If you cheat, money will follow

The short squeeze had just ended, and a storm of public opinion ensued.

This storm is aimed at both Porsche and Leda Investment, with the purpose of stopping the transaction.

Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen appealed to relevant departments through the media that this cross-border transaction must be treated strictly, seriously and cautiously.

There are good reasons to believe that this transaction will cause technology leakage and the approval application should be rejected.

Although, Porsche did not announce real-time positions.

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that the 42.6% position is definitely not the real situation.

Once the deal is approved, Porsche will have absolute control of Volkswagen, fulfilling a century-old family dream.

This is the situation that many opposition parties least want to see. It feels very uncomfortable to be "dependent on others".

An insider who did not want to be named said in an interview with reporters:

"We have reason to believe that in order to control Volkswagen, Porsche borrowed a lot of money and the debt risk is very high. Once the transaction is approved, they will truly complete the holding, and they will definitely transfer the debt through Volkswagen's huge asset scale, which will not It will not only benefit the development of Volkswagen, but will also hinder the development of the German automobile industry."

Another insider told reporters: "They (Porsche) must be crazy. In order to achieve their goal, they sold off family shares and introduced foreign capital."

"The automobile industry is our pride, but now that foreign capital has been introduced and connected through a series of shares, I doubt whether our automobile industry can still develop? Because we will eventually be controlled by foreign capital."

A journalist stopped the chairman of Volkswagen's supervisory board.

Because his identity is very sensitive and his relationship is also very delicate.

But the chairman said he did not want to be interviewed and that such matters were beyond the scope of his comments.

In fact, many people know that without his support, it would be impossible for Leda Investment Company to reach an agreement with Porsche, of which he is also a shareholder.

Then, a security-related agency announced and warned:

"The acquisition of German companies by foreign capital may endanger national security and Germany's technological leadership..."

The agency also called for sufficient vigilance against foreign capital acquisitions and investments.

"The investment or acquisition of German companies in the industrial manufacturing field sends a dangerous signal."

"There is a far-reaching strategic positioning behind it that cannot be underestimated... We must maintain sufficient leadership in high-tech fields such as industrial manufacturing. If we lose these, it will have a substantial impact on the entire country."

After a series of public opinion guidance, a large-scale "people's" demonstration broke out in Wolfsburg.

They walked around every corner of the city holding protest flags, holding opposition banners and hanging "We want to work" cards.

Some media outlets conducted publicity and coverage of the protest march.

"They (Porsche) are too selfish. They are already heavily in debt and want to drag us down..."

"In order to reduce the debt, they will definitely transfer the debt. At that time, they will lay off employees and we will lose our jobs..."

"The union cannot and should not sit still and wait for death. It must fight for jobs and freedom. It must fulfill its duty to protect workers' rights..."

the other side.

It is also actively operating.

Whether it was Porsche or Leda Investment Company, they had anticipated and estimated the current situation at the early stage of the negotiations, and had also formulated detailed plans.

When public opinion and public hype were being guided on the other side, these plans began to be implemented.

In order to ensure that the transaction proceeds in an orderly manner and effectively solve various problems, the investment banks, law firms, or accounting firms entrusted by both parties are institutions that have been deeply involved in Germany and Europe for many years and have deep-rooted influence. They have sufficient resources in all walks of life. and connections.

Of course, the price paid is not cheap.

In order to keep "bad money" in their pockets, these investment banks, law firms, and accounting firms are sparing no effort to exert influence, help manipulate and guide public opinion, and confront opponents tit for tat.

Moreover, because the money is given enough, from an operational level, it is obviously more advanced.

A member of Congress stood up and said: "The investment scale of 60 billion euros is not a small number, and will become a benchmark for more companies to invest in our country in the future..."

"I hope the relevant departments can look at those objections carefully and take this deal seriously."

“If we cannot conduct a fair and open review and provide convincing approval standards, it will have a very negative impact on our country’s investment environment..."

"Foreign investors in the future will take a detour. They may go to the UK or France, but they will not come to our country."

A well-known economist said: "Cross-border acquisitions cannot be prevented. If two companies are suitable for each other, economic interests will dominate, and any artificial interference will be useless and unintentional."

A government official in Stuttgart mentioned warnings from certain agencies and believed them to be "exaggerated."

"Although Leda Investment Company holds 30% of the shares and has a certain influence on Porsche, it is not enough to shake Wolfgang's dominant position, not to mention the influence of the labor union..."

"Their attitude is very clear. They are investing in Porsche from the standpoint of financial investment. This is a good thing for us. It can not only expand the market size, but also avoid asking the government for help due to debt..."

"Furthermore, according to my observation, Porsche does not have any plans to lay off employees or relocate factories. Some people's remarks are alarmist or have bad intentions."

"If Porsche really wants to move part of its factory from Wolfsburg to Stuttgart, I support it with all my hands."

A well-known parts supplier said: "We welcome (this transaction). Anyone who is not too stupid can see that the Chinese market will play a central role in the future. And through this transaction, Porsche can , consolidate and expand its position and scale in the Chinese market, and be one step ahead."

When talking about whether he also wants to bring in capital: "Yes, we have this plan, and we have actively expressed our opinions to the other party. But they are not interested in us and do not want to invest in us. They only like Porsche."

The head of the Porsche union stood up:

"Many people view Leda Investment Company with suspicion. I have communicated with their leaders and they are sincere acquirers."

"They invest in Porsche because they are optimistic about Porsche's future and want to share in Porsche's growth and earnings. They will not interfere in the company's operations and management. Some people's suspicions are groundless."

At the same time, under the active arrangement of the "bad money" consortium, Zeng Xi, who had arrived in Germany for emergency response, accepted a "special interview" from the official media.

This sends a positive signal: Against the background of the raging and intensifying economic crisis, investment institutions in various countries are cautious about investment behavior and have tightened their money bags and will not easily take out money.

However, under such a downward trend, Leda Investment Company spent 60 billion euros (albeit indirectly), and according to the agreement, it will spend more money in the future. Such generous behavior is obviously considered to be sincere, credible, and Reliable investors.

The officialdom is not like the private sector, which follows what others say.

In their eyes, Porsche is not a high-tech industrial enterprise, but an influential luxury brand automobile assembler with a history of nearly a century.

Although, they do have some very unique technologies in the automotive field.

The reason why I didn't take a stand was because I lacked a suitable opportunity.