King Of World Football

Chapter 169: Partnership

Chapter 169: Partnership

After defeating Udinese 1-0, Inter Milan enjoyed a two-week break. Although some key players were called up for national team training and matches, most of them could rest since there were no major international events recently.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Wang Feng flew to Switzerland to finalize the establishment of his investment company. After more than three months of efforts, Balmond had a preliminary understanding of the conditions for setting up the company and its general operation.

"Wang, I feel more like a financial worker on Wall Street than an agent," Balmond complained to Wang Feng. "I still have the matters of Maxwell and Ribery to handle. Managing your commercial endorsements is also a big task. I'm literally swamped."

Maxwell was the most promising young star Bamonte had signed since his fame. He currently played for Ajax as a sharp left-back and was only 22 years old.

Initially, the famous agent Leola and Balmond competed for this rising star, but the Brazilian aimed for a higher stage.

So Balmond used Wang Feng to persuade him: "You know, Wang Feng has such influence at Inter Milan in Serie A. I am fully capable of getting you to Inter Milan, onto the stage of Serie A."

Maxwell was moved by these words and ultimately chose to sign with Balmond. However, he wasn't in a hurry to step onto the stage of the top five leagues immediately. Ajax's advanced training philosophy would help him grow more perfectly.

As for Ribery, his outstanding performance in Serie A had made him famous, even in the European football world, with many attributing it to Wang Feng's guidance.

"My grandmother could score a goal with Wang Feng." Someone complained indignantly, but such remarks could only bring laughter.

This figure, recommended by Wang Feng, quickly became Balmond's second biggest star. He needed to renegotiate Ribery's contract with Inter Milan and handle the influx of commercial activities.

Hearing Balmond's complaint, Wang Feng felt a little embarrassed and said, "Francesco, that's my fault. Many things have been rushed."

"But didn't you already negotiate a cooperation with the Caldera Group? Next, delegate many tasks and find more helpers."

Established in 1987, the Caldera Group was the largest asset management group in the United States. Upon learning of Wang Feng's plan to establish an investment company, they actively sought to partner with him.

At first, Balmond was very cautious because as an American financial giant, the Caldera Group's strength was immense, making the cooperation seem unequal.

However, they provided sincere agreements and impeccable reasons. Caldera wanted to expand into the Asian market. Although they had established an Asia Growth Fund in 2000, they encountered many problems dealing with the Asia-Pacific region.

If they could cooperate with Wang Feng, leveraging his influence in the Asian region, they could better explore the market.

Balmond and a professional team of lawyers studied the cooperation details for a long time and found no problems. So they recommended partnering with them. Wang Feng contributed ?20 million, about 10% of his current assets, holding an absolute controlling stake of 67% in the newly established company.

Caldera Group held 30% of the shares, becoming the second largest shareholder of the company, responsible for professional investment work, while the rest of the shares were held by some of Wang Feng's relatives and friends.

Currently, the new investment company had no plans for an IPO, but could develop in that direction in the future. As long as Wang Feng ensured that his equity was not diluted, he would continue to control the company.

For Wang Feng, establishing this company was just to better manage his investments and conduct scientific financial management.

Some athletes were very foolish, earning a lot but spending a lot, going bankrupt after retiring, without any other skills to support themselves, ending up in a very sad situation.

Wang Feng and his team quietly arrived at Zurich Airport, where they were greeted by Caldera Group's Executive Vice President DeAnroni and Wang Feng's old acquaintance, Renee.

After they hugged, Wang Feng smiled and said, "Long time no see, buddy. After retiring, your physique has visibly become rounder."

Renee laughed heartily. "I'm going to eat back all the things I envied before. Finally, I don't have to control my diet anymore. It was really frustrating."

Since Wang Feng left Genk, Renee stopped playing after a year and inherited his family's small business. When he heard that Wang Feng was coming to Zurich to negotiate business, he followed along.

In Genk, Wang Feng also had a good friend named Bess, who became a partner at Wang Feng's invitation. Bess was still playing for Genk, but had little chance of being noticed by top clubs. He would most likely retire from Genk.

Sometimes, he would talk to Wang Feng about those glorious days. When Genk lifted the league cup, it might be an unforgettable moment for most people.

Putting aside the reminiscing, Wang Feng's biggest goal this trip was to establish the company and sign a partnership agreement with Caldera Group. They arrived at the Zurich Marriott Hotel and began formal negotiations.

For Wang Feng, these negotiations were torture. Although he hired a professional legal team, he had to concentrate fully and keep up with both parties' pace. He would rather fight Juventus for three hundred rounds again.

After three days and nights of pain, everything was finally settled. At this moment, DeAnroni suddenly said, "Wang, there's one more thing. You haven't named the company yet."

At this moment, Wang Feng's mind was a bit absent, and in a daze, he thought of Lu Yao's smiling face. Speaking to himself, he said, "FengYao."

"FengYao? OK, I feel this name is quite good. Using a Chinese name can attract more attention domestically, and the English abbreviation is FY, easily reminiscent of 'Fly.' Well, it's meaningful." DeAnroni agreed.

Others also echoed, some genuinely feeling it was good, while others probably just wanted to end the long negotiations.

Wang Feng was surprised. He had just spoken subconsciously, and how did it almost become the official name? Thinking of the unclear feelings with Lu Yao, he suddenly felt extremely embarrassed. If his sister found out, wouldn't she mock him like crazy? He wanted to suggest thinking about it again, but seeing everyone packing up and eager to leave, he didn't have the heart to speak up, so he could only watch Bamonte submit all the documents.

It seemed that this matter had to be kept confidential. It could be kept secret for as long as possible, and other matters would have to take their course naturally.

Finally, the big event was done! Wang Feng and his team visibly relaxed, especially Balmond. After transferring some of Wang Feng's investments in Belgium and Italy under the FengYao Group, he had completed all his missions.

"Now I can finally focus on my career as an agent. There are still several talents you recommended to me that I haven't had time to take care of. There's that guy, Balotelli, a very distinctive young player. He's a bit solitary in character, but I'll see if I can get him to Inter Milan or Juventus's youth academy."