America 1919-Chapter 980 - 334, Playing with applause_2

Guarantee that your shares in Gordon-Blalock Securities exceed those of Venus Bank!

"However, I’m curious—does the Kuhn, Loeb & Co. consortium still have enough capital available?"

Donnie continued questioning Paul Warburg.

Paul Warburg had already invested the consortium’s liquid funds into the Florida real estate market. For this, Paul had even abandoned the battle over European government bonds.

Paul Warburg smiled and said, "I don’t, but Breton Bank does! If you’re willing, Donnie, I’d be happy to pledge shares in two hotels nearing completion in Atlantic City as collateral for the capital, so we can join forces to acquire!"

Donnie clapped his hands and laughed: "Mr. Warburg, you really are a skillful strategist—using my money to acquire Gordon-Blalock Securities shares, while ensuring Kuhn, Loeb & Co.’s stake in the company consistently surpasses Venus Bank’s!"

Paul Warburg smiled leisurely and replied: "Breton Bank would benefit as well, and you wouldn’t worry that Kuhn, Loeb & Co. couldn’t pay back that loan, would you?"

Donnie waved dismissively and said, "In that case, why should I bother? I could simply purchase Gordon-Blalock Securities shares directly myself—there’s absolutely no need to include the consortium."

Paul Warburg confidently retorted: "Donnie, your little trick won’t work on me. You and I both know that to acquire shares from Gordon-Blalock Securities’ other shareholders at a reasonable price, we must join forces. It’s impossible otherwise, and even if it were, it would far exceed your budget!"

Donnie sat on the sofa, lightly tapping on it, then laughed and said: "Mr. Warburg, since you’ve laid it all out, I won’t hold back either. Though Venus Bank lacks IPO experience and operations in this domain, that doesn’t mean it won’t have them in the future.

And we both know, right now, you, me, and Shaw Gordon and Damour Blalock have formed a three-way stalemate at Gordon-Blalock Securities. As long as we move closer to the two of them, Kuhn, Loeb & Co.’s position at Gordon-Blalock Securities will still be ranked third.

You’re seeking me out because you’re dissatisfied with how Shaw Gordon and Damour Blalock involved Venus Bank in Gordon-Blalock Securities earlier. You want to stir things up to rattle them."

Paul Warburg gazed at Donnie helplessly; he had anticipated that negotiating with Donnie would be challenging, but now he felt even more frustrated by his obstinacy.

"Block, let’s be upfront—what terms must I meet for you to cooperate with me on this matter?"

Donnie grinned: "Mr. Warburg, since you’ve phrased it this way, I wouldn’t like to refuse outright. Here’s the deal: I’ll propose two conditions. If you agree, I’ll work with you!"

Paul Warburg nodded: "Let’s hear it!"

"First, Venus Bank will only provide funding for this matter. Negotiations with the other shareholders of Gordon-Blalock Securities will rest with you, though I’ll send someone to monitor the process throughout!"

Paul Warburg frowned slightly, surprised that Donnie’s first condition already seemed so difficult to concede.

It merely appeared as a matter of negotiation, but everyone knew the close ties between Kuhn, Loeb & Co. and Gordon-Blalock Securities. Now, eyeing control of Gordon-Blalock Securities could certainly invite criticism.

Donnie wanted the benefits while ensuring his reputation in the business world remained untarnished.

The backlash would naturally fall solely on him!

"Mr. Warburg, are you trying to gain advantages while shirking responsibilities?"

Seeing Paul Warburg silent, Donnie smiled and asked.

"Not at all!" Paul Warburg waved his hand and replied: "Alright, I accept your first condition!"

Donnie grinned: "Now onto the second condition!"

"Let’s hear it!"

Donnie stated: "From now on, Trident Shipyard’s collaboration with Philadelphia Steel must adopt a delivery-first, payment-later model!"

Paul Warburg hadn’t expected Donnie’s second condition to involve this. When Trident Shipyard had just been founded, George Olympia had told Donnie that Philadelphia Steel was the best choice for meeting the quality standards of steel plates for ship decks.

Despite the ambiguous relationship between Donnie and the Woburg Family, Paul Warburg had managed to ensure consistent steel plate supplies.

"Block, the demand from Trident Shipyard is substantial. If no payment is made upfront and we continue supplying, even if I agree, the other shareholders won’t!"

Donnie waved his hand dismissively: "I don’t care. These are my two conditions. If you agree, I’ll cooperate with you in pressuring Shaw Gordon and Damour Blalock. But if you reject even one, we can forget this collaboration!"

Once again, Paul Warburg was reminded of Donnie’s unwavering resolve.

"Twenty percent—20% prepayment. If you can agree to 20% prepayment, I’ll accept your second condition!" Paul Warburg negotiated.

Donnie scoffed: "Ah, dear Mr. Warburg, it seems you’ve been away from Philadelphia Steel’s day-to-day operations for quite some time. The agreement signed earlier between Trident Shipyard and Philadelphia Steel already required 50% prepayment!"