Chapter 1514: Bright Schroeder Company

'Mr Schroeder, welcome!'

'You've brought a gift, that's very kind of you.'

George Berkeley gave Eric Schroeder his due and personally stood at the door to greet their arrival.

Schroeder and his son trotted over very tactfully, with humble smiles on their faces.

'Mr. Berkeley, thank you for welcoming us. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.'

'I've brought a small gift. I hope you like it.'

'Mr. Schroeder has a reputation for having excellent taste, so I'm sure the gift will not disappoint me. Thank you. Please come in.'

George Berkeley shook hands with Mr. and Mr. Schroeder, then accepted the gift and led the two men into the house.

This small villa in the city centre was bought by George Berkeley just last year, close to the company, for the sake of convenience, but he only occasionally stayed here.

When he was less busy, he would go to the suburban manor house a dozen kilometres away, which had a better environment, where his wife and children were.

However, although he rarely stayed here, he had eight long-term hired bodyguards and servants. This expense was insignificant compared to his income, and he did not try to save on it.

Soon, the maid brought coffee for the three people in the living room.

As soon as the maid had left,

Eric Schroeder sat up straight and said with a solemn expression, 'Mr. Berkeley, I actually wanted to visit you a long time ago, but because I have been under pressure before, which has led to a very difficult situation for us, I have delayed coming over. I hope you can forgive me.'

The excuse was very fake, but this attitude was shown.

George Berkeley smiled and did not expose the lie. He said with a hint of meaning, 'These things are in the past. We must look to the future after all. The future must be bright, don't you think so?'

Eric Schroder was slightly relieved and quickly responded with a smile, 'You are right, the future must be bright!'

George Berkeley took a sip of coffee, and after putting the cup down again without haste, he asked very casually, 'Mr. Schroder, our Bright Foundation owns 55.62% of the Schroder Group, and you own 23.1%. Together, you have absolute control. What are your thoughts, father and son, on the present and future of this company?'

The meat scene is here!

Eric Schroder's heart trembled, and father and son exchanged a glance in tacit agreement.

The other party was asking casually, but their answer had to be carefully considered.

In particular, he had asked for their thoughts, which clearly meant that he wanted to know the attitude of at least two generations of the Schroeder family, both present and future.

If the answer did not satisfy George Berkeley, the consequences would be hard to predict, so they had to be careful!

The prepared answers they had written down on the way here were no longer appropriate, and they had to adjust immediately.

The father and son hesitated to speak, and a few minutes quickly passed.

George Berkeley was in no hurry, and just watched them with a smile on his lips, taking a leisurely sip of coffee from time to time.

Finally.

Eric Schroder spoke.

He took a deep breath, and said with all sincerity, 'Mr. Berkeley, previously on the Hong Kong capital market, the strength of the Bright Fund was clearly demonstrated, completely crushing the Schroder Group, which shows that in terms of the entire decision-making and management level, the Schroder Group is far inferior to the Bright Fund under your leadership.'

'So now that Bright Fund is acquiring Schroder Group, it actually gives us a brighter path.'

'Especially since Hong Kong's loss, investors have become disappointed with us and have withdrawn their investments. If Bright Fund doesn't appear, I think we will be stuck in the mud for at least the next few years, and we might even regress for twenty years!'

After saying these words with caution, Eric Schroder deliberately paused to carefully observe George Berkeley's expression, but he couldn't tell anything from the other person's unchanging smile.

Then, with a resolute heart, he said again, 'Therefore, we believe that although the Schroder Group was founded by our Schroder family, it can only enter the fast lane of development under the leadership of the Bright Foundation.'

'Our Schroder family also hopes to contribute to the Bright Foundation in this process.'

'The strength and influence of the Bright Foundation is undoubtedly among the best in the world, and although our Schroder family is far inferior, our family has a history of more than 100 years. We are willing to exert our full strength as long as the Bright Foundation needs it.'

Afterwards, Eric Schroder looked at his son and gave him a wink.

His already upright body straightened even more, and without hesitation he said aloud, 'Mr. Berkeley, I fully agree with my father's views. If there is a chance, I hope to come to Bright Foundation to work and study.'

Whether they can actually do what they say is something for the future, but at the very least, their attitude was enough to satisfy George Berkeley.

'I'm very happy that you think so!'

'Based on your attitude, then I will also tell you my thoughts.'

'Mr. Berkeley, please go ahead!'

The father and son Schroeder once again pulled themselves together, determined that the time of life or death had come!

George Berkeley said lightly, 'First, the Schroeder Group must re-elect the board of directors. The list of board members will be studied and we will tell you and seek your opinions at that time.'

The first request made Eric Schroeder's heart tighten, but he suppressed his emotions and did not lose his composure.

He could only console himself by telling himself that he was in a weak position and could not resist. At least George Berkeley had said that they would consult with them. He just hoped that Bright Fund would relax a little by then.

'Second, some people in the Schroder Group are not competent enough for their current positions, and there needs to be a significant personnel reshuffle.'

'Third, the Schroder Group needs to be renamed Bright Schroder.'

There was nothing wrong with reshuffling personnel and appointing new people. He had long been prepared for this.

As for the third point, the company name change, it wasn't that hard to accept. After all, it retained the Schroder family logo, giving them Schroder family dignity.

Although the word 'Bright' was added in front, at this time, the benefits of putting the Bright Foundation logo on it were actually not small, and it could take advantage of the Bright Foundation's reputation.

'Do you have any comments on these three points?'

Facing George Berkeley's inquiry, Eric Schroder immediately shook his head and replied, 'I don't have any comments, I fully support it.'

George Berkeley smiled with satisfaction and continued, 'Of course, I also recognise your abilities, Mr Schröder, so I hope you will continue to be the president of Bright Schröder. Although I will be the chairman of the board, I will not interfere with your work lightly. I need to focus my energy on the Bright Fund.'

This sweetener took Eric Schröder by surprise and made him very happy, so much so that he couldn't help smiling.

Although the company had been watered down, a knife had been held to his throat after the trap had been set, but he had still been left in charge of the company. This result had far exceeded his lowest expectations!

It could be said to be the best result!

The gesture just now must have played a role!

He was a man who could rise to the occasion, and he quickly got up to thank George Berkeley, and very smoothly called out the title that had not yet taken effect: 'Thank you, Chairman, I will definitely not let you down!'

George Berkeley nodded with satisfaction, not correcting his words, and looked at his watch before getting up.

'It's getting late. Come with me to the Bright Foundation. We need to hold a press conference later, and you and I will attend together.'

'Okay!'

...

It was 8:40 p.m. in London!

The press conference site of the Bright Foundation was already packed with news media from all walks of life, who were whispering and speculating about what the Bright Foundation was holding a press conference for.

Every time, the Bright Fund's news can cause a sensation, boosting their newspaper sales and significantly increasing radio and television ratings.

It can be said that in the UK, the Bright Fund's press conferences are the most eagerly attended by these financial media.

Just as everyone was sputtering with excitement, someone suddenly let out a 'wow' and followed it without hesitation with the sound of a shutter clicking.

Everyone's attention immediately focused on it, and then the entire venue exploded like a pan that had been left to drip on the stove.

'My God, Eric Schröder is here with George Berkeley, and Bright Fund has successfully acquired the Schröder Group!'

'I was right, Bright Fund has won again!'

'Damn the Spaniards, they've fled in defeat!'

'...'

With a series of exclamations, the camera shutters clicked, and the entire venue was lit up with flashing lights.

Then

George Berkeley bluntly announced the acquisition results, spoke highly of the Schroder Group, and called on all investors to remain calm. The Bright Fund would transform and upgrade the Schroder Group, which would soon be back on track and enter the fast lane of development. All new and old investors were welcome to invest.

Then Eric Schroder praised the Bright Fund again, and finally stated that it was their honour to follow the Bright Fund, just like a loyal little brother.

Such a gesture in a public place by such a top big shot!

Another old and established family business has been acquired by Bright Fund!

The upper class social structure in the UK has undergone another major change.

This made the journalists in the audience feel emotional and couldn't help but be excited, quickly recording this scene.

This will be another news breaking point!

After the press conference ended, many journalists hurried back.

And the news quickly spread like it had wings.

Bright Fund's prestige soared.

As for the Francisco family, they were the subject of all kinds of mockery and their reputation plummeted once again.

And after the stock market opened,

Schröder Group's share price actually went up against the trend after falling for a few minutes.

This shows that although the takeover battle has settled, investors still have enough confidence in Bright Fund.

If Bright Fund is not listed and cannot be invested in, then the next best thing is to invest in Bright Schröder!

This shows how bright a golden sign Bright Fund has made for itself after all this fighting!