Chapter 695: Investing in ASML

Having settled Si'ai Pu, Xu Xiangqian still had one goal.

That is ASML.

This is one of the most important tasks Yang Qing gave him.

ASML had not yet risen; the photolithography machine was still doing well in a Little Japan–dominated world.

Only when it cooperated with Taiwan Semiconductor did it truly rise.

There was a very important person here: Lin Benjian of Taiwan Semiconductor.

He laid the foundation for immersion lithography technology.

And a key reason for ASML's success was the support of Yingjiang semiconductor companies.

As for Little Japan, in fact many of its semiconductor companies then were in competition with Yingjiang firms.

Yingjiang has always been very wary of Little Japan's semiconductor ambitions that were doing fairly well.

Thus ASML is a child of destiny.

(As for the many novels saying to acquire ASML and move to Gangdao, that's nonsense—if you've already acquired it, why would Yingjiang still support you?)

Xu Xiangqian actually came to discuss importing photolithography machines, and incidentally to see if he could avoid investing.

ASML, as a customer, was naturally very enthusiastic.

Xu Xiangqian opened his mouth demanding to buy the most advanced photolithography machine.

This made ASML alert.

"Manager Xu, you should understand—we have an agreement."

"The most advanced cannot be sold to you."

Xu Xiangqian, seeing the other's wary gaze, asked:

"Is Gangdao okay?"

ASML's customer manager shook his head.

"It used to be okay, but not anymore."

Xu Xiangqian didn't care.

"Then WanDao."

"If that really won't work, tell me a place that will."

ASML's customer manager gave an embarrassed laugh.

"No problem, but you also need to strictly abide by the treaty."

"Cannot be shipped to Daxia."

Xu Xiangqian gave him a sideways glance.

"Then WanDao."

"You don't seem like you're doing business; you seem more like a Yingjiang person."

"Aren't you going to make money off what's in hand?"

"And your business must be declining sharply this year."

"Instead of thinking about making money, you just waste time on useless things."

The customer manager thought it over and agreed: everyone's having a tough time this year.

Not doing business when there's profit to be made is being a scoundrel.

Soon, a company under Yang Qing's grandson Yang Tianyou became the purchaser, and both sides reached an agreement.

Afterward, Xu Xiangqian again inquired about ASML's situation, asking whether they needed funding.

Xu Xiangqian's identity was somewhat sensitive, so the manager quickly reported the matter to the president.

President Pete Fan, after receiving the manager's report, thought it over and still decided to meet Xu Xiangqian.

Seeing the visitor's eyes darting like a fire wheel, Xu Xiangqian knew this guy had no good intentions.

"Manager Xu, hello hello, welcome to ASML; today I will truly do my best as host."

Xu Xiangqian laughed hehe.

"Manager Fan, sorry to bother you."

"Just say it directly."

"I want to invest in ASML; I don't know if that's possible."

Pete Fan replied immediately.

"Of course."

Now ASML wants to acquire some companies, lacking funds, and moreover Xu's identity is special—money can stay, but nothing else can.

"However, Manager Xu, you should know that ASML is a limited company, so there are special requirements for certain investors."

Xu Xiangqian played the straight man.

"For example?"

"For example, you have no voting rights, cannot enter the board, and cannot even view many documents and financials."

"Your investment counts only as an investment."

You don't need to listen to what comes next.

"Then I might as well go buy it on the market."

"Our investment in ASML also has requirements; now everyone is short of money, and we're not just throwing excess cash around."

"We can guarantee not to invest in the name of Daxia people; aside from this, we will not accept any unreasonable conditions."

"Investment is meant to deepen our relationship; whether we invest or not makes no difference."

"If you accept our investment, you must also guarantee us the right of top-priority procurement."

Otherwise, we have no need to talk.

Pite didn't expect Xu Xiangqian to be so tough, but money is tight; first let's get the money in hand, then we'll talk," he asked.

"You're investing in the name of WanDao?"

Xu Xiangqian nodded.

"Our young master is from WanDao; he owns a semiconductor company, and our boss is preparing some industries for him recently."

"The target is the semiconductor industry."

"It also provides security for the production of our HK phones."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Understood, this is for fear of being strangled by TSMC.

What is the Yang family up to again, being so cautious.

But he isn't interested in these.

Since he's from WanDao, restrictions can be much fewer.

"You should know the Yang family's status is awkward."

"So, if any matter arises, your say will be limited, and your investment amount will also be limited."

"If you agree to these, I can go communicate this matter for you."

"If you disagree, there's nothing more to say."

"Because it definitely won't succeed."

After Xu Xiangqian thought for a while, as if making a difficult decision, he then nodded.

"Okay, we can understand these, but everything must be spelled out in the contract, and our rights must be fully protected."

"Whoever violates it must pay double the other party's losses."

Pite felt it was fine; the money is in hand, we can talk about things later—honestly, who knows what the future holds.

After the discussion, Xu Xiangqian took his leave.

Two days later, Pite also worked out the result.

Now ASML is short of money, the internet bubble has burst, and with Yingjiang wreaking havoc in Ouluoba, the global economy is in bad shape.

Every penny now is extremely important.

Besides, without them, we still have a decent life; I've heard some people can barely get by.

Others have a wide range of choices.

But we here are urgently in need of funds.

And they still have order demand.

If they disagree, they won't need the lithography machine; they'll go find those living decently—wouldn't that be cheap for the enemy?

Seeing ASML agree, and moreover having obtained the organization's consent.

Xu Xiangqian immediately arranged for the team to start negotiations.

For their own interests, Xu Xiangqian's team can be nitpicky about every detail, arguing each clause for a long time.

Until Daxia joined the global economic family, the investment was finally settled.

Xu Xiangqian produced 1.5 billion USD, allowing Yang Tianyou to obtain a 9% stake in ASML.

Incidentally, they also signed contracts for several lithography machines.

The news quickly returned to Daxia.

Yang Qing's layout became even more solid.

TSMC is utterly disgusting.

Originally he was a dominant player, but suddenly another one appeared beside him.

Although its scale isn't large, the threat is quite obvious.

Moreover, poachers have come in batch after batch, seemingly aiming to hollow out TSMC.

Zhang Zhongmou was driven to distraction by the Yang family's maneuvers.

Although he knows clearly that he has Yingjiang's backing behind him.

The Yang family poses no threat to him.

But he's disgusting.

Training talent isn't easy, and you're messing around without regard for rules—too excessive.

Left with no choice, he must go in person to talk to Yang Rong.

Yang Rong has operated WanDao for many years; regardless of connections or status, he is a local hegemon.

Since Yang Rong hasn't shown any clear intention to favor Daxia, Yingjiang can't do anything about him.

Really, if you piss him off, believe it or not, WanDao won't be peaceful.