Chapter 1034 Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions Where Ants Swallow Elephants

Just as Tianan Company's discussions were in full swing, Lenovo, which learned the news from IBM, was facing a formidable enemy.

Ordinarily, an old company that has been in the domestic PC industry for so many years should not be so afraid of a new company that has only been established for more than a year.

But when Liu Chuanzhi thought that Wu Tao was behind Tianan Company, he couldn't help but overestimate the competitiveness of his opponent.

In particular, Tianan Company has achieved such a position in the industry after just over a year of development, which itself demonstrates its impressive strength and strong competitiveness.

The conference room was filled with smoke.

Every time the problems of Tianan Company are involved, it is always particularly depressing and heavy, as if Tianan Company has become a big mountain weighing on Lenovo's head.

Liu Chuanzhi was particularly dissatisfied with this situation, although he couldn't get rid of this feeling.

So he knocked on the table and said: "Let's talk about it, don't just sit there and smoke! I'm talking about you, He Zhiqiang!"

He Zhiqiang was very depressed. Everyone else was fuming, but this boss only wanted to do it to himself, and he did it every time!

However, now that his name was called, He Zhiqiang could not remain indifferent. He pinched off his cigarette butt in the ashtray in front of him, looked around at everyone and said, "According to me, there is no need for us to be timid and think too much and go head-to-head with Tianan Company." . I don’t believe that we, an established company with a history of more than ten years, can’t compete with a new company that has just been established for more than a year?”

Liu Chuanzhi glared, "Don't forget, Tianqi Investment is behind Tianan Company. How much capital do we have to compete with them?"

He Zhiqiang opened his mouth, speechless.

Yang Yuanqing then spoke, "Mr. Liu, colleagues, I think that with Lenovo's current foundation and strength, it is most appropriate for the notebook computer business to follow the route of independent research and development."

"... Of course, I admit that IBM's Thinkpad has a great brand influence in the industry and is well recognized in the international market. But from a technical perspective, I think this aspect is not as difficult as we imagined."

"...If there are really technical difficulties and barriers, I think it would not be too late to talk about acquisitions in two years."

He Zhiqiang made a rare retort, "But now Tianan Company is about to take action. If they take the acquisition route and we pursue independent research and development, there is no guarantee that they will not take advantage of us."

After saying that, He Zhiqiang turned around, met Liu Chuanzhi's gaze, and immediately shrank his neck.

Liu Chuanzhi surprisingly did not refute, but looked at the others and said, "Do you have any other opinions? Let me know."

As a result, there was a buzz in the conference room, and no one wanted to come forward to make things worse.

Liu Chuanzhi looked at his watch and knew that no matter how hard he squeezed, nothing would come out. He simply put his hands together and said, "Well, let me give you some opinions."

Everyone below immediately opened their notebooks and started recording.

"First, the R&D department has recently done a good job in developing the existing Lenovo Computer's network service platform and system integration package. It has bridged the gap with Tianan Computer in a timely manner and confirmed its independent R&D strength."

"...So, Yuan Qing, you should immediately carry out an evaluation of laptop products, clarify the research and development cycle and risks of independent laptops, and provide a reference for subsequent decisions."

Yang Yuanqing nodded and wrote down the content.

Liu Chuanzhi looked back at He Zhiqiang, "Zhiqiang, please continue to follow up on the IBM-PC business. At the same time, inquire about the trends of other foreign companies' PC businesses and look for possible opportunities for technical cooperation on laptops..."

Time flies to New Year's Day of 2002.

Since this period of time, both Tianan Company and Lenovo Company have been making intensive preparations for IBM's PC business.

From IBM's perspective, Lenovo, as a listed company in China, has a much stronger foundation and strength than Tianan. Therefore, IBM instinctively favors Lenovo and is not optimistic about Tianan.

Accordingly, they were not very positive about the olive branch offered by Tianan Company.

Tianan Company, General Manager's Office.

An Rong was under great pressure during this time.

After professional evaluation by the Apocalypse Investment Project Team, IBM's PC business is valued at US$800 million, not including US$500 million in liabilities.

Added together, the overall acquisition scale reaches tens of billions of yuan.

At present, the valuation of Tianan Company has not reached this level, so that this acquisition feels like an ant eating an elephant, but it is overestimating its capabilities.

This made her doubt the rationality of this acquisition.

But looking back, compared to the $25 billion merger of HP and Compaq that was just confirmed not long ago, this multi-billion-dollar business acquisition is nothing.

An Rong felt a little conflicted, but she was unwilling to give up such a great opportunity.

After all, the acquisition of the IBM-PC business not only filled the gap in Cheonan's notebook computer business, but also directly owned an international marketing network.

Coupled with the additional effects brought about by the Thinkpad brand awareness, it is definitely a stimulating progress for the development of Tianan Company.

But now it seems that not only the road to acquisition is difficult, but also the process of integration and development is full of challenges.

Just then, the office door opened.

An Rong ordered without raising her head: "Tongtong, go get me a cup of coffee."

“When you are stressed, you must drink less coffee.”

Hearing the sound, An Rong raised his head. An Rong, who always showed off to strong women, showed a rare hint of shyness. She then immersed herself in reading the documents and said, "Why are you here?"

Wu Tao casually sat down on the chair in front of his desk and said, "You haven't been back to the Royal Garden Villa for more than half a month. Didn't I come here specifically to see you?"

"Ah~" An Rong exclaimed, "Did it take so long?"

Wu Tao nodded seriously, "Absolutely, otherwise Sister Mei wouldn't wonder if there was something wrong between the two of us."

An Rong quickly explained: "I was negligent. I have been really busy these days. The acquisition negotiations are not progressing satisfactorily. My mind is buzzing all day long and I really can't calm down."

"What problem did you encounter?" Wu Tao asked naturally.

An Rong closed the document in her hand, stood up, stretched, and walked to the sofa area next to her. "They are obviously more optimistic about Lenovo. It is said that Lenovo plans to move the company's headquarters to New York after acquiring the IBM-PC business. "

Wu Tao couldn't help but laugh. The name of the 'conscience of American imperialism' was indeed not an exaggeration. It was already showing signs of this.

"What about Compaq's PC business?"

An Rong threw a document on the coffee table and said, "It has been swallowed up by HP a long time ago."

Wu Tao opened it and saw that it was from September. It seemed that he had neglected the time.

"Besides, Compaq's acquisition amount is larger and is not suitable for the current Tianan Company at all."

Wu Tao couldn't help but nodded when he saw the acquisition scale of 25 billion US dollars. It was true. Throwing down the documents, he said with a relaxed expression: "I heard from Brother Fei that you are going to the United States for negotiations after New Year's Day, and I will accompany you. I am more experienced in fighting Lenovo..."