Chapter 571: LV Made a Move Again

Alexandra Daddario gained more popularity with her lead role in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

Her previous roles in movies like Piranha 3D established her sexy image. While she didn't get top-tier resources, she had plenty of opportunities in low-budget horror movies and television.

"LV is targeting Hermes," Charles suddenly received a call from Lily Ying.

"In the past two years, Bernard Arnault quietly acquired 17% of Hermes through three investment banks," Lily said.

"So LV aims to take over Hermes with a hostile acquisition now," Charles replied. "And do they want the shares of Hermes I hold too?"

"Do you want to sell? The price is pretty good now, they're offering 10 billion Euros," Lily laughed.

Initially, Charles spent around 4 billion Euros to acquire less than 5% of Hermes, so he didn't need to report it.

Through multiple layers of shareholding, the principal company holding the shares was a Swiss investment and trading company!

"Sell? Now that the Euro is devaluing and the European debt crisis is looming, LV caught Hermes off guard by exercising their option through three investment banks," Charles smiled. "Don't worry, LV will soon figure out that I am the one holding these shares!"

Hermes was always run by the Hermes family. For Charles, it was just an investment.

But being one of LV's shareholders and a board member, he planned to check on the situation since LV made a move.

"By now, LV is the largest individual shareholder of Hermes while the Hermes family still holds a considerable percentage."

"You were the second biggest individual shareholder but now you're the third!" Lily explained and sighed. "LV's ambush was effective. If they manage to acquire more shares from the Hermes family, they could actually take over Hermes!"

"We'll see if the Hermes family members can stay united," Charles chuckled.

"I'm heading to France soon to see the show."

Shortly after, they ended the call.

LV suddenly filed a report with the French Securities and Exchange Commission, revealing their ownership of 17% of Hermes shares.

LV's reputation wasn't great, and the Hermes family was very alarmed. This situation was eerily similar to when LV ambushed Gucci, except Gucci had the white knight, PPR (now Kering).

Anyway, it would be a good opportunity to watch Arsenal's UEFA Champions League semi-final in Lyon.

Then, Charles went to the living room, kissed Alexandra Daddario, who was sitting on the sofa, "Let's go to France for a few days!"

"France?" Alexandra thought for a moment, "I'm expected at the Transformers 3 set next month."

She hugged Charles, "How long will we stay?"

"Just over a week," he whispered in her ear, his hands instinctively caressing her.

"Alright, your call," she agreed.

Then, without hesitation, Charles kissed her passionately...

...

In Paris, at the LV headquarters, Bernard Arnault smiled and said to his daughter Delfina Arnault, "I never imagined Charles Capet acquired nearly 5% of Hermes shares during the global financial crisis."

"Along with his over 10% stake in Bulgari, just below the Bulgari family fund, and being one of our shareholders and a board member at LV, it seems he has quite an interest in luxury goods!"

Delfina nodded, "He's not simple. After the global financial crisis, he invested in several major American banks and merged with NBC Universal. Now, Capet Group is a top international media conglomerate. Paris Bank had deep cooperation with him during the NBC Universal acquisition!"

Back in the day, Delfina got to know Charles when he was just running Capet Pictures, brought together by the 2004 European Cup betting event.

"What did Charles say?" Bernard asked.

"He supports our acquisition of Hermes, but the key is still the Hermes family. Despite their scattered shares and numerous members, the family still controls Hermes," Delfina said clearly.

Bernard nodded, "Charles is on our board and now owns Hermes shares too. Remind him to attend the next meeting with the Hermes top management!"

"He's staying in Lyon for two days to catch a Champions League semi-final," Delfina laughed.

Bernard remembered that Charles Capet was not only an entertainment mogul but also a sports and investment mogul.

"A true talent!" Bernard had no objections, "Hurry and negotiate with Hermes family shareholders. Integrating Hermes into the LV family will unleash greater value."

...

Lyon, a southeastern French city, is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region and the Rhone department!

At Lyon's home ground, Gerland Stadium, Charles arrived to watch Arsenal take on Lyon.

Before the match, Charles visited the away team locker room to encourage everyone, telling them Arsenal was close to its first-ever Champions League title.

"Last year, Benzema was taken by Real Madrid for 35 million Euros, weakening Lyon," Coach Wenger was full of confidence this year, hoping for the Champions League title after two consecutive Premier League victories.

Charles chuckled, "One title isn't enough. Arsenal is a top club. No team has defended the Champions League title since the format changed."

"We can be the ones to break that record!"

Wenger nodded, "Charles, your eye for football talent is top-notch!"

"Now, the strongest players are in place..."

Later, Charles left the locker room for his VIP box, preferring to watch with the stunning Alexandra Daddario rather than old buddies.

And while watching the game below, he could also enjoy some personal leisure...

*****

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