Chapter 16 (1/2)
On April 10, 1987, after months of preparation and roadshow, the West German publishing house was finally listed.
Before that, Henry and Edward Joe had guessed how much the share price would go up this time.
Edward Joe thinks that the market value of the average Medium-sized Publishing House will reach 80-90 million US dollars, but the West German publishing house will definitely exceed 100 million US dollars.
Henry laughed. He didn't know what the final market value of West German press was.
He and Edward Joe went to wall street together, always paying attention to the changes of the trading board.
Although West German publishing house is only a medium-sized publishing house in the United States, it has a good performance. With Henry's share, it has won the favor of investors. The share price of West German publishing house rose very well, and the closing price of the day reached $25 per share. This price shocked Edward Joe, which surprised Henry. It seems that his fame really played a role.
In this IPO, West German publishing has issued 2 million shares, almost 20%. After today, it means that the market value of West German press has risen to 250 million US dollars, 150 million US dollars more than Edward Joe predicted. The next day, the share price fluctuated slightly, but not much.
The whole West German press is in a state of excitement!
In the original IPO, Henry's shares had to be diluted. Later, Henry cashed out some shares while West German publishing was listed, leaving only 23.5% in the end. But Henry had an extra 12 million dollars. In the end, he still plays finance to make money, but Henry does not dare to speculate in the stock market casually. The stock market is uncertain. Under the influence of Henry, it is hard to guarantee that it will not change. For example, the Internet bubble in 2000 must be ahead of schedule.
However, there are some things that Henry can't change. For example, the collapse of the Soviet Union or something. If Henry crosses over and the Soviet Union doesn't collapse, even Henry himself has to doubt whether he's pushing too hard!
Henry cashed out 12 million US dollars, not worrying about money for the time being.
By April this year, the number of Internet users in the United States had reached 100000. There is an Internet company with outstanding performance. Even Henry was shocked when he heard its name.
This company is called ”AOL”. This name is very famous. In the early days of the Internet, it was comparable to Yahoo. Later, it merged Warner pictures, with a market value of more than 300 billion US dollars. For this company, Henry did not dare to look down upon, immediately ordered people to inquire about the company.
The next day, Henry got the information from AOL.
AOL's predecessor, quantum computer company, was founded by Steve Case in 1985. At that time, AOL began to provide online information services for computer users. This company is not slower than Nicholas bookstore, but it is not as fast as Nicholas bookstore!
Steve Case thinks that the Internet has a bright future. He also wants to develop online information services when he loses his fortune. In other people's eyes, this kind of behavior is very stupid, because at that time the network environment was still very severe, Henry had money to burn, but Steve case was not as rich as Henry.
It is admirable that he dares to do so.
In 1986, they built a service system, and then went to apple every day. Finally, Apple was moved by his perseverance and agreed to install their online service system. Steve Case's company barely survived. With the development of the Internet, the company has become more and more interesting, and even its reputation has spread to Henry's ears.
Henry held the information with a slight frown.
AOL is not terrible, but the information shows that Sequoia Capital has begun to contact AOL, which is the most headache for Henry!
Sequoia Capital's investment in AOL is undoubtedly a big trouble for Henry.
In the previous life, the glorious history of AOL, Henry is more clear that the first acquisition of Netscape, the second acquisition of ICQ, the third acquisition of Warner film company. If a company like this gets the investment of Sequoia Capital, Henry has to take some actions to suppress it.
Henry didn't know what Sequoia Capital and AOL were talking about. Steve case was a talented person. Henry thought it would be best if he could take it for his own use. So he sent people to contact Steve case to see if he could buy his company. Henry appointed Jill Hutt, CEO of Nicholas bookstore, to talk in person. Geely Hutt's reputation and status in the Internet can be regarded as a giant. It's a great honor for Steve case to let him talk.
Henry's idea is that it's better to take a wholly-owned acquisition, and then get a controlling interest.
However, the day after Geely Hutt left, he called Henry back, saying that Steve case was adamant and refused his offer.
Henry was not surprised at the news. Steve case is ambitious and brilliant, otherwise, AOL would not grow in his hands.
Before long, Ford Brooke, executive director of Sequoia Capital, suddenly called. Henry heard a hint of pride in his voice.
”Hello, Henry. Have you ever talked to Steve Case about buying his company?”
”Well, Mr. Brooke, are you well informed?” Henry sneered.
”Ha ha, nothing. Sequoia Capital is optimistic about this company and is negotiating with Steve. And he told us about your plan to buy AOL! ”
”Oh, really? It seems that this guy is smart enough to tell you this on purpose, so as to wait for the price
”Oh, nothing. Originally, we Sequoia Capital could not fully believe the development prospect of AOL, but even Henry, the company you are interested in must not be wrong! The board has decided to invest 15 million dollars in AOL. Steve case also agreed to our company's financing plan. Just now, we have signed the contract! ”
”Congratulations. Another gold mine has been discovered.” Henry said coldly that Ford Brooke was obviously demonstrating.
”Ha ha... Where.” Ford Brooke grinned triumphantly.
”I'm very curious. How many shares did you take?”