Rebirth of America, this is my time

It's night, in the office of the chairman of Destiny Games.

Ethan Jones is standing in front of a whiteboard, writing and drawing on it with an oil-based pen.

The current situation is that the patent rights of the MOS 6502 chip belong to MOS Company, the North American production line of MOS 6502 is at Chuck Padre Chip Company, the notebook production line of MOS 6502 is at Nintendo Kyoto Chip Manufacturing Company, and the parent company of MOS, Or maybe the major shareholder holding the majority of the shares is a company called Allen Bradley...

Ethan wrote MOS in the center of the whiteboard, and then drew a line to the lower left and lower right, marking Chuck Padre and Nintendo respectively. At the same time, he also wrote his name below the two companies and marked a 20% shareholding mark.

Then, he drew another vertical line above MOS and wrote Allen Bradley, and then marked their holdings in MOS after their names, which was 56.4%.

This is data listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

After doing all this, he drew two bars behind the two companies Allen Bradley and MOS, writing Rockwell and Commodore respectively, and above the horizontal bars. Mark the five percent shareholding with the takeover offer.

When all this appeared in front of Evelin, the girl sitting on the boss's chair immediately said: So the problem we are facing now is that no matter which of these two companies succeeds in the acquisition, they can directly get the MOS 6502 Patent for this chip...right?

When this fact emerges, even if we own the shares of Chuck Paido Company, we will not be able to counterattack, because Chuck Paido Company has only obtained the production authorization for the 6502 chip and does not own this chip. What is the real patent for this chip?”

His sister's words made Ethan nod his head, Yeah~

At the same time, he also said: Of course, even if these two companies are not acquired, we cannot counterattack because we only own 20% of the equity of Chuck Paido Company.

When the private line in Ethan's office was almost blocked by the outside world, how could Evelin, who was only separated by a wall from him, not know that the company was in crisis? When the girl asked, Ethan, who had sorted things out clearly, started to tell the story in a clear and logical manner.

As the current situation unfolded, Evelin also asked: So, what is the market value of the company MOS? What is the market value of Komodo who wants to acquire them? And Alan Bradley, Have you checked their market value?”

This question made Ethan raise his right hand and said while marking on the whiteboard: MOS has a market value of US$23 million today, Komodo has a market value of US$72 million today, and Alan Bra Deli's market value today is US$1.37 billion.

?

Evelin was stunned for a moment by her brother's mark.

Then, the bright eyes flashed with doubt——

So what trouble are we in now?

MOS's market value is only 23 million?

The Komodo who wants to acquire it only has 72 million?

The market value of these companies is not as much as the cash we have on hand!

Why are you worried about a deal whose total market value is no greater than our cash flow?

Evelin felt that Ethan’s previous anxiety was unreasonable.

In other words, she felt that the reaction from the outside world was a bit excessive.

When competitors don’t have as much cash as their fair value special numbers in the open market, just using the simplest money-spending technique in business can kill them all!

In this case, only the defense supply company Allen Bradley was in trouble.

But to be honest, Evelin didn't think that a manufacturing company worth more than one billion could have more funds than them, let alone that they had just received 70 million from Nintendo.

The cash they hold in their hands is 100 million...

Ethan, if you think MOS 6502 is very critical to us, wouldn't it be enough to just acquire MOS? Evelin leaned slightly to one side, holding her chin with her left hand, and said, If you think Rockwell is difficult to deal with, Then provide them with low-priced chips. The chip industry cannot be monopolized anyway, so instead of fighting them, it is better to supply them directly.

Oh—my dear sister—

Evelin's words made Ethan laugh, I was actually thinking the same thing as you at first.

I also think there is no problem with direct acquisition, even if the premium is 10%, 20%, or even 30%! As long as we can hold the chip in our hands, we will be invincible.

But... when I asked Steve Ballmer to check the information of these companies, I found that my idea was a bit too simple, because the company Komodo is not simple.

While speaking, he also picked up the documents placed aside and handed them to his sister.

As Evelin flipped through it, the contents inside also made the girl frown.

Although Steve Ballmer and Steve Jobs both said that the company that proposed the acquisition of MOS was named Commodore International, they actually held MOS stock and wanted to acquire MOS. In fact, it is their subsidiary Commodore Business Machines, or CBM for short.

The market value of US$72 million that Ethan just mentioned is actually that of CBM. This guy is not worth as much cash as Destiny Games, but their parent company currently has a market value of more than US$400 million.

Of course, on the surface, this number still does not pose a threat to Ethan and the others, because if the market value really needs to be calculated, then the crazy money-making game of destiny would have taken off long ago, but in many cases, the market value is simply not worth it. It can’t reflect the true situation of a company, right?

For example, which one is more valuable, a company with more than $300 billion in debt or a company with $250 billion in cash reserves? There’s no need to say more about this kind of thing, right?

The same is true for Komodo, a company with a deep background.

Their founder, Jack Trammell, was Jewish, as was Ralph Bell.

The only difference is that Ralph Baer is of German descent and he is of Polish descent.

Therefore, after the Blitz War, he became a prisoner and had a very miserable childhood. He was not rescued by the American Army until four or five years ago.

This reason led him to immigrate to America. Since the guy who saved him from fire and water was the U.S. Army, the first thing he did after immigrating was to join the army.

This choice made his later life smooth, because his start-up capital was a military veteran's subsidy, and the company's development funds came from entrepreneurial loans issued by the U.S. Army to veterans. Even if he later did business with WP member countries, America No one checked him out.

No way, who allowed his company to have U.S. Army funds?

Of course, if Komodo's background was just these, then Ethan would not take them to heart at all, but in addition to himself, Komodo's other four major shareholders are the Ford Foundation, Morgan Guaranty Corporation, Citibank, Carnegie Pension Fund.

“Evelin, are you trying to make more money than these people?”

When Evelin raised her head in shock, Ethan had already laughed out loud, The Ford family, the Morgan family, the Carnegie family, how far behind are they compared to the Rockefellers?

Even if it's the worst Ford family here! We can't compare, right?

“…” Evelin fell silent.

Ethan sighed, returned to the whiteboard, and said: So, in the current acquisition case, Rockwell is actually the weakest, but no matter how weak they are...

They are also selling arms.

No...are these people out of their minds? Why are they all doing computers? Evelin couldn't figure it out, Compared with their main business, the profits from computers are too small, right?

But the meaning of capitalists' existence is to seize all the profits. Ethan can understand what these people do. Wherever they can make money, they will appear.

This fact made Evelin fall into silence.

And Ethan sat down helplessly.

To be honest, after reading those people's information, Ethan's first reaction was to call these guys and ask them to quote a price for him. Whoever bids the highest price would sell the company to him.

What? Someone asked why?

Very simple!

He doesn't play anymore!

Ethan only felt that he was the unluckiest time traveler! From the moment he made his first money, countless giants were staring at him! It started with Walt Disney and Philips! Then came Warner! Then comes Nintendo! And then there’s Rockefeller! Rockwell! Morgan! Ford! Barabara!

If he had known that starting a business would be so tiring, he would have sold Snake a long time ago!

Then put your money into Berkshire Hathaway! Waiting for retirement!

Although Principal Fred Terman had reminded him before that the people on Wall Street were staring at him, he never expected that the old principal was staring in such a way!

I don’t accept your investment, I don’t want to go public, and then you personally exit?

Fuck you!

Don't be such a bully!

well--

Ethan sighed heavily and covered his cheeks with his hands.

While he was irritated, Evelin, who was sitting behind the desk, asked again: Then what did Motorola CEO Robert Galvin call before?

They're gone too?

This question made Ethan instantly lose his helplessness.

The flame called anger burns directly!

Special code! Ethan stood up and cursed: He called to take advantage of the situation!

He said Motorola can provide us with cheap chips, but he wants our global agent!

But the price he offered was only 15% of the selling price!

“And it’s still 15% of the actual sales price!”

We need to bear the losses from discount sales with them!

Even Evelin couldn't accept this price.

But what she is even more curious about is, Why do Motorola have cheap chips?

When this question came up, Ethan sighed heavily again, Because——

MOS gave the 6501 chip to Motorola -

MOS 6502 is based on MOS 6501, and MOS 6501 is actually an infringing product of Motorola 6800. Ethan has told Evelin about these things.

At the same time, Evelin also knew that after the MOS 6501 came out, Chuck Paido and others who didn't know how to solve the legal problem directly sent the chip to Motorola, hoping to obtain Motorola's permission to sell it. Then, Motorola sent the chip to Motorola. They sued.

Then, MOS killed 6501 on its own and at the same time gave Motorola a certain amount of compensation.

When these facts appeared in Evelin's mind, this girl who got into Stanford with her own ability immediately discovered the key. In other words, after MOS admitted that it had infringed the patent and paid Motorola compensation, the 6501 patent The power just fell into the hands of Motorola?

Yes, that's what it is.

Ethan Tanshou said: Because 6501 is an infringing product, in order to resolve the infringement lawsuit, MOS can only open this product to Motorola for free. In this case, Motorola has the right to produce 6501 chips, and 6501 and Isn’t the biggest difference of 6502 just the modifications? If they conduct further research and development based on the patent of 6501, it will not be considered an infringement.”

So, if we want chips, Motorola will fix the modifications within a month and then supply them to us. They didn't do this before because they really didn't make money selling chips.

When MOS sells 6502 at an ultra-low price, Motorola, which cannot make any money, will not modify it at all, but if this modification can be used to gain global agents for our games...

Then they are willing to do it.

But we are not fools. Evelin said angrily.

At this moment, she really felt that there was a wolf in front of her and a tiger behind her.

As the two fell silent, the office also fell into silence.

Evelin leaned on the boss's chair with her head held high, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Ethan put his hands on his forehead and bowed his body, seeming to be thinking about the problem.

but……

Both of them knew it.

There are many problems in this world that cannot be solved by simple thinking.

I don’t know how long it took, but Evelin came back to her senses and asked, “So it’s a dead end now? We can’t find a way to break it at all?”

It doesn't count. His sister's words made Ethan stand up again and said: There are ways to solve all problems, but all solutions are based on complete information.

“The biggest problem we are facing right now is that no one knows the thoughts of Allen Bradley and MOS. If Allen Bradley intends to be acquired by Rockwell, MOS is also willing to accept the acquisition of Rockwell. Modor’s offer, then we must leave.”

As a normal person, it is impossible for me to get involved in this kind of conflict between giants.

And once that happens, we have to look for new chips.

Or Motorola? Evelin asked.

No - Ethan shook his head and said, Intel.

It's our best option.

Although I made Wenlock people lose face before, Lawrence Rockefeller has become a shareholder of Apple Computer after all. When tens of millions of funds have been injected and education procurement is being negotiated, it is impossible for him to accept that his company has a shortage. The condition of the core.”

And as long as Apple can get the chips, we can get the chips.

But then we have to modify the machine. Evelin said: At the same time, when we choose Intel, our costs will surge. Do you understand what I mean?

Ethan understood that Evelin was talking about the cost of the host.

But what can be done?

Let's purchase in large quantities. Ethan thought for a moment and said, We can keep costs down by purchasing in large quantities. It just so happens that we have money in hand...

Such words made Evelin hold her forehead and sigh.

At this moment, she really felt how tired Ethan's mouth was.

That kind of helplessness that arises spontaneously is really not acceptable to ordinary people.

The coldness of falling from the clouds to the bottom of the valley is even more suffocating.

She even felt that if she was asked to handle daily administrative affairs, the company would not be able to survive until now. When the giants appeared again and again, she really did not have the confidence to fight against them.

Okay, you go back first. Just when Evelin was thinking wildly, Ethan said, It's getting late, you go back and rest.

What about you? Evelin came back to her senses and asked strangely: Aren't you going back?

No. Ethan shook his head and said, I asked Steve Ballmer to charter a plane for me and set off at ten o'clock in the evening to go to the headquarters of MOS. I want to find out what they think.

The busy schedule made Evelin open her mouth.

She wanted to reassure Ethan that tomorrow would be better, but...

That's a lie.

Looking at the figure who stood up to wipe the whiteboard, she sighed, Be safe.

I will.

After a simple conversation, there was only rustling sound in the office.

When Ethan finished wiping the whiteboard and was about to leave with the information, Evelin suddenly remembered something.

Ethan, wait a minute, she shouted.

After Ethan turned around, she asked, Why don't you call Chuck?

He should have learned the news, right?

Let him ask MOS what they think?

When Ethan caught the name Chuck Paido, endless dissatisfaction suddenly appeared on his calm cheeks, Oh! My! God!——

Don't mention him!

He seems to be missing!

What? Evelin was a little surprised by this situation, Missing?

Yes, it seems that I am playing missing...

Ethan recounted his experience.

The fact that the two phone calls had two results on that day made Evelin reveal the same confusion as Ballmer. Is there something wrong with Chuck? she asked.

But the next second she immediately said, If Chuck is avoiding you, then there is no point in going to MOS, because you can't get the answer you want there!

Of course Ethan is aware of this situation, but——

But if I don't go, I won't even know!

He spread his hands.

With a wry smile on his face.

The state of being like a headless fly made Evelin feel a little distressed.

Then you ask the others?

Who am I asking?

Ethan has already tried this path, but it doesn't work at all. When the people from MOS can tell the general manager of their own production company that the R\u0026D personnel are on a business trip, who else can I ask?

Ask Chuck's friends? Evelin suggested.

I don't know him! This nonsense made Ethan more and more annoyed as he talked about it. I don't know any of Chuck's friends! I don't know his family either!

The only person I know who made 6502 with him is the only one I know!

But the problem is, they can't find anyone who stayed in MOS!

And what will happen if we find the one who left MOS Company!

Ethan stamped his feet in a ventive manner.

What kind of bad things have happened to my special code!

Pooh!

What a rotten person!

Cursed.

Turn around and leave.

And just as Ethan stepped out of the office, Evelin suddenly said loudly: Ethan! Wait a minute! Did we overlook a problem?

The excited words made Ethan turn around again, and when he frowned and looked at his sister, Evelin continued without any concealment: Ethan, do you remember when Chuck Paido, or MOS? Company, why would they give you 20% of the shares?”

Ethan will still remember this even if it turns into ashes!

Because we help them solve legal infringement issues! Ethan said.

Although almost three years have passed since this incident, Ethan still remembers it fresh because it was his first real confrontation with a giant. Even though Motorola directly gave up the lawsuit after figuring out the laws in California, minimizing its losses and not confronting Ethan, this kind of victory still makes Ethan excited. Of course... this excitement is only today. Before.

Yes, we helped them solve 6502's legal issues.

Seeing that her brother hadn't remembered the key point of the matter, Evelin said directly: And now, we also need to solve 6502's legal issues.

If there is no competition agreement in California and MOS can produce chips against Motorola, then it shouldn't be illegal to let the people who made 6502 back then make 6502, right?

Just change the name. Evelin shrugged lightly.

At the same time, the girl stared at Ethan with burning eyes, 6502 was originally a plagiarized product. Now, the plagiarized product has been copied. I think this should be a common sense thing, right?

If the 6502 team is still in MOS Company, then this matter may still be a little troublesome, but -

Some of them are gone!

If Chuck Paddo is overwhelmed by the sudden acquisition, we may still have a psychological burden in doing this kind of thing, but——

He is avoiding us!

If we can continue to use the 6502 chip, then we will definitely not do such boring things, but the problem is-

Those giants have already ended up in person!

Why should we give them face when they are no longer human beings?

Evelin put her hands on the table and tilted her head slightly.

And that serious look made Ethan stunned on the spot.

MFxxk!

Have the original crew copy it again?

Oh! Sxxt! What's the idea behind this special code?

he murmured.

However, although Ethan was swearing, he was smiling!

Because he found that this thing seemed feasible!

Since there is no competition agreement in California, they can confidently recruit people to make chips!

Now that the giants have come to an end, those with special numbers will have to rely on their own abilities!

Do you want to seize my CPU through a hostile takeover?

Those with special codes, don't blame me for copying the CPU you spent a lot of money on and made it worthless!

Dare you sneak up on me with a special code?

I’ll reward you with a big dick bag!

Thinking of this, Ethan immediately shouted into the dark corridor——

Ballmer!

Ballmer!

Ballmer!

As he roared, the corridor equipped with sensor lights lit up instantly.

A few breaths later, Ballmer, who had been staying in Ethan's office, suddenly appeared, Boss?

He was lying on the doorframe with a confused look on his face, What's the matter?

I'm not going to MOS! Change my schedule! I'm going to Phoenix!

The sudden order made Ballmer blink his eyes.

Then he nodded immediately, rushed out of Ethan's office and went to make a call.

As he left, Ethan also turned around to thank his sister. However, before he could say anything, he found the girl coming over with a handbag.

Such a situation made Ethan instinctively say, Should I take you back first?

No--

ah?

I'll go to Phoenix with you.

Why? Ethan was a little confused and said, I can handle this.

I know. Evelin looked at the boy in front of her.

Ben's bright eyes were now bloodshot.

This fact made the girl take a deep breath and then smile.

But you are tired alone.

Let's go~

[Correction]: The total sales figure of 1.5 million 6502 written in the previous chapter is wrong. I also included their sales volume in this book. Regardless of the demand in the article or the actual sales situation, in seven or eight years, the number exceeded one million at most.

Note: ① I couldn’t find the number of Allen Bradley’s equity in MOS. I calculated it based on Allen Bradley’s shareholding in the new company after Komodo acquired MOS. ②The computer war back then was so outrageous. Rockefeller was behind Apple, and the shareholders of Commodore included the Morgan and Carnegie families. Of course, compared with the active investment of the former, the latter was a passive investor. The reason was A financial scandal in the 1960s. At that time, there was a financial company in Canada called AAC. It made financial fraud, made random loans, and issued bad checks. After these things were exposed, the investors of this financial company demanded their property back. But because the company had no money, the companies AAC invested in were divided up by giants such as Morgan, Carnegie, and Ford who invested money in them. Since AAC owned a large amount of equity in Komodo and occupied three board seats, they The stocks were taken away by those giants. Then, those giants passively participated in the calculator war in the 1960s, and then intervened in the computer war. It was a blessing in disguise. It was simply making crazy money.