America 1919-Chapter 939 - 320, DuPont_3 taking the initiative to visit

A powerful teammate who poses no threat to themselves is someone the DuPont Family is willing to accept!

However, Irene DuPont was clearly mistaken.

What he considered a suitable opportunity, Donnie believed to be a loss. Regarding this matter of chemical rubber, Donnie knew a thing or two. In Irene DuPont’s eyes, chemical rubber was merely a substitute for natural rubber needed for automobile tires. But in reality, Donnie understood that once this chemical rubber was successfully developed...

A slew of derivative products would emerge.

Among them is polychloroprene, which can serve as an adhesive extensively used in woodworking, furniture making, shoemaking, construction, electronics, textiles, transportation, and machinery sectors.

Moreover, its chemical inertness grants it an extremely high status in industrial applications, where it is used for gaskets, hoses, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

It is also an excellent insulating material, performing exceptionally well in cable sectors, underwater applications, and similar areas.

In later years, this material could be seen practically everywhere.

If he wasn’t lacking foundations in the field of chemistry, Donnie wouldn’t have chosen to cooperate with the DuPont Family.

But if they wanted him to contribute such a technology, then the DuPont Family had better show more sincerity.

Thus, Donnie laid out his demands.

"Two conditions—if Mr. DuPont agrees, then our cooperation may proceed!"

Irene DuPont grew increasingly helpless. Their research lab had conducted numerous experiments, but apart from vinyl acetylene, they hadn’t found any substitutes.

"Alright, Mr. Block, let’s hear your conditions first. As for whether or not they are acceptable, that depends on how big of an appetite Mr. Block has!"

Donnie said, "I know that the DuPont Corporation has recently been negotiating with a Swiss company about purchasing the usage rights to the Claude process for fixing nitrogen from the air. Regarding this matter, our Venus Bank wants to acquire shares in your Swiss partner company."

"Additionally, in the equity distribution of the chemical rubber company, our company demands at least 45% of the stock.

If Mr. DuPont can agree to these two conditions, then we can collaborate!"

Nitrogen is an extremely important chemical raw material. While ordinary consumers don’t directly handle it, it’s widely used as a refrigerant and in many pharmaceuticals, as well as commercial cleaning products, either directly or as a component.

The DuPont Corporation has always had the technology for nitrogen production, but the cost was exceedingly high compared to the current method.

"Mr. Block, don’t you think these two conditions are a bit too ambitious?"

Irene DuPont did not want to accept Donnie’s conditions.

What was challenging about these technologies wasn’t post-production, but sales. Technology monopolies often yield the most lucrative profits and leave the users without any leverage.

In other words, once the DuPont Family controlled these technologies, they would generate tremendous profits.

Now, Donnie wanted to acquire shares in these two companies. The chemical rubber company—fine, for now—but the nitrogen production plant was absolutely unacceptable for Irene DuPont. It meant siphoning off direct profits from the DuPont Family!

"If Mr. DuPont thinks this is unsuitable, then we can only end this unpleasant conversation." Donnie said calmly.

Irene DuPont pondered deeply for a moment. The chemical rubber market was simply too enticing. Even though Donnie was clearly making exorbitant demands, he couldn’t walk away from the negotiation table.

The talks had to continue!

"Mr. Block, although our families only started collaborating last year, the cooperation has been highly pleasant; even our jointly invested Ares Arsenal is still under construction. But frankly, your conditions are overly harsh!"

Donnie waved dismissively and said, "Mr. DuPont, I hope you can understand. The Ares Arsenal was an investment decision made by your elder brother after conducting assessments. To put it bluntly, whether or not the DuPont Family invests, the production at the Ares Arsenal won’t be affected.

Additionally, while your elder brother and I are good friends, I don’t think he would force me to forgo my own benefits, right?"

Donnie’s words were somewhat cryptic, but Irene DuPont understood his meaning. The Block Family and the DuPont Family are both members of the Tarot Society!

This mandates closer collaboration among Tarot Society members!

However, there is a convention within the Tarot Society that states no one may pressure an ally to cooperate in a manner that harms their interests!

"I sincerely apologize, Mr. Block. My earlier remarks were indeed excessive!" Irene DuPont said courteously.

"No worries, I too may have been a bit worked up earlier!" Donnie replied with a smile.

Thereafter, Irene DuPont repeatedly tried to persuade Donnie to relinquish his bid for shares in the nitrogen production plant and reduce his demanded shares in the chemical rubber company.

But Donnie stood firm on his terms.

Ultimately, the first round of negotiations produced no tangible results.

Under such circumstances, Irene DuPont naturally would not leave Atlantic City.

Although the negotiations had yet to conclude, Donnie hosted a lavish ball at his seaside manor for Irene DuPont that evening.

They avoided negotiations during the evening.

But the following day, Irene DuPont approached Donnie once again, making some concessions on his initial stance, hoping Donnie would accept.

"Mr. DuPont, as a friend, I don’t wish for us to entangle ourselves in this matter for an extended period. Hence, my previous terms represent my psychological price point.

Still, for the sake of friendship, I am willing to make concessions. I would agree to acquire shares in these two companies at a 20% premium above their market value, but the shares must remain as I previously stated. This is my final concession.

If the DuPont Family cannot accept this, I will have no choice but to seek other partners!"

Irene DuPont fell into silence. He could clearly see that this was indeed Donnie’s ultimate price point!