Chapter 295
For ordinary people, an economic crisis was a disaster; for capital tycoons, it was an opportunity. Franz was now one of those tycoons, harvesting profits in the capital markets.
As emperor, he still paid attention to appearances. He had not fed anyone bullets, much less invited anyone to ride the dirt plane.
Money could never all be earned. There was no need to ruin one's reputation for the sake of profit. Acquiring companies would inevitably invite hostility, but merely investing in and taking shares was a different matter.
Everyone was short of money now—how could they possibly refuse investment? Franz had introduced the concept of investment companies ahead of schedule.
A person's energy was limited. Even with a mature management team, it was impossible to expand without limit.
Under such circumstances, abandoning non-core industries became imperative. They were all meant to make money anyway; as long as proper oversight ensured their interests, there was no need to hold controlling stakes.
Looking at the thick stack of acquisition proposals in his hands, Franz was filled with emotion. Any single page in it represented a goal ordinary people could not achieve in a lifetime, yet none of it could stir his interest now.
After listening to the report from the person in charge, Franz said calmly, "Do not invest any further in the textile industry. The United Kingdom's advantage in this field is too great; at least for the next twenty years, their position cannot be shaken. There is no need to continue this vicious competition.
"From now on, focus on metallurgy, shipbuilding, mineral resources, machinery manufacturing, and similar fields. Increase our influence over the economy.
"The canal company's shares will soon be issued. Send people to acquire them secretly, whether domestic or foreign. As long as the share