Chapter 728: 250, A&P Civil Strife_2
“We hope you can represent A&P and travel to Kansas City to have a friendly discussion with Donnie. Now, the retail market in America is not fully developed, so everyone can coexist peacefully. There’s no need to continue these losses together!”
A director representing the A&P board expressed their true thoughts.
John Hardford looked surprised and pained; they were currently engaged in a bitter struggle with Apollo Chain, and now these people were thinking of negotiating peace with their opponents?
“Ladies and gentlemen, do you not realize that if we go to Donnie Block for peace talks now, it’s the same as bowing our heads to them? Have you thought about the excessive demands Donnie might put forward under such circumstances?”
“John, you’re wrong to say that. How are we bowing our heads to Donnie? We’re just seeking an opportunity for reconciliation. His Apollo Chain has already lost over 8 million US Dollars, that’s not a small amount. Even if Donnie’s cash is abundant, it’s limited.”
...
“That’s right, in business, what everyone is after is the growth of their wealth. I believe Donnie is no exception. So, if you talk to Donnie at this time, we believe he will definitely accept our reconciliation!”
“That’s the thing, Donnie’s Apollo Chain has no more than 2000 stores, their scope is right here. As long as Donnie agrees to reconcile, then our customers will come back to our stores.”
“John, it’s not just you who wants the company to develop well, we all do. Once Donnie reconciles with us, we can use this period of reconciliation to properly develop the company and accumulate some cash for it. By the time we’ve gathered strength again, if you want to compete with Donnie, we will support you!”
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As each director stated their opinion, John Hardford felt like a lone boat on the stormy sea, so isolated and unsupported.
Thinking this, John Hardford immediately looked at James Cuff, whom he had just brought onto the A&P board—his ally!
At this time, he needed more allies by his side.
As James Cuff caught John Hardford’s look, he naturally understood what John Hardford was thinking, but…
“John, I think the directors’ opinions are very sincere. A&P has ten thousand stores, and the money we lose in one day’s business is equivalent to several days’ for Apollo Company. We can’t continue this attrition with them, or it will drag down the entire company’s development!” said James Cuff, not in a very loud voice.
But these words struck John Hardford like a thunderbolt.
The ally he had secured was betraying him at this moment!
John Hardford scanned the room, looking at his other allies on the board. But as these people met John Hardford’s gaze, they all lowered their heads, using their actions to tell John Hardford of their choice.
“Haha!” John Hardford laughed in extreme anger and said coldly, “Ladies and gentlemen, even if I go to Donnie, have you not considered that under such circumstances, Donnie will definitely make very excessive demands?
James, if Donnie demands that A&P fully promote grain products, what should I choose?
Lowry, if Donnie asks that A&P cede a market area, what should I choose then?
Poole, if Donnie proposes letting Apollo Chain take a stake in A&P, how should I choose?”
Faced with John Hardford’s questions, James Cuff was the first to speak: “That’s easy. I can represent Kraft Foods and sign a full promotion contract with A&P right now, putting the penalty clause at an exorbitant amount, so Donnie won’t be able to demand this of A&P!”
Lowry also said, “Ceding a market area is not out of the question, but we should be the ones to decide which one. Donnie has already gained a lot of benefits in this affair, and I think he will agree to this minor thing!”
Poole laughed, “Actually, we all think it wouldn’t be bad to let Apollo Chain take a stake in A&P. If America’s first and second largest chain stores were to cooperate deeply, we would almost control the retail channels in America. Then, all suppliers would have to follow our lead, whether it’s raising shelf fees or demanding higher profits, I believe they would agree!”
Then A&P’s director Lowry confidently continued, “John, we’re not asking you to bow to Donnie, but to contend for a chance to cooperate. And we’re not unarmed, don’t forget, we have the support of loans from both Morgan and Wells Fargo. You can let this slip to Donnie in an appropriate way.
If Donnie really wants to continue competing with us, then when these two banks’ loans join the war, it’s questionable whether Donnie’s Apollo Chain can withstand it. I don’t think Donnie would be that foolish!”
Whew!
At this point, John Hardford finally understood; it was impossible to make these people understand.