Capítulo 59: The Road Ahead
"Your Royal Highness, how much are you offering for the acquisition of Daimler?" Emil Jelinek, the main investor of Daimler AG, asked. He owned a significant portion of the company and had watched as Daimler's losses continued to mount. If the company could be sold while still retaining some value, it would be the best outcome for him.
"Fifty million marks!" Oscar replied. "This valuation far exceeds Daimler's current value." He wasn't short on funds anymore, and he hoped that after the acquisition, the top executives could stay on with the company. In that context, paying a little more was a small price to pay for their continued involvement.
"Fifty million marks?" Emil Jelinek was visibly pleased with the offer, which far exceeded his initial investment. This was a substantial return for him.
Paul Daimler and William Maybach exchanged a glance. They both understood that Emil Jelinek was now seriously considering the offer. Although reluctant to part with Daimler, they knew that selling was likely inevitable.
"Your Highness, I wish to retain my shares in the company. At this valuation of fifty million marks, how much do you think I could keep?" William Maybach asked, his tone more calculated. He had a long-term view, and he believed that since Oscar could afford to buy Daimler at such a price, the company's future under Oscar's ownership would be prosperous. Retaining shares would be far more beneficial than cashing out now.
"Your Highness, I too intend to keep my shares," Paul Daimler added, following suit.
Oscar nodded but remained silent for a moment, turning his gaze toward Emil Jelinek.
"Mr. Jelinek, have you made your decision?" Oscar asked, his tone more measured.
"I have," Emil Jelinek replied. "I am willing to sell the shares I hold to you."
"Very well, Mr. Jelinek. Once the share transfer agreement is signed, I will write you a check immediately," Oscar said, nodding in satisfaction.
"Mr. Maybach, Mr. Daimler, I will offer both of you a 5% stake each. What do you think?" Oscar proposed.
William Maybach and Paul Daimler couldn't help but frown. Five percent of the company seemed like a meager portion.
"You both must understand," Oscar continued, "After the acquisition, I will be investing another 50 million marks to upgrade the company's production line and develop new products. Daimler will evolve into a company specializing not only in cars but also in motorcycles, trucks, and military combat vehicles. The future of this company is limitless."
At Oscar's explanation, William Maybach and Paul Daimler nodded in agreement. If Daimler could indeed grow as Oscar envisioned, even a small share in the company would prove far more valuable in the long run.
Emil Jelinek, hearing Oscar's words, felt a pang of regret. He had agreed to sell his shares, but the vision that Oscar had painted made him reconsider. However, he refrained from expressing his regret. Oscar, after all, was not only a prince but also a businessman with immense wealth and influence. To backtrack now would likely anger him, and Emil Jelinek did not want to risk incurring the wrath of such a powerful figure.
After lunch, Emil Jelinek signed the share transfer agreement. He took his check and left Daimler, while Paul Daimler and William Maybach also signed their agreements to transfer their shares. Over the next week, Oscar would transfer the 50 million marks to Daimler's account to modernize the company's facilities and further invest in product development.
Oscar was now the official owner of Daimler, holding 90% of the company's shares, allowing him to fully implement his vision for the business.
"Mr. Daimler, Mr. Maybach, I have a product I'd like the company to focus on," Oscar said from his new office at Daimler. After acquiring the company, he had made sure to set up a workspace within the premises.
Oscar pulled a set of blueprints from his suitcase and laid them on the desk. They depicted designs for two motorcycles. Compared to the crude, wooden motorcycles of the time, these designs were a work of art. Motorcycles at that point were clunky and often equipped with small additional wheels for stability, making them awkward in both appearance and performance. Shock absorption technology had not yet been developed, leaving motorcycles uncomfortable to ride. The market for them was virtually nonexistent.
Paul Daimler and William Maybach were immediately taken aback by the designs on the paper.
"My God! Is this a motorcycle?" Paul Daimler exclaimed, unable to hide his amazement. "These are works of art!"
"It's unbelievable that a motorcycle can be designed like this!" William Maybach echoed, equally shocked.
Oscar laid out two distinct designs: one for a men's motorcycle, and one for women. The men's version featured a robust, streamlined frame with a steel body that exuded power. The women's motorcycle was smaller, more refined, with delicate detailing that made it visually appealing.
"These two motorcycles surpass anything available on the market today," Oscar continued. "They are not only faster and more powerful, but they are also far more reliable. And of course, their appearance is far superior to anything you've seen before. The engines for these bikes will be supplied by my Deutsche Engine Manufacturing Company. The men's motorcycle will reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, while the women's model will go up to 50 kilometers per hour. And as engine technology improves, we can expect even higher speeds. Do you think there will be a market for these motorcycles?"
"Your Highness, these motorcycles are pure masterpieces," Paul Daimler said, his voice filled with admiration. "I'm certain that once they are launched, they will become extremely popular, not just in Germany, but across Europe."
While Paul Daimler still viewed cars as the primary future for Daimler, he couldn't help but marvel at the motorcycles. William Maybach, too, was convinced that these machines could create a massive market.
Oscar had already set the stage for Daimler's future—one that would diversify the company's portfolio and establish it as a major player in the global automotive and military vehicle market. With the motorcycles as the first step, Oscar was paving the way for a revolution in both civilian and military transportation.
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