Selling Price War and Bidding

A high-end corporate office in Mumbai, where rival textile magnate Dhirendra Khanna smirks as he reads the news of Malhotra Textiles' potential sale.

Dhirendra smirking ordered his assistant "Tell our contacts to spread rumors in the market. Malhotra's are desperate to sell. Let's push their valuation down, then buy it at half price."

The assistant nods, and soon, whispers flood the business world. "Malhotra Textiles is failing. They are desperate to sell. Hold off, and they'll beg for buyers."

Dhirendra Khanna decides to take a more direct approach. He uses his own connections in the media to spread negative news about Malhotra Textiles, attempting to paint the company's future even bleaker than it already is.

Next day the main Headline of the major newspapers were: "Malhotra Textiles in Crisis: Financial Disaster Looms as Family Feuds Erupt."

Dhirendra's media blitz paints a picture of a company on the brink of collapse, with allegations of mismanagement, internal conflict, and poor labor conditions. This tactic puts immense pressure on Malhotra Industries, driving investors away and creating panic in the market.

 "Let's turn the public against them. No one will want to buy a sinking ship. "Dhirendra said to his assistant.

Back at the Malhotra office, Arjun notices the sudden drop in investor interest. He clenches his jaw.

"Someone is playing dirty." Arjun muttered.

Rajesh looked worried, but Arjun's eyes burn with determination.

Arjun said calmly. "They want to cheat us. Fine. Let's show them what Malhotra's are capable of."

Malhotra Industries Office, Mumbai. Arjun is in the boardroom, flipping through financial reports. Rajesh sits beside him, worried. The valuation of their factory is dropping fast, and buyers are backing out.

Rajesh, who looked frustrated said. "These vultures want us to panic-sell. If we give in, we'll lose everything."

Arjun replied smirking "Let them think we're desperate. We'll turn their own game against them."

He picks up the telephone on the table and dials the number.

"Hello, Mr. Mehta? I am Arjun Malhotra, son of Rajesh Malhotra, I hope you know. I hear you want to invest in the textile business, I have an exclusive offer for your firm. A once-in-a-lifetime investment."

Mr. Mehta was skeptical but still said. "The market says your business is failing, young man. Why should I invest?"

Arjun replied calmly "Because the rumors are false. Malhotra Textiles is still a giant in the industry. But if you hesitate, I'll take my offer to a foreign investor. And trust me, once they step in, Indian firms won't get another chance."

Mr. Mehta hesitates. The fear of losing out is more powerful than the fear of risk.

Mr. Mehta: "Let's meet. If your numbers check out, I might be interested." Arjun smiles. Phase one of his plans is in motion.

Arjun's media strategy kicks into action. He contacts Amit Desai, a journalist from The Economic Times, and leaks an exclusive story about a foreign investment deal in the works for Malhotra Textiles.

Next day The Economic Times Headline was: "Malhotra Textiles in Talks with Foreign Investors, Deal Expected to be Historic."

The market reacts instantly, with rumors of foreign investors eyeing the company causing a surge in interest. The very people who sought to drive down the valuation of the factory are now scrambling to secure it before the foreigners do. Investors who had previously been wary now see a chance to get in on the action.

Rather than retreating in the face of Dhirendra's media attack, Arjun decides to play the game even better. He contacted Amit Desai again in a week, this time with a counter-story that flips the narrative once more.

Next day Economic Times published "Malhotra Textiles Denies Crisis: Family Unity and International Backing Confirmed."

Arjun arranges an exclusive interview with Rajesh Malhotra, where Rajesh passionately defends the company's integrity and promises that the media reports of family feuds are baseless. He also announces that foreign investors, contrary to the rumors, are still deeply interested in the company and that negotiations are ongoing.

Arjun uses the media war to his advantage. The new story spreads like wildfire, and investors who had been frightened by Dhirendra's negative narrative now begin to believe that the company has a solid future. The foreign interest that has been hinted at is now presented as a guaranteed deal, and the market reacts with renewed enthusiasm.

Dhirendra Khanna slams his newspaper down in frustration.

Dhirendra gritted his teeth and spoke. "Damn that boy! He flipped the narrative!"

He called his assistant urgently and spoke. "Double our offer. I want that factory before the foreigners step in."

Rajesh Malhotra received the telephone call from Dhirendra assistant who told him about the offer, but Rajesh only told him that bidding will be next week.

One week later, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in South Mumbai was hosting one of the most critical business battles of the decade. Inside a luxurious private suite, powerful men gathered around a polished mahogany conference table, each determined to seize control of the Mumbai Textile Factory, a prime asset in the booming post-liberalization Indian economy.

Seated at the table were Dhirendra Khanna, a ruthless industrialist; Mr. Mehta, a seasoned investor; and James Carter, an actor hired by Arjun Malhotra to play the role of an aggressive foreign investor.

Arjun Malhotra sat beside his father, Rajesh Malhotra, wearing a calm expression. He knew exactly how this game would play out.

A representative from the Sellers' Committee cleared his throat and addressed the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the bidding process for the Mumbai Textile Factory. The starting bid is ₹50 crore. Bidding increments will be a minimum of ₹2 crore. The highest bidder will secure the deal."

A hush fell over the room. The game was about to begin.

Dhirendra Khanna leaned forward with a smirk. "₹55 crore."

Mr. Mehta, ever the cautious businessman, adjusted his glasses before speaking. "₹57 crore."

James Carter played his role in perfection, letting out a small chuckle before making his bid. "₹60 crore."

Dhirendra's eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn't expecting such aggressive competition this early.

"₹64 crore," he countered.

Mr. Mehta hesitated but soon raised the bid. "₹67 crore."

James Carter remained unfazed. He raised his hand lazily. "₹70 crore."

The tension in the room thickened. The factory was valuable, but the numbers were climbing faster than expected.

Dhirendra shot a glance at Arjun, who had yet to speak. The silence from the Malhotra camp was unnerving.

Still, Dhirendra had deep pockets. "₹74 crore."

Seeing the fierce battle Mr. Mehta frowned. He had reached his limit. "I'm out."

The battle was now between Dhirendra Khanna and James Carter.

James Carter smirked. "₹78 crore."

Dhirendra clenched his jaw but refused to back down. "₹81 crore."

James leaned forward. "₹85 crore."

A hush fell over the room. The stakes were climbing dangerously high.

Dhirendra tapped his fingers on the table. This wasn't going as planned. He had expected to win this deal for under ₹80 crore, but this so-called foreign investor was pushing the bid beyond reason.

But his ego wouldn't let him walk away yet.

"₹90 crore," Dhirendra declared.

James Carter barely hesitated. "₹94 crore."

Dhirendra exhaled sharply. This was dangerous territory.

The room was silent. All eyes were on Dhirendra Khanna.

His assistant warned him not to go beyond ₹95 crore, but if he walked away now, he'd lose face. He gritted his teeth and made one last move.

"₹100 crore."

There it was. The first bid is to break nine figures.

James Carter once again raised the price "₹105 crore."

Dhirendra froze. His fingers twitched on the table.

A pin-drop silence followed.

The weight of the bid settled in the room. ₹105 crore was too high, even for him. He could stretch it further, but at what cost?

His heart pounded. His pride screamed at him to continue, but his mind told him to stop.

A long, tense pause.

Then, with gritted teeth, he was about to stop but at this time Mr. Mehta spoke to him "why don't we bid together 60% yours and 40% mine". Dhirendra was surprised to hear about this offer, he thought for a while but seeing that the hammer was about to fall he agreed and then raised the price again to "110 crore."

The room tense up.

Arjun gave James Carter a slight glance, signaling him to stop. The foreign investor character had played his role, but now it was time to retreat.

James Carter leaned back and shrugged. "I'm out."

On the other side, Hearing the bid, the auctioneer, an elderly man with sharp eyes, waited a moment to ensure no further bids were coming.

He picked up his gavel, glanced around the room one last time, and spoke clearly:

"Going once… going twice… SOLD! To Mr. Dhirendra for ₹110 crore!"

A sharp bang echoed through the room as the gavel struck the wooden podium.

A luxurious signing ceremony was arranged in the same suite, with documents placed on a pristine table. The factory's ownership papers were prepared for Dhirendra Khanna to sign.

As he picked up the gold-plated Montblanc pen, a sense of accomplishment washed over him.

He signed the documents swiftly. The Mumbai Textile Factory was now his.

As he set the pen down, he turned to Arjun Malhotra, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Dhirendra said, "This time, you got lucky and made me pay a lot of money. But let me warn you. those who make me overpay don't usually have a good ending."

Arjun narrowed his eyes and asked, "What are you trying to say?"

Dhirendra smirked but said nothing. With a final glance at Arjun and Rajesh, he turned and walked out of the room.

Rajesh then looked at Arjun and said, "We have to be careful of him, Dhirendra is not a good man"

Arjun calmed him down saying "It's okay father, to harm us is not that easy" Rajesh nodded.