Chapter 76: Chapter 76: The Acquisition
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Any acquisition of more than 5% must be reported, so Link orchestrated the entire purchase on the same day, fully taking control of Osborn Corporation. However, he didn't plan on keeping all the shares for himself. Instead, he intended to bring in strategic partners, such as Stark Industries.
Although he hadn't approached them yet, Link didn't foresee any issues. The main challenge lay in the various drugs still undergoing biological and clinical trials, which required approval from regulatory bodies before they could be marketed.
Jessica, as the head of the foundation, held a press conference to announce the acquisition. Having hosted similar events before, she remained calm. By now, Jessica had become somewhat of a public figure in America, known for overseeing a charitable foundation managing assets worth hundreds of billions.
Just the 10% stake in Stark Industries alone was valued at over $20 billion. With upcoming renewable energy projects and the ongoing renovation of Stark Tower, Stark Industries' stock was expected to rise even further. Additionally, the foundation held an 8% stake in United Construction, worth several billion dollars. Although the foundation had not disclosed its full financial holdings, this acquisition demonstrated its significant capabilities.
A reporter asked, "Ms. Jones, what is the foundation's objective with this acquisition?"
"The foundation has always focused on legal aid and charity work. Now, we're expanding into healthcare," Jessica replied. "Osborn Corporation has a strong foundation in biotechnology and medical research, and though it's facing challenges now, its core strengths remain intact. Additionally, we have been developing over a dozen specialized drugs."
"Although they haven't been submitted for approval yet, we will use Osborn Corporation's channels to conduct biological and clinical trials."
"Osborn Corporation has the resources to complete these trials quickly, and once approved, the drugs will be brought to market."
Another reporter asked, "Are you confident you can address Osborn Corporation's internal issues?"
"Of course," Jessica responded. "Mr. Link, the foundation's primary benefactor, has invested significant funds into drug research. We wouldn't have made this acquisition if we weren't confident."
"Once the foundation takes over, we plan to increase our charitable contributions, especially in healthcare."
"Was this acquisition part of a larger strategy?" another reporter inquired.
"Mr. Link is a savvy investor," Jessica explained. "He previously purchased Stark Industries stock, and now Osborn Corporation. These were all his decisions, guided by his precise vision and the foundation's objectives."
"In the early days, we began by providing legal aid and acquiring law firms that aligned with our goals."
"Later, we invested in the redevelopment of West Midtown through United Construction, all in line with Mr. Link's investment and charitable principles."
"And now, with sufficient capital, Mr. Link has turned his attention to pharmaceutical research."
The press conference went smoothly, as there were no scandalous rumors surrounding Link and Jessica, who kept their relationship private. Their mysterious public personas only fueled more curiosity about the billionaire couple.
When reporters attempted to pry into their personal lives, those questions were politely ignored. Jessica ended the conference by announcing that Norman Osborn would remain the CEO of Osborn Corporation, while Link would assume the role of Chairman of the Board.
For now, the situation seemed stable. Although Osborn's stock price had only slightly improved, it had at least stopped falling.
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Norman Osborn and Link continued to quietly acquire smaller stakes in the company. Their goal was to eventually buy up all the shares, though they didn't plan on delisting Osborn Corporation. Most of the available shares had already been acquired, and after finalizing the deals, Link brought Jessica to Osborn Corporation headquarters.
At the board meeting, it was just Link and Norman. Sitting at the head of the table, Link pushed off with his feet, spinning his chair in a full circle.
"This seat's interesting, but it's not for me. Norman, the company is yours to run," Link said, looking at Osborn.
"Of course, I'll handle management. So, what's next?" Norman asked, leaving the question open.
Link opened his briefcase and handed Norman an envelope. Then, he began laying out various documents from the case.
"These are the details for the specialized drugs. Have your team begin the biological trials and submit them for regulatory approval. I'm sure you know the process," Link explained.
"With each drug that passes and hits the market, the stock price will naturally rebound. In the meantime, cut down other departments and focus exclusively on pharmaceuticals. Once the stock price rises, I'll approach Stark Industries."
Norman nodded, "What about the hoverboards and combat gear we've been developing?"
Link paused, rubbing his chin. Those seemed like a perfect fit for him.
"Keep them. And prepare a testing ground—I'll be conducting the trials personally."
"Uh," Norman blinked in surprise, "Are you sure that's appropriate?"
"They call me 'The Reaper' for a reason," Link grinned. "These could make an excellent suit and flight system for me, so I need to test them myself."
"Of course, the suit may not be perfect, but we can refine it later. The focus is on the hoverboard. If we can integrate Tony's arc reactor tech, it'll be unstoppable."
Norman's eyes lit up at the idea but quickly realized Link would likely use his personal connection to Stark to acquire the energy source for his own hoverboard. However, it wouldn't be available to Osborn Corporation for commercial sale.
"Alright, I'll arrange it. If any changes are needed, just let me know, and I'll have someone make the modifications," Norman agreed, not minding the situation.
Link added, "For now, don't market those products. Hold off on selling them."
"We'll see if we can acquire Stark Industries' weapons division—especially its talent pool."
"Understood. It's your call now," Norman acknowledged.
"No, it's your call. We're done here," Link said, taking Jessica with him. "Norman, take the day off and focus on getting better. Your condition might be deteriorating."
With that, Link and Jessica left the building. Norman, eager and a bit anxious, quickly opened the envelope, examining the vial inside before resealing it.
He immediately went to the pharmaceutical department to hand over the research data, all while increasing security measures. The last thing he needed was a repeat of the Richard Parker fiasco.
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