8 - Chapter 7

*AJ POV*

AJ called his secretary and asked her setup an all partners conference call starting within 15 minutes. He spent the time thinking about how he wanted to present the deal to the rest of his partners. He joined the call and waited for the partners to join him.

“Thank you all for dropping everything to join this call. I have asked my secretary to take minutes as this is an important call and we need to have minutes that will then be sent for signature. As you may know I came out to meet a potential new client today at short notice. I have the morning with the client both in a group conversation with other accounting firms and in a private meeting with them as with made the short list. As partners, I need you all to sign off so we can proceed to a deal memorandum, in preparation for a full deal after due diligence.” stated AJ.

“Why do you need partners to sign off for client on boarding?” asked one partner.

“That's the thing, this is not just a client onboarding. They want to buy into the firm. They also want me to take over as head of finance for the group.” responded AJ.

“How big are they, and what are they offering?” asked another partner.

“They are offering £5m cash to buy a 50.01% stake. The would mean we would each get £1m cash and retain just under 10% each as partners. In addition, they would invest in us to help us grow the firm as required. The investment would be an interest free loan that we could write off against the billables from the company at a percentage. They have allocated up to £2m for that. In addition I would draw a salary as head of finance that would be at market rates.” elucidated AJ. “It's a very generous offer and given our situation I am recommending taking the offer.”

The other partners were visibly shocked at the offer, it was significantly more than they were expecting. “Are you sure they are willing to spend that much and retain us? It seems like an overly generous offer.” stated another partner.

“They have more than £10Bn in the war chest for investments. This is nothing for them. We can retain the brand and still build up our own practice in addition to having them on board. We only have to go ahead if the deal is signed and we get paid. They have a lot of work, they want to acquire a range of companies very quickly. I don't see how we have anything to lose. We have bandwidth that we can use while we start work.” responded AJ.

The partners were shocked at the opportunity that had landed in their lap. They agreed to the deal.

*Sally POV*

Sally called her office and dialled in her partners directly. They didn't have any cases in court today, so she felt confident they would answer her call.

“Thanks all for taking my call this morning. We have received an offer from the client that I came to see today. They are an interesting client and there are synergies with them. I am recommending they take the offer.” said Sally. “They are offering to pay off the full £20m in cash, no loans, and then move the 5 of us to a fixed salary. They are offering £150k per year to each of us. I am also being offered an additional £200k per year to take on the head of ESG role for the group. They would take us over and provide us with a discretionary fund to carry on our cases.”

The partners looked on, slack jawed. “Is this really happening? You aren't pranking us right Sally? Of course, take the deal.” said one partner. The others joined in agreeing wholeheartedly. They had been struggling to make a difference and this deal would let them get back to doing just that.

*Sunny POV*

Sunny called his managing partner Jonathan. “Hey Jon, we need to talk. I need you to get the other partners on a call and present an offer from the client. The one you sent me to meet today.” said Sunny. “I need an answer to their proposal urgently. They want a signed deal memo today.”

“Good job getting us in the door Sunny. They are certainly moving fast. Why do we need all the partners involved though. Surely we should be enough to sign off between the two of us.” replied Jonathan.

“They want to buy a controlling stake in the firm Jon. They are offering between £3M and £5M. In addition we would have the option for an interest free loan for investments, that would be offset against a percentage of the billables. They also want me to take on the head of legal for the group and would pay me a salary for that.” stated Sunny.

“Did I hear you right? You went to get a client and basically sold half the company.” smirked Jonathan. “Are you sure the offer is serious and genuine?”

“They are willing to pay a percentage on the deal memo, and the rest on deal signing. They want it done asap. If you can get the other partners on board. I need authorisation to go ahead. I also need you to send me 2 associates and a paralegal to meet me now. We need to start drafting the contract for our deal as well as with another legal firm and an accounting firm.” replied Sunny.

“Are you serious, they are buying 3 of the companies they met today, just like that? Just how much money are they throwing around.” replied an incredulous Jonathan.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Well they mentioned £10Bn as a first trance of investment, so your guess is as good as mine.” chuckled Sunny, looking at the shock on his bosses face.

“I will get it done, and send you people in the next hour. We need to get this deal done. I will call you once I have confirmed with the other partners.” stated Jonathan then hung up.

*Tasha POV*

“So how did you meetings with Sunny and AJ go?” asked Tasha.

“AJ basically agreed to the deal in the room. It's fun when you can just agree to their demand and then they have no way to say no.” laughed James.

“Sunny was almost drooling at the thought of closing the deal, I think its a done deal with both of them.” chuckled Ingrid.

“So lets have some fun to bring them on board. Roka is just across the road, it would be a perfect place for a team dinner tonight. What do you think? We could book out the entire restaurant. It would be easier than trying to work out total numbers. What do you think? Asked Tasha.

“You mean that high end sushi place right? Sounds like a great idea. Why don't you go and book it James, and we'll tell our new team mates once they come back in. They would need to give their teams notice to make arrangements.” said Ingrid.

“Sure, I will go book it now.” said James and left to walk across to Roka.

*James POV*

James couldnt believe that not only was he back in his old job and making a lot more money, but they were also having fun. It wasnt everyday you could live life just like that.

James walked over to Roka. “Hey, I need to book out your restaurant for the entire evening, including open bar, for an urgent work event. Can you sort it out?”

“I am sorry sir that won't be possible. We already have bookings for this evening.” replied the maitre d.

“I need to speak to your manager then please.” replied James. “I must insist”.

“I will call him, but he will tell you the same thing,”replied the guy.

James waited patiently for the manager who arrived a few minutes later.

“I understand that you have bookings for this evening already, however I need to book the whole restaurant for a work event.” said James. “Here is what I will offer. You call your guest with bookings and send them to another Roka. I will pick up the taxi fare to the other Roka and back, and the full tasting menu for all your guests with booking here already. You can add it to our bill for the night. You just have to organise it. Then you reserved the whole place for us, including open bar.”

The manager looked on in shock. “Are you serious? You aren't playing a prank are you?” asked the manager.

“Tell you what, I will give my manager a call, and she will come and put down a deposit, will that work?” asked James.

“Boss, they need a deposit and I don't have a card yet, can you just come down and do a quick deposit.” asked James after Tasha answered her phone.

“Sure coming now,” said Tasha and hung up.

“Where is your boss that she can come so quickly?” asked the manager.

“We have suites booked at the Waldorf Astoria, across the road, we were just holding meetings there today.” replied James.

Tasha made it over in a few minutes. She looked between smirking James and an incredulous manager.

“How much deposit do you need?” she asked, deadpan

“Don't you even want to know what he offered us to clear out the restaurant for you tonight?” asked the manager.

“No why would I, that's his job and I trust him to get it done.Why would I interfere?” asked Tasha perplexed.

“For 200 people, tasting menu would come to £40k. Plus taxis etc. We would need at least a £25k deposit for us to go ahead.” said a now nervous manager.

“Does that count include my people tonight? You know what it doesn't matter. Send taxis yourself and take a £50k deposit. That should cover the bill and a tip.” smirked Tasha handing him her business card.

The manager ran the £50k charge through the machine and was even more surprised when it cleared without an issue.

“Please ensure the place is ready to start receiving our team from 5pm just in case any are early. The name will be TA Consulting”. Said James. “Please remember they can order anything and it's all included.”

James and Tasha walked back to the hotel laughing about what just happened.

They were in the middle of telling Ingrid all about it when, coincidentally, Sally, AJ and Sunny returned from their calls.

“Hey guys, thanks for coming back from your faces I can see that you are all taking our offer. Sorry to do this to you, but you need to call your teams back.” smirked Tasha “ In anticipation of you all taking our deals. We have booked Roka, across the road for an impromptu team event. Everyone from the offices, down to the cleaners, are invited. They can use taxis to get here and back and we will cover it fully. If anyone has child care issues, again, they can either make arrangements or bring the children with them. It will be fully covered. No questions asked.”

As Tasha had first started speaking all 3 had thought it would be something negative. As she continued, they were again shocked by how blaze the group seemed to be about money. They were basically offering to cover all the costs and didn't even seem to care that hospitality wouldn't even be tax deductible.

“In fact,” continued Tasha, “Why don't you ask people to invite partners and adult children as well. How many people do you have in your companies anyway?

“About 25, are you sure about inviting everyone?” asked Sunny.

“About 20,” said AJ, still incredulous.

“Also about 20,” said an unsure Sally.

“So about 70, plus family. The restaurant can handle up to 200 and we have booked out the whole restaurant. Might as well make use of it. Plus we like to work hard and play harder.” replied Tasha laughing.