Shiko looked at Shin with a mix of surprise and disbelief, asking, "You want to buy our shares?"
Shin nodded, his voice steady but aware of the tension, "Yes. I understand this request might come as a shock, but I'm genuinely interested in acquiring your portions of the family business—"
Before Shin could finish, Seki abruptly stood up, his hand slamming down on Shin's desk as he exclaimed, "Seriously? You dragged us all the way here to discuss buying our shares? Is that what you consider 'business'?"
Shiko's expression soured further as he turned to Shin, disappointment lacing his words, "I expected a serious business conversation, not this... This is a letdown."
While Shiko and Seki were clearly caught off guard and upset by Shin's bold move, it was the disappointment and anger in their responses that underscored their feelings.
Sensing his brothers' disapproval, Shin tried to salvage the situation, "I can see this proposal hasn't landed as I hoped—" but his attempt was swiftly cut off.
"How could it please us?" Shiko interjected, his frown deepening. "You've already inherited a significant share of the Suzuki Group from our grandfather. Isn't that enough for you?"
"And here you are, eyeing our shares as well," Seki chimed in, disbelief evident in his tone.
Shin exhaled deeply, trying to maintain a level of composure. "As you can clearly see, my interest in acquiring your shares is sincere. Doing so would position me as the primary shareholder of the Suzuki Group, and I assure you, you'd both hold significant influence within the company."
Shiko couldn't help but let out a chuckle, interrupting Shin, "Even if you manage to get our shares, you still won't be the majority shareholder. I'm not sure how you plan to offer us any influence within the company."
Shin, undeterred, replied with a calm confidence, "I have my strategies. Believe it or not, acquiring just an additional 3 to 5 percent from you would suffice for me to secure the position of the Suzuki Group's major shareholder."
This assertion left Shiko and Seki feeling somewhat skeptical. Yet, knowing Shin's resourcefulness and capability, they couldn't dismiss his claim outright.
Initially, Shiko and Seki were adamant about not selling their shares to Shin. However, Shin's persuasive argument—that gaining major shareholder status would enable him to gradually diminish their uncle Shito's influence and power within the Suzuki Group—began to sway them. Although they didn't openly express it, both brothers harbored a deep-seated resentment towards their uncle. They were acutely aware of Shito's clear ambitions to control the company.
Observing their uncle's maneuvers within the company with a critical eye, Shiko, Seki, and their father, Chairman Shiro, were well-informed of Shito's actions. It was no secret to them that Shito had been actively acquiring stakes in the Suzuki Group. According to their intelligence, Shito had managed to amass 12 percent of the company's shares, a significant and worrying figure. This revelation only added weight to Shin's proposal, making the possibility of selling their stakes to him seem like a strategic move to counter their uncle's ambitions.
Shin earnestly explained, "My primary aim is to forge a partnership between the Suzuki Group and my own venture, KiShin. This collaboration would enable KiShin to delve into areas we're not yet proficient in but where Suzuki excels, particularly in motor technologies among others. I envision KiShin evolving and expanding its expertise with Suzuki's support..."
Shiko, cutting to the chase, queried, "How much of a stake are you looking at?"
"About 3 percent," Shin responded.
"3 percent? You'd need at least 27 percent to become the major shareholder of the Suzuki Group," Shiko pointed out, eyeing Shin to see if he had reached that threshold.
Yet, Shin remained undaunted, his confidence unwavering, leaving Shiko unable to gauge his actual stance. Pursuing further assurance, Shiko asked, "But how can we be sure you'd grant us a say in the company after you take over as the major shareholder?"
Seeing a glimmer of openness in his brothers, Shin smiled, sensing their potential willingness to negotiate. "Given that both of you are on the board of directors, wielding your own voting power, I'm prepared to offer you a written proxy. This would allow you to vote on my behalf. That's how you'd secure significant influence within the company..."
Shiko and Seki shared a look. As they listened to Shin, they began to see the potential in his plan. Perhaps, they thought, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for their younger brother to become the major shareholder after all.
Reducing their uncle's influence in the Suzuki Group was an appealing prospect, and the idea of partnering the Suzuki Group with KiShin seemed increasingly promising. And then there was Shin's enticing offer of a written proxy. The more they thought about it, the more they warmed up to the idea of selling a portion of their shares to Shin.
After some thoughtful consideration, Shin finally persuaded his brothers. Shiko agreed to sell 2 percent of his shares, while Seki consented to part with 1 percent. Shin couldn't help but smile, pleased with the thought of securing an additional 3 percent of the shares.
With trusted allies holding 12 percent and adding this to his already inherited shares, Shin's total would climb to 28 percent, officially making him the major shareholder of the Suzuki Group. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone for Shin but also meant he would surpass the shareholding of Vanguard, a firm closely linked with Shito, the vice chairman of the Suzuki Group. Given Vanguard's association with Shito, it was no surprise that Shito had a substantial influence within the company. However, with Shin stepping up as the major shareholder, it was time for a significant shift in the power dynamics of the Suzuki Group.
In the Suzuki Group, a significant shift occurred when Shiko and Seki transferred their shares to Shin, making him the primary shareholder of the company.
During a Suzuki Group board meeting, the directors were deep in discussion about the future strategies and plans for the subsidiaries. At a crucial board meeting of the Suzuki Group, the air was thick with anticipation as the directors gathered to chart the future course for their conglomerate. The Vice Chairman, Shito, was in the midst of discussing strategic plans when his brother, Shiro, the Chairman, dropped a bombshell.
"I have an important update," Shiro announced, commanding the room's attention. "The largest shareholding bloc in our company has a new owner. Shinro Suzuki now holds 25 percent of our shares."
This revelation caused a stir among the board members, leading to whispers and murmurs. Those directors close to Shito seemed particularly concerned.
Shito himself was visibly affected by the news, finding it hard to believe that his nephew had become the major shareholder.
The meeting then moved on to discuss a potential partnership with KiShin. Given that the KiShin chairman held a significant stake in Suzuki Group and considering KiShin's esteemed reputation, the board, including some directors acting as proxies for investors over the phone, expressed support for the collaboration. This consensus was likely influenced by the belief that a partnership with KiShin, given its stake and status, could be beneficial for the Suzuki Group.
After the meeting concluded, with a clear majority of the board members expressing support for the partnership between KiShin and the Suzuki Group, Shito stormed back to his office. He was seething. In a moment of unbridled frustration, he hurled his nameplate across the room, watching as it clattered against the wall.
"Why them?" he muttered to himself, his voice a mix of disbelief and anger. His office bore the brunt of his outburst, papers strewn about, and a chair knocked askew.
--
Meanwhile, in the KiShin headquarters, Shin, the chairman, received the update via phone call. The news that the Suzuki Group was now favorably inclined toward the partnership brought a satisfied smile to his face. He leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of contemplation.
As Shin sat in the quiet of his office, his thoughts wandered to the potential synergy between KiShin and the Suzuki Group. He recognized that the Suzuki Group's expansive manufacturing capabilities and its intricate web of global supply chains could be a cornerstone in advancing KiShin's ambitions in hardware development. This alliance could elevate not only KiShin's position in the gaming industry but also bolster its ventures beyond gaming, providing a robust foundation for diversification.
The notion of integrating Suzuki's pioneering research in energy-efficient engines and advanced battery technologies into KiShin's product line was particularly compelling. Shin envisioned how these innovations could revolutionize KiShin's portable gaming devices and even extend to consumer electronics like smartphones. The promise of extended battery life and enhanced energy efficiency could dramatically improve user satisfaction.
Moreover, Shin considered the potential impact of Suzuki's motor technologies on KiShin's ventures in the automotive sector. The integration of these technologies could offer KiShin a distinct competitive edge.
--
Several weeks later, as negotiations between the Suzuki Group and KiShin continued, a significant event marked the year 2003—a collaborative effort between KiShin and Pixar brought "Finding Nemo" to screens, premiering both in the USA and Japan. This release was especially notable for featuring the KiShin animation intro at the beginning of the film, a departure from the more traditional opening with Walt Disney's intro that audiences were accustomed to from earlier Pixar films like "Toy Story."
The KiShin animation intro begins in a world where digital and real seamlessly blend. A solitary pixel illuminates the dark, rapidly evolving into a constellation of glowing points. These pixels dance and merge, sketching the outlines of various iconic technologies—a gaming console, a sleek car suggestive of KiShin's motor ventures, a satellite representing aerospace ambitions, and finally, transitioning into a film reel and an anime character, symbolizing KiShin's entertainment division. Each element is rendered with vibrant colors and dynamic movements, reflecting the diversity and innovation at KiShin's core.
As the animation reaches its crescendo, the pixels converge into the KiShin logo—a stylized 'K' that pulsates with a spectrum of colors, symbolizing the fusion of technology, entertainment, and innovation. A brief, harmonious chord plays, embodying the company's commitment to bringing diverse realms of imagination to life. The logo then fades, leaving behind a trail of light that draws viewers into the captivating world of "Finding Nemo."
As the KiShin animation intro cascaded over the screen, a hush fell over the audience, their attention captured by the spectacle unfolding before them. The seamless blend of technology and artistry, the vibrant colors, and the dynamic imagery evoked a sense of awe and admiration. Whispers of amazement and gasps of delight rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the intricate dance of pixels transforming into symbols of KiShin's diverse ventures.
Among the audience, film enthusiasts who were familiar with KiShin's reputation for extravagant intros couldn't help but marvel at the company's willingness to invest heavily in such a brief yet impactful piece of animation. "They really don't hold back, do they?" someone murmured appreciatively, echoing the sentiments of many. There was an underlying respect for KiShin's dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, even in something as ostensibly simple as an intro.
Film enthusiasts and regular moviegoers alike were well aware of KiShin's reputation for splurging on their intros. Since 1998, KiShin Pictures had made it a tradition to revamp its animation intro annually, each year unveiling a new spectacle that pushed the limits of creativity and technology. Yet, the intro accompanying "Finding Nemo" felt different—it was more than just a display of KiShin's financial might; it was a bold statement of their vision and ambition.
As the film proceeded, conversations and speculations about the intro continued in hushed tones. Some viewers couldn't help but ponder the future of KiShin's intros. "Will they keep this one, or will we see a new marvel next year?" a viewer whispered to their companion, highlighting the anticipation KiShin's tradition had built over the years. The comparison to Disney's iconic castle intro was inevitable, with some audience members wondering if KiShin might finally settle on this intro as their defining symbol or continue their tradition of annual innovation.