can disregard the voices of the Chinese people, but Lin Haoran, as the boss, will take them into consideration.
Therefore, he set the rules this year.
Except for sectors that need to maintain basic livelihoods and must operate, such as retail, hotels, and transportation, which may be subject to rotating shifts as appropriate.
Lin Haoran's companies, including Hong Kong Electric Holdings Limited, Hongkong Land Group, Hutchison Whampoa, Wan Tsing Group, Hang Seng Group, and MediaCorp, all took a holiday on January 22, the day before Lunar New Year's Eve.
The announcement caused quite a stir within the entire group and even in the Hong Kong business community.
In this era, especially in Hong Kong, which is heavily influenced by British-owned enterprises, it is truly an innovation to grant employees a Spring Festival holiday so early and uniformly, especially on a non-official holiday like New Year's Eve.
This is not just a benefit, but also a gesture, a manifestation of cultural identity.
Employees from companies like Hongkong Land and Hutchison Whampoa were naturally delighted, deeply appreciating the young boss's human touch and respect for tradition.
The foreign employees who were originally British-owned companies, such as some of the management of Hong Kong Electric Group, Hutchison Whampoa, and Hongkong Land, were initially somewhat surprised.
But they were soon touched by the arrangement, which was full of "family" culture, and thus developed a deeper sense of identification with the Chinese boss.
For a time, Lin Haoran's companies became the envy of Hong Kong citizens, making them the bosses of other people's companies.
Not only because of its generous compensation and broad development prospects, but also because of the unique corporate culture created by this young boss that respects tradition and cares for employees.
In Hong Kong's business community, where "profit is paramount" is generally valued and labor relations are relatively indifferent, this is like a breath of fresh air.
The news even reached the Governor's House and the Legislative Council, sparking some delicate discussions.
Some legislators have privately expressed concerns that this emphasis on Chinese holidays might negatively impact work efficiency in international cities.
Lin Haoran simply laughed it off. "It's my company; it's none of your business whether I give my employees time off or not."
He made this decision not to be unconventional or to gain fame, but because he sincerely believed that respecting and maintaining the warmth and cohesion in traditional Chinese culture is one of the cornerstones of the company's long-term development.
A company that fosters a sense of belonging and cultural identity among its employees possesses an inherent resilience and creativity far superior to those cold, rule-bound companies.
Moreover, this people-oriented management philosophy will increasingly demonstrate its value in future business competition.
In Lin Haoran's office, he finished reading a document sent by Cui Zilong and put it back in the drawer.
I checked the time; it was already 2 PM.
He had already agreed to have dinner with the pregnant Kwan Ka-wai that evening.
So, since there was nothing else to do, he decided to leave early.
However, at that moment, there was a knock on the outer door, and then Ma Shimin's voice was heard.
"Boss, am I disturbing you?" Ma Shimin walked in from outside and said respectfully.
"Of course not, what's wrong? Is something the matter?" Lin Haoran looked at him and asked with a smile.
“There is indeed something that requires your decision, boss!” Ma Shimin nodded and said.
"Okay, come sit on the sofa and let's talk," Lin Haoran said, pointing to the sofa.
Lin Haoran got up and sat down on the sofa in the reception area with Ma Shimin.
Liu Xiaoli brought over two cups of hot tea at the opportune moment, and then quietly withdrew.
"Is it about the semiconductor company?" Lin Haoran picked up his teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and spoke first.
During this period, he focused most of his energy on the two unexpected battles between Samsung and Forbes.
However, the plan to build its own semiconductor industry, as one of the highest priority projects of the Galaxy Strategic Committee, has been under the intensive preparation of Ma Shimin.
“Yes, boss.” Ma Shimin nodded.
"All the preliminary preparations have been basically completed. Through the acquisition of SVLT Semiconductor, we have successfully acquired a small but technologically sound wafer fab in Silicon Valley, California, as well as a core technical team of about forty people with preliminary experience in design and process technology."
While the equipment isn't state-of-the-art, assessments have shown it's sufficient to support our initial design and pilot production of specialized chips for specific applications, as well as the research and development of some semiconductor materials and processes.
"In Hong Kong, as per your instructions, I have identified a site in Kwun Tong, an industrial building belonging to the group, as the base for our semiconductor R&D center and pre-production processes, and the initial renovations have been completed."
The relevant high-precision equipment, some through SVLT's existing channels and some through our new networks in the US, UK, and Netherlands, has been ordered or is en route and is expected to arrive gradually after the Spring Festival.
"In terms of talent, in addition to the team we received from SVLT Semiconductor, we have made initial contact with more than 30 senior Chinese or foreign experts in semiconductor design, materials, processes and equipment around the world through headhunters and personal networks."
More than ten people have already expressed a clear intention to join, and they are just waiting for us to provide formal terms and complete the background check.
Furthermore, we have established preliminary cooperation intentions with relevant departments of Hong Kong University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, planning to jointly establish scholarships and laboratories to cultivate local talent.
Ma Shimin gave a clear and organized report, clearly demonstrating the immense effort he had invested in this project.
He knew that this was a key strategic move by the boss to secure a commanding position in the technology industry over the next ten or even twenty years, and its strategic significance was no less than those acquisitions that cost billions of dollars.
"Very good, the progress is even faster than I expected," Lin Haoran praised. "Is there no problem with funding?"
In just over a week, Ma Shimin has accomplished so much, while also managing the affairs of Hongkong Land Group and Galaxy Strategic Committee. He has handled the semiconductor business so well, which truly satisfies him.
“No problem. According to the budget you approved, the initial $500 million has been allocated to the dedicated account in installments. Currently, less than one-third of the funds have been actually spent. The remaining amount will be fully covered based on the progress of equipment procurement and R&D,” Ma Shimin replied confidently.
Five hundred million dollars is an astronomical figure in this era, enough to support the initial "money-burning" phase of an ambitious semiconductor project.
After all, Lin Haoran wanted to get into semiconductors from scratch, so burning money was inevitable.
However, given his current net worth, he can certainly afford to burn money.
"So, what brings you here today?" Lin Haoran looked at Ma Shimin, waiting for him to continue.
He guessed that it might not be as simple as just reporting progress.
Ma Shimin nodded and said, "Boss, all the preparations for hardware, personnel, and funding are progressing steadily, but there is one crucial matter that we feel must be decided by you personally."
"Oh? What is it?"
“The company’s name,” Ma Shimin said. “For a company, especially a technology company with such a significant strategic mission, its name is not just a code name, but also represents its vision, character, and inner spirit.”
This is its soul. We discussed it internally several times and collected some proposals, such as Dongfang Semiconductor, Huanyu Technology, Loongson Electronics, and Panshi Semiconductor, each with its own meaning.
But it still feels like it's missing something; it lacks substance and uniqueness, failing to fully live up to our expectations.
He paused, looking at Lin Haoran: "We feel that this important naming matter should be decided by you, boss. Only you can give it the most fitting soul."
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback, then laughed.
He hadn't expected Ma Shimin to take this matter so seriously.
However, upon further reflection, Ma Shimin's considerations did indeed make sense.
A successful technology brand often has a concise, powerful, meaningful, and easy-to-remember name that is easy to spread.
He was so busy with specific tasks that he hadn't really thought about the naming issue carefully.
Now that Ma Shimin has brought it up, he also feels it's time to think of a name.
This is not just a name, but his first declaration to the future of the technology industry.
After all, semiconductors are an extremely important part of his future plans, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are one of his core industries.
If you choose a name yourself, it certainly carries special meaning.
Furthermore, it must be said that Ma Shimin is also very good at interpersonal relationships!
Lin Haoran leaned back on the sofa, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on his knees as he fell into deep thought.
The office fell silent for a moment, with only the low hum of the central air conditioning running.
Ma Shimin did not urge him, but waited quietly.
He knew that his boss always needed some time to think before making important decisions.
Lin Haoran's thoughts raced through his mind.
He recalled his past life, the names of those well-known tech giants, and the brilliant symbols and wisdom of Chinese civilization.
He wanted to create a name that was more than just a business company name; he hoped it would embody a certain cultural heritage and grand vision, transcend time and space, and leave a profound Eastern imprint on the future global technology landscape.
Suddenly, a name inexplicably appeared in his mind—oracle bone script.
Oracle bone script, written on tortoise shells and animal bones during the Shang Dynasty of the Chinese nation, is one of the earliest known mature writing systems in China.
Its core function is to record divination results and royal decisions; it is a vehicle for communicating "divine pronouncements" and recording "divine will"; it is the crystallization of the wisdom of our ancestors in exploring the unknown and attempting to interpret and record the laws governing the world.
This is so similar to a chip in semiconductors!
Chips, those tiny silicon wafers made up of countless transistors, are essentially the "tortoise shells and animal bones" that modern humans use to record, process, and transmit massive amounts of information.
The circuitry on a chip is like the engravings on an oracle bone, embodying humanity's profound understanding of the laws of the physical world and its ultimate pursuit of information processing.
They are the "oracle" carriers of modern technology and the "wisdom skeleton" that drives civilization forward.
More importantly, the name "Oracle Bone Script" itself is full of historical weight, cultural profundity, and a mysterious sense of the future.
It originates from one of the oldest sources of Chinese civilization, yet it also aptly points to the core of cutting-edge technology.
This name not only carries the unique characteristics of Eastern culture, but also evokes philosophical reflections within the global technology community on the essence of information recording and processing.
Moreover, a trace of emotion about his past life flashed through Lin Haoran's mind.
He remembered that in his previous life there was a globally renowned American software company called "Oracle".
That was a giant that dominated the database and enterprise software field.
But every time he heard this name, as a Chinese person, he always felt a strange, indescribable unease deep in his heart.
A word so characteristic of Chinese civilization has been transliterated and claimed by an American company, which has made it famous worldwide.
In this life, since the opportunity is in his hands, why not bestow this name, full of Eastern wisdom and historical weight, upon the technology company he founded that is also dedicated to the core of information processing?
He wants the name Oracle to shine brightly in the future global semiconductor industry, reflecting the wisdom of China!
Thinking of this, a bright light flashed in Lin Haoran's eyes.
He raised his head and looked at Ma Shimin, who was patiently waiting.
"I've made up my mind," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Let's call it 'Oracle Semiconductor'."
“Oracle Semiconductor?” Ma Shimin repeated subconsciously, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes before he fell into thought.
As an Englishman, he simply couldn't understand the meaning of the name.
(End of this chapter)