Chapter 322 Behind the Scenes
Fang Hexuan was still very surprised that the Gulfstream boss invited him to become a shareholder of the company.

He just wanted to buy a private jet, why did it involve investing in shares?
However, Alan Paulson thought more thoroughly and far-reachingly.

In essence, this person is more of a qualified investor than an entrepreneur who loves the aviation industry.

In 1973, Paulson acquired the entire Gulfstream production line and related supporting facilities for a mere $200 million. In 1999, he sold Gulfstream Aerospace to General Motors for $60 billion.

I have to say, this is really a very successful investment.

In addition, the fact that he was able to acquire the business jet division of an airline company at a super low price shows that he has a strong background and foresight.

Therefore, his invitation to Fang Hexuan to invest in Gulfstream was, even if it was not premeditated, a well-considered one.

Although Gulfstream has an office in Hong Kong and has been working hard to cultivate the Chinese market in recent years, it has actually achieved little success.

Of course they knew that this was related to the Chinese cultural habit of being low-key, introverted and not fond of showing off, but even though they knew it, they could not find a breakthrough.

Throughout history, the popularity of anything is inseparable from the initial promotion by KOLs.

After some research and analysis, Gulfstream believed that it would be best to find a "key person" in the Chinese community to help open up sales.

But who can I find such a person?

It was not until two years ago that Fang Hexuan suddenly rose to prominence in Hong Kong and became a wealth legend in many people's minds, which gave Gulfstream hope.

Mr. Fang is young, wealthy, handsome, and full of charm. His image is highly similar to Gulfstream's product style, making him almost the only candidate to be Gulfstream's most important KOL in the Asian market.

Therefore, this is also the main reason why Gulfstream's sales team in Hong Kong repeatedly sold private jets to Fang Hexuan.

They wanted to invite Fang Hexuan to be their image spokesperson, but they didn't say it out loud in the end.

Are you kidding? He is the richest man in Hong Kong, and his personal assets are equivalent to several Gulfstreams. How much would be appropriate for you to give him in endorsement fees?
Finally, someone in Gulfstream's marketing department suggested giving the plane to Fang Hexuan for free and asking him to be the spokesperson, but this was opposed by others.

This includes Gulfstream owner Aaron Paulson.

It's not that he is stingy, but doing so will damage the Gulfstream brand.

Paulson is determined to build Gulfstream into the LV and Gucci of the private jet industry. How could he allow his own aircraft to be given away like cabbages?

Besides, inviting Fang Hexuan to advertise their plane does not necessarily mean giving it away for free.

That’s right, if you invite someone to join the board of directors of your company, then you become a family. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing to ask for it?

What's more, even if he doesn't endorse the product, just investing can convey a lot of information to the Chinese, which is enough.

"Mr. Fang, are you interested in becoming a shareholder of Gulfstream?"

"What do you mean by that, Mr. Paulson?"

"Gulfstream is committed to becoming a multinational company serving the world. If Mr. Fang can join the board of directors and offer suggestions, I believe that it will be just a matter of time before Gulfstream becomes the leader in the global business jet market!"

Alan Paulson's words sounded very heroic, but Fang Hexuan heard a lot of meaning in them.

What does "offering advice and suggestions" mean? It's just a nice way of saying it, but in essence, it only requires his personal influence.

In fact, many listed companies in Hong Kong have invited Fang Hexuan to be their independent director, but he politely declined almost every time. It was because he wanted to protect his reputation.

However, even though he guessed Paulson's underlying motive, Fang Hexuan was still tempted.

Gulfstream is not well-known around the world at present, but its future is limitless.

If you want Fang Hexuan to be a director of a fake company or a traditional enterprise, he would really resist. But if he could become a director of a world-class company, even an independent director, as long as time permits, he would really agree happily.

Even though he is a world-class billionaire, he would not complain about having too many titles.

What's more, this means investing in Gulfstream and becoming a real shareholder. Only a fool would refuse such a good thing.

"Haha, I'm also optimistic about Gulfstream's growth potential. I'd be honored to join in!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the two of them looked at each other and smiled at the same time, everything was said without words.

In this way, Fang Hexuan arrived at the Gulfstream Ontario plant in the morning and visited the workshop, and also had to spend some time talking with Alan Paulson about investment matters.

The two of them only discussed the general framework. As for the specific operational details, Fang Hexuan would ask his investment team to come over.

Since both parties are interested, investing in Gulfstream is basically a done deal.

Fang Hexuan will invest US$1 million to acquire 6.7% of Gulfstream Aerospace's shares.

It's not that he doesn't want to acquire more, but that Alan Paulson is only willing to give up so much.

He had no way to control Gulfstream and could only accept this number of shares.

As for whether there will be an opportunity to increase shares in the future, we'll have to wait and see!

After finalizing the shareholding plan, the two stood up and shook hands to express congratulations.

"Charles, now that you've become a Gulfstream shareholder, there's no reason for you to use another company's aircraft, right?"

Looking at the smiling Alan Paulson, Fang Hexuan suddenly exclaimed "Oh shit" in his heart.

"Damn it! So you were waiting for me here!"

What else could he say? The other party looked expectant, so he couldn't refuse.

"Coco Gulfstream really doesn't have a model that meets my requirements!"

Paulson certainly knew what he was asking for, but he still said:
"I know, but Charles, you can also buy one for flights between Asia, for example, flying between Japan and Singapore. Our Type III can meet all the requirements."

"Besides, if you really want a long-range aircraft, I can introduce you to Boeing's global sales director. I believe that buying two aircraft is just a small matter for you, Charles."

"That's a small matter, I was only planning to buy one, but you arranged it for me!"

Fang Hexuan complained in his heart.

But even though he complained, he really couldn't bring himself to refuse the other party.

Perhaps seeing Fang Hexuan's displeasure, Paulson smiled mysteriously again and whispered:
"The official price of the Gulfstream III is 4500 million US dollars. I'll make the decision and sell one to you, the shareholder, for 4000 million US dollars. The soft covers and additional designs inside the aircraft will all be free of charge. How about that? Isn't that good enough?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Hexuan did not act surprised as if he had found a bargain, but instead did some mental calculations.

According to what he heard from other wealthy people, the soft package and additional functional design would cost about 2000 to 3000 million US dollars.

The original price was 6500-7000 million US dollars, but now you can get one for 4000 million US dollars. Well, it’s still considered sincere!
After thinking about this, he smiled and stretched out his hand.

"Then I thank you for your generosity, Allen. However, you still have to introduce me to that director from Boeing!"

"Haha, no problem!"

·······
(End of this chapter)