บท 386: Chapter 386: Visit by Princess Margaret
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In recent months, Japan's financial sector had become increasingly frenetic, with many Japanese people diving into investments as the US stock market soared. This speculative bubble saw many Japanese profiting handsomely, though their gains were largely theoretical until they could be realized.
Hans Pharmaceuticals was at the center of this financial frenzy. Its stock price had surged to $106, pushing its market value to $400 million. The rapid rise seemed irrational, but financial speculation often defied logic.
Hans Pharmaceuticals was involved in several high-profile transactions. The Nicholas Antique Mortgage Financial Investment Corporation invested $63 million to acquire 24.7% of the company, becoming its largest shareholder. Other major investors, such as Downey Funds and George Mortgage Financial Investment Company, also bought substantial shares, causing a flurry of activity in the markets.
The original African investors in Hans Pharmaceuticals withdrew completely, vanishing with the millions they had amassed. This massive shift in ownership and the resultant media coverage captured the attention of investors worldwide, especially in Japan, where the deal was scrutinized closely.
Japanese financial experts raised concerns about the high stock prices driven by speculative enthusiasm. Some analysts even warned of potential trouble if the company's stock was merely built on hype rather than solid fundamentals. These warnings led to some public panic.
Despite the skepticism, major investment firms remained optimistic. They reported that the company's Phase III trials in Africa were successful, bolstering the stock price further.
During this period, Hardy had sold all his shares in Hans Pharmaceuticals, making a net profit of $380 million from his strategic investments. This substantial gain was the culmination of a two-year plan, where Hardy had used others' money to reap the rewards, leaving the investors to bear the losses if things went awry.
The funds used were primarily from Wells Fargo Bank, Cayman Islands, which had attracted many deposits due to its tax advantages and confidentiality. Unlike its US counterpart, the Cayman branch did not offer interest on deposits, but many chose it for its financial discretion.
One day, Hardy's secretary brought him a telegram from Britain. It was from Princess Margaret, reminding him of his promise to show her around the United States.
Hardy was taken aback. He had nearly forgotten about his promise to the British royal. Though he was not particularly interested in royal connections, he saw this as an opportunity to engage with the British royal family and perhaps influence future interactions.
He decided to reply affirmatively, assuring Margaret that he would indeed show her the sights of the United States.
In Britain, Princess Margaret shared the telegram with her sister, Princess Elizabeth. Elizabeth suggested that Margaret's visit could serve a diplomatic purpose. Given Hardy's close ties with President Johnson, he might help negotiate a postponement of the UK's loan repayments.
The UK was struggling with its post-war debts, having borrowed heavily from the US during World War II. The loans, totaling $22.6 billion, required annual repayments exceeding $500 million, a burden the UK was finding difficult to bear. The British government hoped to discuss delaying these payments and possibly securing additional aid during Margaret's visit.
Originally, Princess Elizabeth was to undertake this mission herself, but concerns about potential diplomatic fallout led to the decision to send Princess Margaret instead.
Margaret, aware of the political and personal implications of her trip, was eager to explore the United States. She planned to leverage her relationship with Hardy to both fulfill her personal interests and advance the diplomatic goals of her visit.
Elizabeth reminded her sister to adhere to court etiquette and focus on the primary mission—securing a delay in loan repayments and exploring new aid opportunities. Despite this, Margaret's thoughts were already drifting towards the exciting experiences awaiting her in America, with Hardy as her guide.
As the day of her departure approached, Margaret's anticipation was palpable, balancing her royal duties with the thrill of exploring a new world.
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