Laughter broke out, “lumps of coal and tangerines for the naughty ones,” shouted Mr Frostee, dancing a merry jig. Others joined in.
“Ahem,” grunted the CEO, “We can move on, I think. The next item is this new sponsorship deal. I have always worn red with a somewhat frayed white piping. What is this idea about wearing blue stripes with lettering across the front? Preposterous.”
“That’s called shirt sponsorship, sir,” responded Ms Hollyberry, the new head of Clause’s marketing division, who had recently been poached from the market-leaders in all-in-one garments,
Felix-a-porter.com. “You asked last year to investigate new revenue streams and many brands are keen to be associated with Clause. The sponsoring company is called “Equate to the Equator Ltd”.
“Here is what they want,” she added, handing out brochures to those present, “and what they are prepared to pay. As you can see, blue is an essential part of their branding. Mr Wiseman-Gold has been involved in drafting the terms.”
“But this business specialises in travel to ... to ... hot places,” interjected Mr Chrystal Aitchtuwo.
“IM – POSS – I – BULL,” shouted Mr Frostee.
“I am sorry,” said the CEO quickly, “I should not have let it get this far. Mr Wiseman- Gold – is there a way out?”
“This is only at a provisional stage” said Wiseman-Gold, “It is very clear from the heads of terms that it is subject to your approval, and without that, it is not binding. Nothing is agreed.”
“Good. I will consider sponsorship, but I only wear red, and it needs to be relevant to our business. Ms Hollyberry, please look at other proposals for next year,” responded the CEO. “Mr Wiseman-Gold, let’s move on to S C.”
The CEO had been concerned about the activities of Grinch (Wall Street) Ltd., a shareholder in Clause. The CEO of Grinch, S C Rouje III Jnr (known as S C or Eversqueezer) had been getting very friendly with another large shareholder, Rayhnedere Recruitment Ltd. Rayhnedere could pull along with smaller holdings held by each of Dasher Ltd, Prancer plc, Vixen, Inc. and Donner GmbH, all of whom provided key resources at peak times to Clause.
“We discussed in October that Whensesslass Ltd had almost given away their shares to Grinch which increases Grinch’s stake in Clause to 29 per cent,” continued Mr Wiseman-Gold. “Even with the shares from Rayhnedere and the Rayhnedere associates, together they could not exercise any drag-along rights. There is no obligation on others to sell their shares.”
S C sat in the corner, snarling. “I’ll get you in the end. Once I have Rayhnedere properly tethered I’ll have more power.”
“What about the land below our secret manufacturing location?” asked the CEO, “Eversqueezer wants to sell it. I’ve seen bore holes appear. Rich deposits, he says, whatever that means, sounds like the name of a rock star.”
“Yes. Rocks, minerals, natural resources. The Indians want them, the Chinese want them: there’s an economic revolution going on. You’ll see it when you make your deliveries. And make the workers work harder. Squeeze those little elves until their funny little ears squeak. The law has changed –the manufacturing operation needs to be outsourced. Cheap labour.”
The CEO did not like S C at all, and the thought of him stripping away the business, and squeezing people, maddened him.
60 entrepreneurcountry
“S C is right in one respect,” said Mr W
The thought of S C being supported and Mr Chrystal-Aitchtuwo perspire, a worryingly Mr Frostee’s buttons began
“The restraining provisions in the Lap but this relates to a number of hours intensive period for Clause only lasts the other ten months the business is workers’ hours is actually quite low. I t the business is negligible.
“Negligible??” quizzed Mr Blitzen, wo night-time clothing to worker hours.
“You need not be concerned,” contin land at the secret manufacturing locat substantial part of it is a reserved matt
Mr White, another shareholder, with a twiggy arms, returned to the possibility change a business model that we kn least we get a little tipple on collection we always deliver on time. Our clients core principles and we risk a melt-dow
“It’s true,” agreed Mr Wiseman-Gold. “t many years. And until Grinch invested to me that the majority of you are com online offering, you will need to agree
“Will we need to do anything differentl Mr White looking at Mr Wiseman-Gold
“You will need to consider proper system Your clients may not all have a comp submit a binding order. You will need items they are ordering, plus a right to
“STOP. STOP”, exclaimed the CEO. “T won’t do. We are a traditional busines not competing with them. Plus S C an happening.”
“I’ll be back next year with a hostile ta know Gordon Getgo and he’s a real liz
“What if Grinch launches a hostile Wiseman-Gold.
“S C doesn’t understand the busines the CEO. “I’ve not felt so determined to that’s final.”
“Hooray” shouted those present, “Chri Merry Christmas from Clause (Pty) Ltd Timothy Leeson is a partner at Crowel
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