Chapter 353
Facing the man's inquiry, Li Zetian laughed twice, looked at him until he blushed, and then said leisurely: "If Netscape is your company, are you willing to pay $8 billion?" Sell it?"
The man was immediately speechless.
Netscape was so popular that countless investors were optimistic about it. Many investment companies came to the company one after another and took the initiative to invest, almost all of them crossed the threshold of Netscape.
Now, as long as Netscape is willing to raise funds, those investment companies are even willing to offer a valuation of US$9 billion or even US$10 billion.
Microsoft wants to acquire Netscape for $8 billion, obviously trying to take advantage.
Although Li Zetian is the major shareholder of Microsoft, due to the listing of Microsoft, Li Zetian's shares have dropped to less than 45%. However, he holds more than 90% of the shares of Netscape. Netscape sold them at a low price. Naturally, Li Zetian will suffer huge losses.
Bill Gates quickly came out to smooth things over and said, "Netscape has great development prospects. Do I think it should be acquired at a premium?"
"Yes, yes, purchase at a premium!"
"I also think it's better to acquire it at a premium and not lose money to Mr. Li."
"..."
When everyone saw that Li Zetian's expression was wrong, they immediately changed their tune.
If this cooperation is not concluded, it will cause great losses to Microsoft. In addition, if Microsoft is an enemy of Netscape, it is an enemy of Li Zetian. This is something that no one wants to see. Li Zetian was extremely wealthy, had numerous industries, and had many connections, so he was really difficult to deal with. Some people here still remember Sunbird and Flamingo.
A lesson from the past! !
Seeing that everyone's attitude was good, Li Zetian showed a satisfied expression and said in a calm tone: "Everyone knows that at this moment, the Internet is booming, and the number of Internet users is growing by leaps and bounds. Last year, the number of Internet users was less than 4 million. However, this year But it has increased to more than 8 million, almost doubled! Sprint, AT\u0026T, MCI, IBM and other companies have invested heavily in laying fiber optic lines, and more telecommunications companies are committed to providing the Internet access services, so it is not difficult to imagine that the number of Internet users in the future will grow faster than it does now.
There are two to three billion people in the United States. As long as one-third of the people are online, how much value can this create? In addition, there are Europe, RB, and even the whole world. How many netizens are there and how much value is created? ! "
Hearing this, everyone's expressions changed.
Li Zetian paused for a while and said slowly: "The web browser navigation developed by Netscape has become an essential tool for netizens to surf the Internet, and it is the first choice. This makes Netscape even more important, almost at the top of the Internet industry chain. Key position! It is the gateway to the Internet. If you master it, you will have huge development advantages. Microsoft is a software and operating system company. Most users buy computers and operating systems to access the Internet. If Microsoft owns Netscape , you can be even more powerful and enhance your core competitiveness. If you can't..." Li Zetian glanced at everyone with a smile, and said meaningfully, "If it can't be done, Microsoft's monopoly position may be affected, such as Apple's acquisition Netscape, or Netscape develops its own operating system..."
After saying this, these directors and the company's management looked at each other, especially when they heard that Apple had acquired Netscape, everyone changed their minds. Even Bill Gates, who was very calm, couldn't help but frown.
At this moment, everyone remembered in vain that Apple was also Li Zetian's property.
Netscape is of great significance to Microsoft, and naturally it is also of great significance to Apple!
The Apple Company in this life is not the Apple Company that was about to go bankrupt in the previous life, but a computer giant that can compete with Microsoft. If Apple acquires Netscape, it will definitely increase its market share greatly!
"Ahem, Mr. Li, you are right. Netscape is indeed a company with great development prospects. I think Microsoft should show more sincerity." At this time, a gray-haired old man on Li Zetian's right He opened his mouth and said, "Since Netscape's valuation is US$8 billion, then we at Microsoft will acquire it for US$10 billion, a premium of US$2 billion!"
After the old man said this, everyone couldn't help but be slightly surprised.
Li Zetian was satisfied, 10 billion US dollars was enough, and it was enough to make a little money, so he smiled at the old man and immediately looked at the others.
Microsoft has developed rapidly over the years and has accumulated a lot of wealth. It can be considered a wealthy company. The company's market value has reached 120 billion US dollars. Bill Gates wanted to win Netscape as soon as possible, and he didn't care about spending a little more money. What's more, the major shareholder was Li Zetian, who paid the largest share, so he nodded and said: "I support it."
When everyone saw that Bill Gates nodded in agreement, they no longer objected and expressed their agreement one after another.
Li Zetian said: "Okay, I agree with Microsoft's acquisition of Netscape for US$10 billion. However, considering that Microsoft's cash reserves do not have that much money, I think it will be paid with part of the equity. What do you think?"
Everyone nodded, naturally no problem.
At around 10 o'clock in the morning on March 10, a press conference was held at the entrance of the Microsoft building to officially announce Microsoft's merger with Netscape.
As soon as the news came out, it caused a sensation in the industry.
Microsoft's stock price skyrocketed. Within three days, its market value soared from US$120 billion to more than US$150 billion. The increase in market value was far greater than the profit earned from buying Netscape. All shareholders of Microsoft, large and small, were happy!
The "Wall Street Journal", "Los Angeles Times", "The Times", "Hong Kong Daily" and other world-famous newspapers have reported on it.
"The biggest winner of Microsoft's acquisition of Netscape is undoubtedly Chronos Li, the co-owner of both companies. Through this acquisition, his net worth has increased by tens of billions of dollars in just a few days, almost as much as the world's The second richest man is really shocking!" ABC TV host reported.
"In recent days, Microsoft has successfully acquired Netscape, becoming the most sensational event this month. Obviously, the two companies will benefit from the merger. Microsoft can bundle the Netscape browser with the operating system just like bundling office software and operating systems. The systems are bundled together for promotion, and the Netscape browser can consolidate Microsoft's operating system status and enhance its competitiveness. Many companies are eyeing Netscape. This time, due to the matchmaking of Chronos Li, Microsoft was able to acquire Netscape. The company..." NNC television reported.
…
Netscape did not immediately move into Microsoft, but became independent, not only developing operating systems for Microsoft, but also developing browsers for Apple. Microsoft's acquisition of Netscape does not mean that it will give up its market share in Apple's operating system, because if you do not develop a browser, there will always be other browsers to replace it. In this case, it is better to develop it yourself and take some initiative. right.
At this moment, Apple is also meeting internally to discuss the Netscape browser.
Microsoft and Apple are in a competitive relationship. Nowadays, Netscape browser is a product of Microsoft, so Apple cannot be controlled by others. At the meeting, Jobs proposed that Apple should develop its own browser software, Safari.
"Jobs, I very much agree with your point of view, we must develop our own browser. If one day, Netscape browser does not support the Apple operating system, this will definitely be a very heavy blow to us!" someone said at the meeting.
Everyone nodded.
"Yes, we must take the initiative ourselves and cannot place our fate on other companies!"
"Oh, I just didn't expect why Mr. Li would sell Netscape to Microsoft. It would be great to sell it to Apple. Apple is also his industry. In total, his shares in Apple far exceed his Since Microsoft owns shares, Apple should be closer to him!"
"yes!"
Everyone shook their heads and sighed.
Jobs said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, Mr. Li must have his reasons for doing this."
"What's the reason?" someone asked, feeling slightly dissatisfied.
Jobs said: "Microsoft has an undisputed monopoly on operating systems, and its market share far exceeds that of Apple. Moreover, the main operating system platform of Netscape Browser is also the Windows operating system. You said, we need Acquire Netscape?"
"If you think about it, that's right!"
Everyone was thoughtful and suddenly felt that what Jobs said made sense.
Jobs laughed at this time: "So, we don't need to spend $10 billion to acquire Netscape. $100 million is enough for Apple to develop and promote its own browser."
After speaking, he looked at the secretary beside him. The secretary nodded, turned around and picked up a stack of documents, and then handed them to each participant.
"This is Apple's own browser - Safari."
The documents were quickly sent to everyone. They were shocked when they looked at the documents. The design of Safari browser is almost tailor-made according to Apple's operating system. It is easier to use than Netscape browser, simple and convenient, and consistent with Apple's style.
After reading the information, everyone was overjoyed.
"Jobs, who designed this browser? It's so great!" someone couldn't help but ask.
"Haha, take a guess..." Jobs smiled, glanced at everyone, and deliberately played off.
"Is it Jeff?"
"Yes, it should be Jeff, he is Apple's top designer!"
Faced with the gazes cast by everyone, Jobs shook his head and smiled without saying a word.
"Jim Williams?"
"Wilson?"
"..."
Jobs still shook his head.
"It's not them, so who else could it be?"
Everyone was confused and even more curious.
"Jobs, tell me quickly who it is!"
Jobs smiled and said, "Haven't you ever thought it was Mr. Li?"
"It's actually him!!!" Everyone couldn't help being shocked!
"Yes, this is the browser designed by Mr. Li!" Jobs nodded and admitted.
"Oh, it seems that Mr. Li has not given up on Apple, and actually designed this browser for us himself!!" Some people were suddenly excited.
"Haha, with Safari, it's enough to compete with Netscape browser!"
"Just kidding, Safari is obviously better than Netscape, beating it is not a problem!"
After hearing that Li Zetian sold Netscape to Microsoft, everyone was in a very low mood, but now their confidence has greatly increased and their enthusiasm is high.
Jobs smiled slightly and said: "Now that we have the design data of the Safari browser, I decided to form a development team immediately to develop Safari as quickly as possible!"
"Yeah!!" Everyone nodded.
"Wozniak, you are responsible for this!"
"OK!"
"Everyone, call it a day!" Jobs announced.
After everyone left, Jobs called Li Zetian.
"Mr. Li, the matter has been settled."
"Well, okay, I understand. Did they ever complain about me selling Netscape to Microsoft?" Li Zetian asked.
"Well, they were a little emotional. But after my explanation and your browser design, they were immediately conquered." Jobs paused and smiled, "They are very motivated now and they can't wait to put it together now." Safari was developed."
"Well, that's good."
Soon, the two ended the call. As Jobs explained, it was not that Li Zetian did not want to sell Netscape to Apple, but that the main market for Netscape browsers was on the Windows operating system platform, and Apple bought Netscape. The company is not worth it. In the end, it may lead to Microsoft deciding to develop its own IE browser. Although Li Zetian is the majority shareholder of Microsoft, it is difficult to stop everyone's financial path. This kind of mutual harm is something Li Zetian doesn't want to see.
Within two days, Apple established a Safari browser development team with 200 people. With their development technology and Li Zetian's design, Safari could be launched in less than half a year.
At this time, not only Apple has established its own browser development team, but more companies have joined the browser industry.
There was no way around it. Netscape was sold to Microsoft for US$10 billion, which shocked the world and made people jealous.
Therefore, everyone wants to get a piece of the pie.
Even if this large market is by no means static, the monopoly position of Netscape Browser will naturally be challenged.
In order to enhance the technical development capabilities of Netscape browser, Microsoft sent an elite team to consolidate its position.
The browser market is booming, and competition is more brutal than before!
Of course, with browser competition so fierce, competition among Internet sites is also fierce.
Time flies, more than a month has passed.
Flamingo Company developed the Battle.net system at this time. At the same time, "Counter-Strike" was also developed and was testing BUGs! ! ! !
After hearing the news, Li Zetian also went to Flamingo Company. Over the next period of time, he modified and improved "Counter-Strike" while enjoying his gaming addiction.
He spent a lot of time teaming up with the company's developers to compete. Li Zetian's powerful skills really shocked everyone... He felt like bullying a kindergarten kid.
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