America 1919-Chapter 735 - : 252, Despair_3

Chapter 735: 252, Despair_3

After quite a while, John Hardford finally calmed his complex emotions, his eyes red, as he stared at Donnie.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

“First you use a price war to disrupt A&P’s development plans, then you drain A&P’s working capital, forcing us to actively seek loans from banks. Next, you use the current situation to make it impossible for us to continue borrowing from banks. When all this is done, you can deploy your vast cash flow to deliver the heaviest blow to A&P?”

Donnie, neither confirming nor denying, said, “A&P is a company with excellent qualifications. I saw the potential profits in the retail industry while considering your company’s development, so I do not want to see A&P destroyed.

John, as long as you agree to my terms, then I can assure you that you will still be the president of A&P. Together, our two companies will become the largest retail group in the United States, and we will be able to set the rules for the entire retail industry. At that time, A&P’s development will far exceed its current state!”

“Haha!”

John Hartford gave a bitter laugh. “Donnie, since you have calculated all this, I assume you have also planned all the steps to acquire Kraft Foods.

...

By then, with the A&P shares you bought from the two traitors, Kraft Foods’ holdings in A&P, and the shares you bought on the stock market, you will already be the largest shareholder of A&P.

As your competitor, I have seriously studied you, Donnie. I understand your desire for control over your enterprises. You must also know A&P’s situation well. Given your character, you would never allow those who dine on past achievements to continue holding A&P’s shares, and I will end up as one of your workers.”

Let me think … perhaps you will even use A&P’s resources to nourish your Apollo Chain. When A&P becomes worthless in your hands, you can completely sell it off.

What will be left of A&P by then?”

At this point, John Hardford had already guessed all of Donnie’s plans, but what made John Hardford feel most desperate was that even though he knew all of Donnie’s plans, he had no way to counter them.

Unless he could gather enough cash in a short time to match the cash flow that Donnie was now presenting.

But, by this point, it’s already impossible for anyone or the banks to provide this amount of funds to A&P or to myself personally!

The situation has reached a dead end!

“A&P has nearly a hundred years of history. I never imagined that one day it would end in such a way!”

As he said these words, John Hardford’s entire being slumped into the chair.

Donnie revealed a smile, knowing that John Hardford’s psychological defenses had been completely breached by the current situation.

“John, since you said before that we should have an open and honest discussion about this matter, then I will no longer hide it. A&P’s ending is indeed as you described, but you can still maintain the glory of the Hadford Family. As long as you cooperate with me, your family’s personal wealth will definitely not diminish!”

Donnie still needed A&P because for the Jockey Club, Apollo Chain’s 2,000 stores were too few, especially spread across the entire United States. Such a number couldn’t support Donnie’s expectations for the club. If they could add A&P’s 10,000 stores, that would be about right.

And A&P needed John Hardford.

John Hardford had managed to lead A&P to become the largest retail company in America, which was already a sufficient testament to his capabilities.

Whether the future involved a complete acquisition of A&P or squeezing out its last bit of value before selling it, John Hardford’s abilities were needed to continue A&P’s operations!

John Hardford adjusted his posture, the formidable him recovering from the blow of defeat. His mind was spinning rapidly, contemplating the most advantageous course of action for himself.

“This matter—A&P didn’t lose on strategy, it lost to the cash pool!”

Donnie shook his head: “The cash pool is indeed a key for Apollo Chain’s victory, but A&P’s utter defeat isn’t solely due to the cash pool. It’s the board of directors, the management, who have become complacent, sitting on past laurels and losing their once progressive attitude. Even if A&P didn’t have problems now, issues would surely arise in the future!”

A&P’s downfall on another timeline was due to their management losing the will to advance. As for John Hardford’s son… well, an individual employed by his own company demanding an annual salary of 1.5 million US dollars while holding a regular position is just a microcosm of A&P’s decline!

John Hardford had no words to counter Donnie. After pondering for a while, John Hardford spoke gravely, “Donnie, I can accept your conditions, but you must agree to one of mine. Otherwise, our negotiation can only end here. Even though A&P will lose, I believe the price you pay, Donnie, will definitely exceed your expectations!”

Donnie did not reply immediately to John Hardford’s words, instead considering them. It was clear that what John Hardford was about to propose was his last resort, and certainly something difficult to accept.

“Go ahead, I’m listening!” finally Donnie said.

“I want to become a shareholder of Apollo Chain, holding at least 10% of its shares personally, not A&P. As for the legal procedures, I will handle them. If you can agree to this condition, then I will accept all the conditions you’ve proposed!”

John Hardford said through clenched teeth.

Donnie mused for a moment before saying, “I can give you 7% at most. Additionally, if you ever want to sell your shares of Apollo Chain, I have the right of first refusal!”

“No problem!”