The official memorandum rippled through every department, announcing the immediate appointment of ZX Capital as the financial advisor and transaction manager for the merger between KCC and CLS.
Gawin scanned the document with a cunning smile before handing it to Tum. "Finally... our time has officially begun."
In stark contrast, Lu Rong nearly shredded the paper in his grip. His face flushed a deep, mottled red, then turned an ashen grey. His once-absolute power as CFO was being openly challenged by ZX Capital, and the worst part was that he had no grounds to contest the Chairman’s direct order.
{"hr":true}
Chairman Li Ming stood gazing at the Shanghai skyline before turning to Adisorn.
"You are aware, then, that I’ve placed a bet with VCC using the hydrogen technology patents as collateral?"
Adisorn looked up. "Fourteen days... that is a staggering gamble. Even for global M&A firms, that timeline is nearly impossible."
Li Ming let out a dry, rasping chuckle. "I bet on it
because
it’s impossible." He paused, locking eyes with Adisorn. "If you successfully execute the merger between KCC and CLS, CK Group will sever all financial ties with VCC and pivot our debt to ZX Capital instead."
Adisorn narrowed his eyes. "Which means..."
"It means I will use the hydrogen patents as collateral for the loan from ZX. Furthermore, I will grant you not just one, but three seats on the Board of Directors. More than you originally asked for. This is my word," Li Ming stated with ironclad conviction.
Adisorn offered a sharp smirk, stood up, and bowed.
"For the next fourteen days... I will ensure every piece falls into place." He met the Chairman’s gaze with absolute resolve. "I do not know the meaning of the word 'defeat,' Chairman." With a final bow, he turned and strode out of the office with cool composure.
{"hr":true}
The doors swung open on the 12th floor the new headquarters for the M&A team. The space was wide, airy, and bristling with high-end office tech. Adisorn walked toward the central conference table, meeting the gazes of the two men and one woman handpicked by Chatchawin: a team of elite lawyers, national-level auditors, and veteran asset valuators.
Adisorn stood at the head of the table, his gaze steady and commanding.
"Thank you all for joining this special task force. We have exactly fourteen days to complete this mission," he announced in a deep, resonant voice. "I am A.P. Mark Rim, the M&A Transaction Manager and Lead."
A tall, lean man with thin-rimmed glasses stood up. "I am Mao Jiarui, Legal Specialist," the lawyer said with a polite bow.
Next to him sat a slender, sharp-eyed woman with shoulder-length hair and a brilliant, intelligent smile. “I am Sun Jingyi, Auditor,” she stated clearly.
Lastly, a stout man in a brown short-sleeved shirt with a round, jovial face and sparkling, determined eyes stood and pumped his fist. “I am Jiang Dongfang, Asset Valuation Specialist.”
Adisorn nodded to the team. "Since everyone is ready, let’s begin." He turned toward the lawyer.
"Jiarui, you are responsible for Legal Due Diligence. Audit every KCC financial contract and partner agreement. Watch for 'Change of Control' clauses; don’t let any partners use this merger as an excuse to jump ship. Most importantly, dig into KCC’s past environmental disputes. We cannot afford any liabilities leaking into CLS."
"Jingyi, you handle Financial Due Diligence. Scrutinize the last three years of cash flow. Verify the
Quality of Earnings
. I want a detailed map of any significant financial leakages specifically, transfers to suspicious entities," he commanded.
"Dongfang, you’re on Operational Due Diligence. Appraise the machinery and land. Distinguish which assets will create
Synergy
and which will become hidden costs after the merger." Dongfang gave a sharp salute.
Adisorn leaned forward, pressing his hands onto the table.
"I must emphasize: we have only fourteen days. Dedicate every ounce of your strength to this mission. We do not hit the brakes until we cross the finish line."
"Begin!"
The room immediately erupted into the frantic clicking of keyboards. Jiarui accessed the Virtual Data Room to pull contracts; Jingyi began highlighting profit-and-loss statements with lightning speed, while Dongfang spread out the factory blueprints, coordinating with the field survey teams.