The Grand Auction at Leela Palace
Same day, 2010 – Leela Palace, Bengaluru
The grand ballroom of the Leela Palace shimmered under the golden chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the assembly of powerful business moguls, pharmaceutical executives, and high-ranking representatives from multinational corporations. The air was thick with anticipation. The moment everyone had been waiting for—the auction of Oasis Pharmaceutical's global agency rights—was about to begin.
At the center of the room, on an elevated stage, stood Sonu de Souza, the marketing director of Oasis Pharmaceuticals. He was a composed man in his mid-forties, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his neatly combed hair reflecting his meticulous nature. In his hands was a wireless microphone, and beside him, a large digital screen displayed details of the auction regions and the groundbreaking new drugs up for distribution.
He smiled confidently at the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your presence here today. We are honored to host this auction for the global agency rights of Oasis Pharmaceuticals' latest revolutionary products."
The crowd, composed of CEOs and top executives from the world's most influential pharmaceutical and healthcare companies—including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Merck, and Takeda—listened attentively. Some took notes, others whispered strategies to their aides.
Sonu de Souza continued, "Before we proceed, let me clarify the auction structure. The agency rights are divided into 11 global regions, excluding Vijayanagara and India. Each regional agency contract will last for a decade, during which the winning bidder will have exclusive rights to distribute Oasis Pharmaceuticals' products in their respective territories."
He gestured toward the screen, where the regional divisions were displayed:
1. North America
2. South America
3. East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan)
4. Southeast Asia
5. South Asia (excluding India and Vijayanagara)
6. West Asia
7. North Africa
8. South Africa
9. Western Europe
10. Eastern Europe
11. Oceania
"The starting bid varies by region based on market potential and projected revenues," he explained. "And one more thing—successful bidders will gain exclusive distribution rights not only for our current products but also for all future non-specialized drugs developed by Oasis Pharmaceuticals."
The room erupted into murmurs. This was a game-changer. A ten-year exclusive contract for a pharmaceutical company producing cutting-edge drugs was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sonu took a breath and let the excitement build before making his next statement. "Now, let me introduce the flagship products that will define the next decade of the pharmaceutical industry."
The screen switched to showcase images and clinical trial results of the new drugs.
1. Breast Enhancement & Secondary Development Drug
• Clinically tested with 90% success rate in stimulating secondary growth in women.
• Proven to increase size by at least one full cup in most cases.
2. Whitening Liquid & Skin Repair Solution
• Eliminates acne scars, freckles, and dark spots.
• Effective on all skin types, including dark skin.
3. Male Enhancement & Secondary Growth Stimulation Drug
• Increases male length and girth by stimulating secondary growth.
• Clinical trials showed results ranging from 0.5 cm to 3 cm increase.
The moment the male enhancement drug was announced, the room fell into complete silence. Then, within seconds, hushed whispers filled the air. Executives exchanged knowing glances.
A man in the front row, a representative from a major Japanese pharmaceutical company, couldn't hold back. He raised his hand. "Mr. de Souza, are you saying this drug has undergone human trials with confirmed results?"
"Yes," Sonu replied with a confident nod. "We have conducted extensive trials, and more than 85% of participants saw measurable improvements. The effectiveness varies based on genetic factors, but the results speak for themselves."
Gasps echoed through the room.
"If these claims hold, this will be one of the most profitable drugs in history," muttered a representative from a major South Korean conglomerate.
Sonu de Souza smirked. He had them right where he wanted them.
"Now," he continued, "let's begin the auction. The first region up for bidding is East Asia, which includes China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong."
A tense silence followed as the auctioneer took his place.
"The starting bid for East Asia is 200 million US dollars," Sonu announced. "Minimum increments must be 10 million dollars."
Without hesitation, a Japanese pharmaceutical giant raised his paddle. "200 million!"
Immediately, a South Korean company countered. "210 million!"
"230 million!" Another Japanese firm called out.
The bids escalated rapidly.
"300 million!"
"400 million!"
"500 million!"
The atmosphere was electric. Each bid was met with a flurry of whispers and last-minute phone calls as executives sought approval from their boards.
"600 million!"
"700 million!"
Then, a voice from the back cut through the tension. "One billion dollars!"
A collective gasp filled the room. All eyes turned toward the bidder—a powerful Japanese conglomerate executive. His face was calm, but his intent was clear. He wasn't leaving without securing this deal.
The South Korean delegation huddled together. One executive hastily dialed a number. "We need approval for a counteroffer," he whispered urgently. "This is too important to lose."
But the Japanese bidder leaned forward and spoke calmly, "We are prepared to go higher if necessary."
The South Korean representative frowned, realizing they had hit their limit. A long pause followed before the auctioneer spoke.
"One billion dollars, going once…"
"Going twice…"
"Sold!"
The Japanese consortium had won the exclusive East Asian distribution rights for Oasis Pharmaceuticals.
As the auction continued for the remaining regions, the mood in the room remained intense. Other pharmaceutical giants secured their respective territories at equally staggering prices.
By the end of the evening,Oasis Pharmaceuticals had generated over 12.2 billion dollars in licensing fees—an astronomical sum that left even the most seasoned investors in awe.
And this was only the beginning.