Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1208 - Chapter 1208 Chapter 1164 Elevating the Negotiation Standards

Chapter 1208: Chapter 1164: Elevating the Negotiation Standards Chapter 1208: Chapter 1164: Elevating the Negotiation Standards The conditions set forth by LT Investment Group Company immediately placed both Huaxia Group and Longxi Province in an awkward predicament. Collaborating on project-related issues was manageable, but in other aspects, there were complications. When LT Investment Group Company purchased Hummer and Oldsmobile, they had already signed numerous agreements with General Motors. These agreements gave LT Company the right to use a variety of modern automotive patents and to authorize their use by its joint-venture subsidiaries.

One should not underestimate this power; in other words, with the endorsement of General Motors, LT Company was, in fact, no different from those first-rate enterprises that possessed numerous automotive patents.

Of course, LT Company was not entitled to receive any patent usage fees. Nevertheless, even so, this was no small feat. Nie Zhenbang was unaware of the cost Tenglong had to pay for this condition.

In the meeting room on the VIP building side of the Longxi Provincial Party Committee Guesthouse, the main members of the Longxi Provincial Committee’s project negotiation team, as well as those from the Huaxia Group project team, were all in attendance at the meeting.

Nie Zhenbang, Liu Zhentao, and Executive Vice Governor Chen Zhewen attended the discussion meeting, and naturally, the main leaders of the Longxi Provincial Committee were present. From the Huaxia Group, Nie Jialei and Zhang Xu were indispensable.

The meeting, chaired by Liu Xiaomin, the chief director of the project negotiation, began with members from both sides reporting on the negotiation outcomes and progress from yesterday and today.

The shareholding requirements of LT Investment Group Company caused many to furrow their brows. Next to them, Zhang Xu frowned and said in a deep voice, “I feel that this condition might be too excessive.”

LT Company’s demand for a forty-nine percent shareholding clearly struck a nerve with Zhang Xu. Over the years, although Zhang Xu had become more tactful, deep down he was still a soldier. Moreover, he exhibited relatively severe national chauvinism. Such a reaction was quite normal.

Beside him, Liu Zhentao glanced at Nie Zhenbang. At that moment, both Nie Jialei and Nie Zhenbang appeared completely unfazed, showing expressions as calm as water. They did not express any reaction or attitude.

This left Liu Zhentao feeling somewhat emotional. The profundity of the Nie family indeed was not something ordinary families could compare with; the poise displayed by the Nie brothers was not something ordinary people could possess.

After a moment’s contemplation, Liu Zhentao spoke up slowly, “General Manager Zhang, please remain calm. I think, it is understandable. Over the years, the central authorities have made numerous changes regarding foreign investments, increasing the level of openness and freedom. Initially, when the market first opened up, foreign investors were not allowed. Later on, the state had to hold a majority share, and now, wholly foreign-owned enterprises are permitted. This is a change, a form of progress.”

Continuing his point, Liu Zhentao added, “Remember, when Volkswagen first entered the domestic market, the ratio for the joint venture with Hucheng Automobile was set at fifty-fifty. Later on, Fiat’s cooperation with the Yuedong Automobile Group at the production base in Chunan Province also adopted this ratio.”

Liu Zhentao’s speech stopped abruptly there. He did not continue, but his point was clear. Citing these examples was undoubtedly a way of indicating to Zhang Xu that such practices were not unprecedented in China. In fact, that’s how all the major joint ventures operate.

Now, with LT Company only requesting forty-nine percent of the shares, it was already quite generous. Regardless, it was still Longxi Province and Huaxia Group that held the majority. Together, owning fifty-one percent of the shares was enough to control the joint venture company.

Nie Zhenbang felt some admiration inside; Liu Zhentao had handled the situation with tact, at least preventing Zhang Xu from losing face on the spot, and his words were not too transparent.

Speaking too bluntly would have undoubtedly embarrassed Zhang Xu, and others may think he was making a mountain out of a molehill. Now, by stopping at the right point, it struck the right balance, leaving room for face-saving.

At the same time, Nie Zhenbang genuinely respected the maneuvers of Li Xue and Wan. In terms of psychological mastery, these two women were truly exceptional.

Clearly, this sole issue definitely had room for negotiation. But the current impasse conveyed a sense of difficulty to others, and no one would associate it with themselves.

Forty-nine percent is also the international norm. Now, for Dong Wan’s side, there might just be an intention–if Longxi and Huaxia Group reach a stalemate, LT Investment Group Company will inevitably make certain concessions. Of course, these concessions are not without cause; they will be based on certain costs that Longxi Province and Huaxia Group have to pay, such as preferential tax policies, preferential loan policies, or shares in Hummer’s export profits and so on. In any case, it won’t be that cheap.

Of course, if we don’t insist, Dong Wan would certainly be very pleased; a forty-nine percent stake would certainly yield much more benefit.

Nie Jialei glanced at Nie Zhenbang; in that instant exchange of looks, the two brothers had a silent communication. After pondering, Nie Jialei slowly said, “We are aware of Governor Zhentao’s meaning. However, considering Huaxia Group’s background and nature, such a share allocation plan is obviously not in line with our planning. My suggestion is to continue to negotiate with LT Company. From the current situation, they are more anxious than we are.”

At this point, Nie Jialei analyzed, “First of all, the fact that LT Investment Group Company has gained full control from General Motors demonstrates that they have paid a considerable price; naturally, they urgently need to start production to recoup costs. Moreover, both Hummer and Oldsmobile, though century-old brands, have regardless exited the market. They are more eager to restart production as soon as possible. And Huaxia, with its purchasing power for cars now second in the world, is a huge market. I believe, the other party will not want to give up nor afford to lose this advantage, which is also our strength.”

This analysis from Nie Jialei immediately impressed all the staff present; worthy of being the Chairman of Huaxia Group. His perspective was unique.

Around him, the admiring glances made Nie Jialei feel a bit bashful as all this was not entirely his own merit. In his exchanges with his younger brother, he had received many enlightenments. Also, from the recent exchange of gazes, he saw his younger brother’s composure and confidence. Although he did not know why his brother was so confident, it had calmed him down, allowing him to analyze and view the situation objectively.

“Secretary, I think Chairman Nie’s opinion can be adopted. In the process of negotiating, it has been quite clear that the people from LT Company are not just going through the motions. This shows that they also value this project cooperation. This is our opportunity, and it is theirs as well. I believe that if we continue to negotiate, we may be able to bring down LT Company’s demands,” Chen Zhewen chimed in from the side.

The words of Nie Jialei made Chen Zhewen’s eyes shine; indeed, it was a mutually beneficial situation for both LT Company and their own side, not a cake delivered for free. There was no question of who paid how much.

“However, my opinion is that we need to elevate the standard of the negotiations,” Chen Zhewen pondered a moment, then slowly began.

Seeing everyone’s gaze turn toward him, Chen Zhewen immediately explained, “Although Chairman Nie’s analysis holds much promise in making LT Company concede, I think it will not be easy. Even, some matters cannot be decided by the current negotiation group, such as policies preferences and in other areas, etc. If we need to report these, it will inevitably seem too slow and give the foreign businessmen a feeling of bureaucratic inefficiency. Foreigners value efficiency. I think we should heighten the level of negotiations, to have leaders who can make immediate decisions involved. This will also show our work efficiency.”

After these words, Nie Zhenbang nodded his agreement, very affirmatively, “Vice Governor Chen’s suggestion is good and sensible. At this moment, we all represent Huaxia’s image. Indeed, we should convey an impression of efficiency, integrity, and pragmatism. I think for the negotiation team on our side from Longxi Province, let’s have Comrade Zhentao directly join the negotiations.”

Once he had said this, Chen Zhewen’s face changed momentarily; after all that had been said, wasn’t it for his own sake? It seemed too extravagant for the top two leaders; Provincial Party Committee Deputy Secretary Wang Benchang, to be honest, might not qualify for this specially dedicated Deputy Secretary, as he was in charge of ideological state and party-mass work, which had nothing to do with economics.

However, he was different as the Executive Vice Governor, assisting the Governor in hosting provincial government work, supervising economic construction. It all seemed to be his responsibility.

If he could seize the opportunity of the negotiation group and successfully conduct the negotiations, bringing in LT Company, it would be a huge achievement.

But what Chen Zhewen did not expect was that Nie Zhenbang would recommend Liu Zhentao all of a sudden. This gave Chen Zhewen a feeling of having labored for someone else’s benefit, an almost blood-boiling frustration.

Liu Zhentao was also quite surprised. After Chen Zhewen brought it up, Liu Zhentao had considered it, and he thought the most likely scenario was that Secretary Nie himself would step in. After all, this was a weighty political achievement. But he did not expect that Nie Zhenbang would so casually pass the accomplishment to him.

Glancing at Nie Zhenbang, Liu Zhentao’s expression was complicated. However, he felt profound respect; not respecting was impossible, this was a difference in levels. Now, Secretary Nie had passed the stage where he needed a political achievement as a badge of honor. In Longxi, no matter who made the achievement, it was hard to ignore his contribution. That was the spirit of Nie Zhenbang.

Here, Nie Jialei pondered for a moment, turned to look at Zhang Xu, then also nodded, “I also agree with raising the level of the negotiations. On Huaxia Group’s side, let’s have General Manager Zhang Xu personally take charge. I believe, with this sincerity laid out, LT Company will surely be moved.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)