Page 15 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"I've done in-depth research on Aron Capital's recent takeover bids," she said, handing me the file, her hypnotic gaze locked with mine."I particularly studied their approach strategy and the fate of the companies they targeted.You'll also find a detailed analysis of their latest financial results.I thought it might be useful for your meeting tonight."
I took the file, impressed by her insight.The documents were perfectly organized, precisely annotated, each section clearly identified.Not only did she accomplish her tasks brilliantly, but she anticipated my needs with a remarkable understanding of the stakes.
"Thank you, Audrey.This is exactly what I needed," I said, scanning the pages.
She simply nodded, satisfied.Her ability to grasp the subtleties of our situation with Aron Capital was remarkable.It was obvious that she possessed not only the intelligence necessary to understand these complex issues but also the political finesse to navigate this minefield.I could now expand her responsibilities and no longer confine her solely to administrative tasks.
The strategic meeting to counter Aron Capital was held via videoconference at exactly seven o'clock.Once again, Audrey had organized everything perfectly.The co-founders and our loyal investors were all present.Eva, Leila, Satoshi, and I had connected from the videoconference room at our headquarters.On the giant screen divided into a mosaic of windows, a dozen familiar faces faced us: those who had supported Community Pilot since its infancy.The tension was palpable, everyone aware that the situation with Aron Capital had reached a critical point.
An American investor known for his brutal frankness broke the silence first:
"How did they manage to buy 8% of the shares so quickly?"he asked, his piercing gaze evident even through the screen.
Steve, as imperturbable as usual, replied from London:
"They took advantage of our former investors' weariness.After all these years, some want to recover their investment."
Claire Lacombe nodded, her features drawn with worry.
"Aron Capital is offering them a high-priced buyout, and it's tempting for some.If they reach 33%, they'll have enough shares to block our important decisions."
A silence heavy with meaning fell over the virtual assembly.We all knew what this implied: if Aron obtained this blocking power, our independence would hang by a thread.
I took a deep breath, exchanging a brief glance with Eva before revealing the strategy we had developed together.
"Here's what we propose," I said, scanning the participants on the call."We must act on two fronts.First, a targeted share buyback to limit the float and regain the advantage over Aron Capital.The resulting price increase should slow their progression.Then, fundraising with strategic investors will allow us to inject fresh capital and dilute their participation."
Silence.Then objections flew.
"A fundraising?Do you realize that this amounts to opening the door to other investors, with demands that may not necessarily align with ours?"launched an experienced shareholder.
"Not to mention the signal it sends to the market," a second voice interjected."Fundraising in the middle of a battle against Aron could be perceived as an admission of weakness.The price might plunge instead of rising!"
"As for the share buyback, let's be realistic.At this price level, we're talking hundreds of millions of euros.Either we empty our reserves, or we go heavily into debt.In either case, we weaken ourselves."
Voices heated up, tension rose.Then Eva intervened.
"Wait."
Her voice cracked, immediately bringing silence.
"There's a risk in every option.But remaining inactive isn't one."
She paused before continuing, measured.
"We all know what Aron Capital represents.Their strategy is clear: enter, maximize profits, sell to the highest bidder, even if it means dismantling what makes Community Pilot's soul.If we focus solely on buying back shares, we exhaust ourselves financially.Conversely, a well-conducted fundraising would allow us to choose our investors and strengthen our long-term vision."
She let a moment of reflection hover before adding:
"We're not just looking for funds, but solid partners aligned with our values.And if we act quickly, we can structure this raise in a way that doesn't subject us to excessive dilution.There are mechanisms for that."
Silence returned, but this time charged with a different tension.Faces had changed.Less worry, more reflection.
Gradually, objections transformed into constructive discussions.The hybrid plan eventually prevailed.
"If we combine these two levers with well-calibrated communication, we can even reverse the dynamic and push back Aron Capital," Eva concluded.
I felt some of the pressure subside.We had just crossed a crucial threshold.
