Chapter 648: Thunder Explodes, Hard to Distinguish Between Friend and Enemy

Although Meng Rusong had already been mentally prepared for the suppression in North America, it happened much earlier than he expected.

"Mr. Hu, the most critical issue now is the lithography machine. We cannot get rid of ASML's equipment supply for the time being, especially equipment after the 45nm node."

The previous theory was that using DUV (deep violet light) lithography machines can achieve the limit of the 10nm process.

But in Hu Yang’s memory, ASML finally pushed this limit to 7nm.

After the advent of EUV (extreme violet light) lithography machines, the process nodes started from 7nm. When it reaches 5nm, DUV is really powerless.

Today, Xentong International has no shortage of 45nm lithography machines, and both ASML and Microelectronics Equipment are supplying it normally.

But devices after the 45nm node are in trouble.

Looking at the current situation of microelectronic equipment, normal production of 45nm lithography machines is in great trouble, let alone future 28nm lithography machines and 14nm lithography machines.

North America is trying to suppress Xentong International, so it should start with equipment supply. There is no need to worry about raw materials for the time being, including large-size silicon wafers, photoresist, etc.

"Let's overcome the difficulties for the time being. The research and development of the next-generation process technology can be slowed down and we can continue to explore the potential of the existing 45nm process technology.

The research and development of the complete machine at Bolong Optics is going very smoothly, but in view of the suppression of microelectronic equipment in North America, the company is also establishing a new supply chain.

However, no matter how fast the mass production time is, it will still take about eight months. Mr. Meng, do you know the specific time for North America to implement this suppression plan?"

North America suddenly took action against Xentong International, completely disrupting Populus euphratica's steps.

If it really doesn't work, he can only purchase microelectronic equipment in advance. Before making the move, he needs to know the exact time when North America announces this plan.

"North America has always been extremely efficient in doing this kind of thing. As far as I know, there should be news announced as soon as we sleep."

According to the time difference between the two sides, the North American side should announce this news around 1:00 noon.

Although Meng Rusong didn't say it explicitly, he should be very confident.

"Mr. Meng, don't do anything now. Let's have a couple of drinks, and then you go back to sleep. We will hold a temporary meeting tomorrow afternoon and notify all directors to be present, and we will discuss countermeasures."

Hu Yang did not mention the purchase of microelectronic equipment, and now the matter has become very complicated. The company is not only facing pressure from North America, but also RB Nikon is watching eagerly from the sidelines.

Therefore, he only has one chance to make a move, and must be sure and ruthless.

The next day.

The first thing Hu Yang did when he arrived at the company was to ask Yu Hongbo to come over quickly.

There was no suspense. At noon local time in North America, the other party announced measures to suppress microelectronic equipment.

Including technical cooperation, technology licensing, parts supply, etc., all North American aspects will be stopped, and no exceptions will be allowed for any North American companies.

What is strange is that Meng Rusong clearly said that Xentong International would be implicated, but judging from the published information, he did not mention it at all.

On the contrary, the media in North America have many true and false reports.

"Boss, such big bad news has come true. The stock price of microelectronic equipment has dropped to the limit as soon as it opened. Looking at this trend, it may even fall to around 10 yuan."

Yu Hongbo collected the market's reaction in the morning, and now the market is wailing. It fell to the limit at the opening, indicating that all kinds of capital in the market are fleeing.

"Lao Yu, inform your team to keep an eye on microelectronic equipment. From now on, prepare to implement an acquisition plan for microelectronic equipment.

The first step, of course, is to buy circulating stocks from the secondary market. You are responsible for this. As long as the stock price of microelectronic equipment falls below 12 yuan, you will start to enter the market."

Hu Yang looked at Yu Hongbo and gave the order directly.

However, he only mentioned the first step and did not mention the second step yet.

"Okay, I understand. In addition, Xintong International was affected by market rumors, and there was a considerable drop after today's opening. Before I left, Xintong International's stock price had fallen by 4%."

Fortunately, the news about Xentong International has not been confirmed, otherwise it would have fallen badly today.

Hu Yang didn't know why the plan to suppress Xintong International was postponed, but there was nothing to be happy about. It was like a sword hanging above a person's head. How could you do things with peace of mind?

After Hong Bo left the office, Hu Yang began to deal with daily work. Just after ten o'clock, Zhang Xiao hurried over.

"Mr. Hu, I'm afraid microelectronic equipment is in doom. North America is moving too fast. Director Li and the others don't have time to reconstruct the supply chain."

As soon as Zhang Xiao walked in, he started talking angrily. In any case, he had put so much effort into microelectronic equipment. Even though he had resigned and left, he still felt very uncomfortable.

Li Qi has tried his best, but because the time is too short, let alone reconstructing the supply chain, even the reserves of raw materials and parts are far from reaching expectations.

According to Zhang Xiao's estimate, microelectronic equipment has been able to maintain up to three months of reserve inventory during this period, which is still far from their one-year reserve target.

"Mr. Zhang, in every crisis, there is an opportunity. I have officially launched the acquisition of microelectronic equipment. There is no way back in this matter. No matter how great the difficulties are, I will not back down."

Hu Yang stood up and waved his right hand while talking, as if he wanted to use body movements to strengthen his determination.

Zhang Xiao rarely sees Hu Yang in such an emotional state, which shows that this incident has a very significant impact on the entire Huijia system.

"Has the acquisition plan officially started? That's great! Mr. Hu, what do you need me to do? Just say it, I will do it no matter how difficult it is."

Zhang Xiao was also infected by Populus euphratica's emotions and was about to issue a military order.

"Well, I won't waste my words. Go talk to the company's small shareholders. I'm willing to buy their shares at twice the company's net assets."

The shareholding ratio of the company's small shareholders is very low and cannot determine the general trend. However, Hu Yang feels that flies and mosquitoes are meat, and their role at critical moments cannot be underestimated.

Zhang Xiao was stunned for a moment. Those small shareholders held a total of only 6.6 million shares in microelectronic equipment.

However, he didn't say anything in the end and immediately started calling.

"Mr. Hu, they have agreed to meet, and I will go meet them one by one now. I guess there will be no problem. It is their luck to buy their shares at twice the price of their net assets."

After the listing is diluted, the company's net assets per share are around 22 yuan.

According to the current market trend, it is a high probability event that the stock price will continue to fall to the limit. Let alone 22 yuan, the company's stock price may not even be able to maintain 10 yuan.

Zhang Xiao left the International Building immediately.

However, the first negotiation with these small shareholders did not go well, and the other party still had some illusions. However, in the next three days, the microelectronic equipment fell by the limit three times in a row, which made these guys completely give up.

They quickly signed an equity transfer agreement with Bolong Optics. For the agreement to take effect, the company still needs to hold a board of directors meeting, and at the very least it needs the consent of Modu State-owned Assets.

Regarding the proposal proposed by Hu Yang, Director You was noncommittal. Anyway, he had no intention of stopping it with all his strength, because the shareholding ratio of those few small shareholders was so pitifully low that it did not affect the overall situation at all.

Yang Hu thought about it for a long time and had no objection. The reason was similar to Director You, but more importantly, it was useless for his family to object.

The current ownership structure of Microelectronics Equipment is so interesting. No one major shareholder can decide the company's major issues, unless the two companies join forces.

"Then thank you directors!"

In the board minutes, Hu Yang and others signed their names respectively.

Once the company issues an announcement, the equity transfer agreement will officially come into effect. Then you can go through the payment and change procedures.

There was only one topic in today's meeting. Since the motion was passed, Director You and Hu Yang said hello, stood up and left.

He has been very upset recently. He is often criticized during meetings in the city.

Especially in recent days, the stock price of microelectronic equipment has plummeted, and production and operation have encountered unprecedented difficulties.

Director You basically gave up hope for the company and had already begun to look for a way out.

"Mr. Hu, please stay! Do you have time to chat?"

Hu Yang also immediately stood up and left. As soon as he reached the door of the conference room, he heard Yang Hu calling him.

Hu Yang stopped, turned to look at Yang Hu, and then turned back to his previous seat.

"Mr. Yang, do you have any advice? Please tell me..."

Yang Hu smiled and said:

"Mr. Hu, there is no need to be so guarded against me. We are now comrades in the trenches, aren't we? I ask you to stay a little longer because I want to discuss something with you."

"Discussing the matter? If it is to transfer your equity to Nikon, then there is no need to mention it. Not only will I not agree to this matter, Director You will not agree to it, and even the regulatory authorities will not agree to it."

Hu Yang nodded, his tone was gentle, but his attitude was firm.

"Mr. Hu, where are you thinking? Summit Capital has given up on the previous equity transfer plan. I understand what you said. Since it is impossible to succeed, why should I continue to be stubborn?"

Yang Hu smiled and shook his head, saying that it was not about the equity transfer.

He and Wu Zunyou have also been doing some activities in the past few days, but the feedback returned is very bad. Just like Hu Yang said, no one will allow microelectronic equipment to be sold to foreign investors.

You must know that Microelectronics Equipment was the first manufacturer in China to develop a high-end lithography machine. Although the technology at the time was relatively backward, this achievement cannot be denied.

Now, microelectronic equipment is encountering great difficulties, but it does not mean that this enterprise has no value.

Although Peak Capital has a low reputation, it is a real financial giant in China. When Yang Hu and Wu Zunyou return to rationality, they can naturally make objective judgments.

Hu Yang felt strange when he heard what he said. If it's not about equity transfer, what else can we talk about?

However, Yang Hu was right about something.

The key difficulty now is the survival of the company. Any grievances between major shareholders should be restrained.

"Mr. Yang, if you have anything to say, please say it directly."

Hu Yang didn't want to talk in circles with him. Everyone's time is precious now.

"Then let me tell you the truth! Nikon wants to make a deal with Microelectronics Equipment. To be precise, they want to exchange technology. They want to get the company's dual workbench technology, and they can propose whatever technology the company needs.

In addition, Nikon also said that they can help the company reconstruct its supply chain, and for some key components, in addition to North America and Germany, they also have alternative products."

The expression on Yang Hu's face suddenly became very serious. This matter was very important to Peak Capital. He and Wu Zunyou spent a lot of energy to perfect this plan. What they were most worried about was Hu Yang's obstruction.
To be continued...