BXBX NOVEL Chapter 522: 516: Arrogance
Having spent the night at the hotel, Finn attended the board meeting of company A the next day upon an invitation extended by Greg. For companies like A, shareholders with more than 10% of shares were rare. It was virtually impossible to obtain absolute controlling interest, otherwise, Finn wouldn’t have become the company’s major individual shareholder with a mere 4.8% of shares.
“Let’s welcome Mr. Lewis to his first board meeting at company A.” Levinson Wesley, a middle-aged board member, kicked off the meeting with a welcoming remark. The room erupted in warm applause. Surveying the room, Finn observed that the attendees were generally in their forties or fifties, with some of them sporting completely white hair. Finn stood out markedly from the group.
“Hello everyone, I believe that we’re not entirely unfamiliar with each other,” Finn said with a smile.
“Certainly. Mr. Lewis, you are the first to acquire 4.8% of company A through a technology exchange,” Levinson said.
“Company A benefited significantly from this advanced technology, right?” Finn responded with a grin. The technology Finn had offered wasn’t extraordinary. At least it didn’t seem so to him now. To put it bluntly, it was essentially an operating system. While different from existing operating systems, its capabilities were much greater.
It fulfilled a purpose similar to the voice system inside Company A’s current system, but there was no comparison between the two. The former was advanced and smart in a way the latter simply wasn’t. It enabled a spectacular drop in system resource usage of the iOS system in Company A’s devices.
It could even reduce battery consumption from a software perspective, enhance system performance, and deliver an unparalleled user experience. After installation, over 90% of users would use this new system instead of the existing one. Furthermore, due to its capacity for integrating and optimizing other systems, all other systems could be discarded. However, company A purchased all rights to it.
Furthermore, imagine the value of a software that can reduce resource consumption by 70%, significantly boost performance, and integrate your mobile phone and computer, or any device with an operating system for that matter, controlled via your phone. In the realm of mobile phones, such an operating system would give company A an edge over all competitors globally.
You should know that company A is still under great pressure. Ever since Jobs’s death, although company A’s market share hasn’t declined much, Planet Corp is undoubtedly increasing its market penetration rate. If it wasn’t for company A’s loyal customer base who has continually supported the market, company A would have failed long ago.
Even though company A’s annual profit hasn’t declined, a drop in market share is an inevitable certainty. The fluidity and ease of use of the iOS system accounts for a significant portion of the reason company A could maintain its current market standing. The Android system tends to lag after an extended period due to a buildup of system junk. This problem persists regardless of how Planet Corp enhances its system.
Since the Android system itself is open, this is a significant reason why it could be on par with company A. The software Finn sold to company A revived their hope of monopolizing the market. Around this time, the chairman of Planet Corp paid a visit to Finn. Regardless of the reason for the visit, it was something company A didn’t want to see happening.
“Of course, both parties were satisfied with this transaction. One of the reasons this board meeting was called is because of company A’s future, where Mr. Lewis plays a significant role. We invited Mr. Lewis here today to inquire if there may be a possibility of a partnership between your company and ours.” Levinson said with a smile.
A laugh almost erupted from Finn, “My company? you’re brave. With less than 5% of shares, I am far from calling this my company.”
“Alright, though I consent that Mr. Lewis only has less than a 5% share. However, a drop in company A’s share price wouldn’t be good news to Mr. Lewis either, would it?” Levinson said with a hint of inquiry upon noticing Finn’s expression.
Finn glanced at him, observing the expressions of the other attendees. He soon understood what they were implying – taking advantage of him as a shareholder of company A or literally getting advanced technology from him for free. Their intention was definitely audacious but where were these invitations when he just got his shares in Company A?
Although the agreement between the two parties states that it should not be made public, as the most substantial individual shareholder, Finn should’ve been notified by company A about the convening of board meetings, as a basic courtesy. Therefore, he didn’t have a good impression of them.
“As I recall, our contract states that if I ever want to sell my shares, company A has the right to repurchase them at market price. So now, are you willing to buy back?” Finn casually straightened his attire and responded with a slight smile, looking at Levinson, “Partnership or not, is all this talk necessary? I don’t have to play along, right? Is it difficult to get Company A’s shares? Maybe, but I don’t care.”
Upon hearing Finn’s words, everyone in the room froze, then their expressions became somewhat awkward.
Levinson, in particular, was at a loss for words. After a long pause, he forced a laugh and said, “Mr. Lewis must be joking. Since you are here, it clearly indicates that you see potential in company A, doesn’t it?”
“Let’s say that I’m selling my 4.8% shares right now, would you buy them?” Finn ignored his response and asked coolly.