Chapter 20: Robbery (Part 2)
A pile of ruins!
The seemingly light words fell into Mr. White's ears, making his heart tremble. Of course he knew what the other person's words meant - war will destroy everything.
Everything in North Borneo has been destroyed, including the extremely expensive port--according to the orders of the military, the company destroyed many facilities including the port. After the war, it would take money to rebuild it all.
“Let’s not say that Britain will not, and the United States will not allow Britain to have colonies, let’s talk about North Borneo. The war destroyed almost everything there, even if the company took back North Borneo after the war Asia is also faced with devastated ruins. Destroyed ports and cities need to be rebuilt. The question is, do you have the money? ”
After blowing out a puff of smoke, Li Yi looked at White in front of him and said directly.
"You don't have it, and neither does the company. When the time comes, what is your choice? It's nothing more than to hand everything over to the government, well... after you have paid the debt interest for several years! Mr. White, This is the only thing you can get - pay a huge debt interest and return the company to the government, because this is your only option."
Li Yi'an didn't even give him a chance to breathe, but took advantage of it. With his mind wandering, he continued.
“Otherwise, you will not only have to bear huge bond interest expenses, but also find ways to rebuild, but sir, will you invest for a piece of land that is destined to be lost?”
This This is the most fatal blow!
As the only major shareholder of a company with colonies in the British Empire, White has always maintained close contact with the Colonial Office. Just a few months ago at a banquet, he personally heard the Colonial Secretary say that it would be difficult to maintain the British Empire. colony.
This is a well-known fact, even India and the British Empire promised it autonomy after the war.
Autonomy!
It is undoubtedly disastrous for the North Borneo Company. Without official help, it is difficult for the company to continue operating. Is it possible for the official to help them? Officials would certainly prefer to rebuild Singapore than North Borneo.
"This..."
White took a puff of cigarette and said with some guilt.
"But sir, as we all know, the company owns everything there, and there will definitely be people willing to buy the company's bonds."
"Wait until then, the British Empire will not allow the colonies to be autonomous, and your How long can the assets last? "
As he spoke, Li Yian said directly.
“Your dividend in 40 years was £35,000. This was the last dividend you received, but more than 99% of this dividend was paid personal income tax. 41 years, North Borneo Fallen, in the past three years, you have not received a penny in dividends. Instead, you have to pay corporate bond interest of 29,000 pounds per year. In the past three years, you have paid almost 100,000 pounds in interest, White Sir, how long can you persist?"
"Sir, the war will be over."
Thinking, White said,
"After the war is over, I still have a chance..."
"If the war happens again How about four or five years? You know, until now, there is no sign of ending!"
One sentence made White's face become extremely pale, and even the fingers holding the cigarette trembled involuntarily. For a moment.
How long will the war last?
No one knows, it may be four years, it may be five years, who knows? The German army was so powerful, and their submarines continued to sink merchant ships. Newspapers even worried that Britain would fall into famine next month, because the rate of merchant ships being sunk far exceeded the rate of construction. This war is completely different from the last war. This time, Germany is stronger, but what about Britain? It is even weaker, so weak that it is even unable to resist the German invasion. It can only rely on the Americans, and the Americans are not at ease. They do everything possible to force Britain to give up its colonies. Does Britain have a choice?
No!
Why didn’t Li Nian listen to Ian Thorpe QC and wait until next year to acquire the North Borneo Company?
To put it bluntly, it’s because of poor information.
In 1943, no one could guess when the Axis Powers would be defeated, but by 1944, the whole world saw that the Axis Powers had been defeated.
Li Yian doesn’t know whether North Borneo Company’s share price will fall next year, but one thing is certain, these shareholders will definitely have illusions, and they will definitely have illusions about recovery. Yesterday's glory, and this illusion will be completely shattered in 45 years, that is, at the end of the war.
If possible, Li Nian will of course wait until 45 years. After all, by then, everyone will know that North Borneo cannot be saved. But when the time comes, there may not be enough time. He needs to "return" to North Borneo as soon as the war ends, which involves a series of follow-up tasks.
“But in the past four or five years, you will need to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt interest. The only question is, can you afford it?”
Li Yian said lightly, then he took a puff of cigarette and blew out a smoke ring happily.
“When you can’t afford the debt interest, the creditors will sue, and the court will auction your property in accordance with the law to repay the debt interest. Mr. White, by then, you will have nothing, including this loss. Everything including the house!”
The man’s words pierced Mr. White’s heart like a thorn. This old British man who was over sixty knew very well that the other person was telling the truth. This is what he is worried about, and what the other major shareholders are worried about. What they worry about is that if the war continues, the huge debt interest will eventually cause them to lose everything.
"Well, sir, I admit that what you said is the truth. If you are willing, one shilling per share..."
Before she finished speaking, she saw the other party The sarcasm on her face seemed to be mocking her innocence.
"Mr. White,"
After taking a puff of cigarette, Li Yian stood up.
"If this is the case, there is no need for us to continue talking. We all know that the North Borneo Company's shares are worthless!"
After that, he Turning around to leave, Mr. White said quickly when he saw this.
“Mr. Li, what price do you think is appropriate?”
"Transfer the shares to me free of charge, and I will bear the interest on the debt. From now on, I will pay you a pension of 2,000 pounds a year."
Li Yian put forward his conditions directly, and he didn't say anything at all. Thought about paying for it! After that, he put his business card on the table and said to him.
"Mr. White, I will leave London in the next few days. Please make a decision as soon as possible!"
After that, he left, leaving White with a messy face...
(End of Chapter)