"Afterwards, I might seek to formally expand my business operations globally."
"Giant God Corporation? I know, you want to expand your business... network business? Or perhaps your magical armor or those drones?" Yoshinobu's eyes sparkled.
"All of them," Mercer said simply and strikingly. "Perhaps I might need some help from Arasaka, or rather, mutual assistance."
"Please elaborate," Arasaka Yoshinobu smiled and gestured invitingly.
Then, Mercer spoke directly, "I need Arasaka to provide me with a global supply chain for raw materials, as well as sales channels. In return, I can offer nothing but profit and technology."
Yoshinobu agreed without hesitation, "No problem, how would you like to receive Arasaka's investment?"
He proposed a plan that outsiders might consider crazy: "How about cross-holding? I'm willing to take Arasaka's shares and evaluate them with your Giant God Corporation shares for an exchange."
Once the exchange is completed, all Arasaka's channels will be open to you."
Exchanging Arasaka shares for equity in a startup or a shell company?
Honestly, if Arasaka's board heard this news, that group of board members would probably go insane.
Even one percent of Arasaka's stock value could buy a small island!
"I only accept investments, and the equity obtained from this investment might be diluted, with buyback clauses present."
Mercer's words were bold and straightforward. He looked at Yoshinobu, his tone calm, "I can reserve a portion of profit-sharing stocks that won't be diluted, ensuring your future earnings."
But substantial equity and absolute control, that's my bottom line in this negotiation."
Yoshinobu shrugged, "This makes it hard for me to persuade the investment department—everyone sees this as becoming a sucker."
But then Yoshinobu laughed heartily, "However, I agree, how about fifty billion Euros? Our remaining liquid assets this year are not much. This fifty billion Euros, will ten billion Euros be directly invested in cash to you?
The remaining forty billion Euros will arrive in installments, or we'll directly help you build a complete logistics and distribution network."
Mercer was silent for a moment, then said, "I hope to obtain some raw materials and their supporting processing plants and a complete industrial chain; this might also need Arasaka to offer some help."
"Your ambition is indeed not small... but I'm willing to support you in principle."
Arasaka Yoshinobu said calmly, "To struggle with these companies, I need allies—I do not need money, but actual help, Mercer. I know you always prefer efficient communication, so I won't beat around the bush either.
I can aid your company in rapidly rising, money, resources, connections, these Arasaka never lacks, but I need technology, a crucial aspect ensuring Arasaka will never lose in the competition against Military Science and other firms!"
Arasaka Yoshinobu looked at Mercer with burning eyesight, he spoke directly, "Currently, Arasaka has already lagged too much in the competition with Military Science, while Father was dedicated to the Relic, we've severely fallen behind in the arms race.
During the Metal Wars period, Military Science's exhibited formidable warfare strength, I suppose you're aware. Facing their immense unmanned devices, the metal frenzy, Arasaka needs your technology."
Mercer replied affirmatively without hesitation, "As long as the cooperation proceeds smoothly, Giant God Corporation could become Arasaka's steadfast ally in the next corporate war. I'll consider a degree of technology sharing with Arasaka as a return for your generous investment."
Yoshinobu smiled, extended his hand, and looked at Mercer, "Then it's settled."
Mercer also reached out and gently shook his hand, "Settled. The subsequent details and business documents, I'll have my assistant discuss them with you. I will ensure your investment is worth it."
"In this regard, I'm not worried—even Father covets your talents; let alone Arasaka facing a cleansing now? However..."
Yoshinobu set down the champagne glass, at this moment, looking at Mercer, his expression turned serious, "Before the cooperation is concluded, there is some work, perhaps only you could be entrusted to complete."
"Perhaps you're unaware, nowadays we no longer take ordinary mercenary jobs—I intend to conduct proper business," Mercer gently clarified his position.
But Arasaka Yoshinobu merely said a phrase that left Mercer, V, and Rebecca showing somewhat speechless expressions.
"In the secret Divine Chariot Server in Tokyo, perhaps Father's consciousness data backup is stored—I need your help, Mercer. I must ensure that shadow, that dreadful figure, never, even if just by a trace, returns to this world again!"
Arasaka Yoshinobu said solemnly, and Mercer merely sighed.
"You are now at least the sole heir to Arasaka..."
No sooner had Mercer spoken, Yoshinobu solemnly shook his head, "No, you don't understand... right now, I suspect Father instructed something before his death. Even some originally loyal members in the board have suddenly become somewhat wavering."
"Takemura, Adam's Hammer, these senior agents vanished suddenly after you used orbital weapons to eliminate Father's decoy at the Tokyo base. Someone informed me they've all appeared at Arasaka's old mansion in Tokyo... and met Hanako."