A pile of ruins!
The seemingly light words fell into Mr. White's ears, making his heart tremble. He certainly knew what the other party meant - war will destroy everything.
Everything in North Borneo has been destroyed, including the extremely expensive port - according to the military's order, the company destroyed many facilities including the port. After the war, it will cost money to rebuild everything.
"Let's not talk about it. Britain will not, and the United States will not allow Britain to have colonies. Let's talk about North Borneo. The war almost destroyed everything there. Even if the company took back North Borneo after the war, it was only faced with devastated ruins. The destroyed ports and cities need to be rebuilt. The question is, do you have that money?"
After spitting out a puff of smoke, George looked at White in front of him and said directly.
"You don't have it, and the company doesn't have it either. What will be your choice then? It's nothing more than handing everything over to the government, um... after you've paid a few years of interest! Mr. White, this is all you can get - pay a huge amount of interest and then hand the company back to the government, because this is your only choice."
George didn't even give him a chance to breathe, but took advantage of his distracted state to continue speaking.
"Otherwise, you will not only have to bear huge bond interest expenses, but also find a way to rebuild, but sir, will you invest for a piece of land that is destined to be lost?"
This is the most fatal blow!
As the only major shareholder of a company with colonies in the British Empire, White has always maintained close contact with the Colonial Department. Just a few months ago, at a banquet, he personally heard the Colonial Secretary say that it was difficult for the British Empire to keep its colonies.
This is a well-known fact. Even India was promised autonomy by the British Empire after the war.
Autonomy!
It is undoubtedly disastrous for the North Borneo Company. Without official help, it is difficult for the company to continue operating. Is it possible for the official to help them? Compared to North Borneo, the government would definitely be more willing to rebuild Singapore.
"This..."
White took a puff of cigarette and said with some guilt.
"But sir, as we all know, the company owns everything there, and there will definitely be people willing to buy the company's bonds."
"Wait until the British Empire does not allow the colonies to be autonomous, and how long can your assets last?"
Speaking, George said directly.
"Your dividend in 40 years is 35,000 pounds, which is the last dividend you received, but more than 99% of this dividend was paid as personal income tax. In 41 years, North Borneo fell. In the past three years, you did not get a penny of dividends. Instead, you need to pay 29,000 pounds of corporate bond interest every year. In the past three years, you paid almost 100,000 pounds of interest. Mr. White, you will eat up all your savings. How long can you last?"
"Sir, the war will end."
Thinking, White said,
"After the war is over, I still have a chance..."
"What if the war lasts for another four or five years? You know, until now, there is no sign of ending!"
This sentence made White's face pale, and even the fingers holding the cigarette trembled involuntarily.
How long will the war last?
No one knows, it may be four years, or it may be five years, who knows? The German army was so powerful, and their submarines were still sinking merchant ships. The newspapers even worried that Britain would fall into famine next month because the speed at which merchant ships were sunk far exceeded the speed at which they were built.
This war was completely different from the last one. This time, Germany was stronger, but what about Britain? It was weaker, so weak that it was even unable to resist the invasion of the Germans. It could only rely on the Americans, and the Americans had no good intentions. They tried every means to force Britain to give up its colonies. Did Britain have a choice?
No!
Why didn't George listen to Ian Thorpe, the royal barrister, and wait until next year to acquire the North Borneo Company?
To put it bluntly, it was because of the information gap.
In 1943, no one could guess when the Axis would be defeated, but in 1944, the whole world saw that the Axis was already defeated.
George didn't know whether the share price of North Borneo Company would fall next year, but one thing was certain: these shareholders would have illusions. They would definitely imagine restoring yesterday's glory, and then this illusion would be completely shattered in 45 years, that is, when the war ended.
If possible, George would certainly wait until 45 years. After all, by then, everyone would know that North Borneo could not be saved. But by then, time might not be enough. He needed to "return" to North Borneo as soon as the war ended, which involved a series of follow-up work.
"But in these four or five years, you need to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds of debt interest. The only question is, can you afford it?"
George said lightly, then he took a puff of cigarette and blew a smoke ring contentedly.
"When you can't afford the interest, the creditors will sue, and the court will auction your property according to the law to repay the interest. Mr. White, by then, you will be penniless and lose everything, including this house!"
The man's words deeply hurt Mr. White's heart like a thorn. The old British man over 60 years old knew that the other party was telling the truth. In fact, this was what he was worried about, and what the other major shareholders were worried about. They were worried that the war would continue, and the huge interest would eventually cause them to lose everything.
"Okay, sir, I admit that what you said is true. If you are willing, one shilling per share..."
Before she finished her words, she saw the other party's face full of sarcasm, as if he was mocking her naivety.
"Mr. White,"
After taking a puff of cigarette, George stood up.
"If that's the case, there is no need for us to talk anymore. We all know that the shares of North Borneo Company are worthless!"
After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave. Seeing this, Mr. White hurriedly said.
"Sir, what price do you think is appropriate?"
"Transfer the shares to me for free, and I will bear the interest. I will pay you a pension of 2,000 pounds every year in the future."
George put forward his conditions directly. He never thought of paying money! After that, he put his business card on the table and said to him.
"Mr. White, I will leave London in the next few days. Please make a decision as soon as possible!"
After that, he left, leaving only the messy White...