Ryan and Sheila sat across from each other at a table in a swanky restaurant, it was the new restaurant in town and Sheila had booked a reservation the previous day as ordered for her meet up with Ryan.
The atmosphere that was hanging was that of a tensed one, as both parties had a lot of riding on this deal. The waiter approaches the table and asks fortheir orders, and they placed it. After the waiter left, there was a moment of awkward silence. Finally, after what seems like ages, Sheila breaks the ice.
"I know this is a big decision for you, Mr. Lerman. I want you to know that we understand your concerns about your employees, and I'd like to assure you that they'll be well taken care of under our management." Sheila said, carefully picking her words.
She had said this first because that was Ryan's side of the deal to give in to their new offer. Given that his employees are well reserved and did deserve to keep their position in the company, mostly Miriam.
Ryan leans back in his chair, considering her words. He takes a sip of his water before responding. "I appreciate your reassurance, Ms. Sheila, but let's be honest-we both know that this isn't just about my employees. It's about me. I'm the one who will be giving up control of my company."
Sheila nods, acknowledging his point. "Yes, that's true. But I'd like to emphasize that you'll still have a significant role to play in the future of the company." She told him, earning a creased expression from Ryan.
"You'll be a member of the board of directors, and you'll still have a say in the direction of the company. We're not just looking to buy your company -we're looking to partner with you. We want to leverage your expertise and your passion for the industry." She added, her voice laced with enthusiasm.
Ryan thinks for a moment. He can see the appeal of being part of a larger organization, with the resources and reach to expand his vision, but he also knows that giving up control of his company is a big step -whatever decision he will be taking and whatever the implications might be, he had to think it through before taking a step.
"I understand what you're saying, but it's still a difficult decision." He muttered slowly in response.
Sheila nods again, understanding his hesitation, and she tries to find the right words to reassure him. "I genuinely understand, Mr. Lerman, It's a big change, and it's natural to have some anxiety about it. But I want to emphasize that we value your skills and your vision, and we are keen to work with you, not against you. We intend to build on what you've already accomplished, not replace it."
Ryan looks at her, considering her words, he appreciates her honesty and sincerity. "Thank you for saying that, Ms. Sheila. It's reassuring to hear those words from you."
Sheila smiles, sensing that she's making progress, she continues in a more personal tone. "I also want to emphasize that I understand this is personal for you, not just professional. This company is your baby, and you've poured your heart and soul into it. I know it's hard to let go, but I hope you can see that we're not just looking to take over your company -we want to help you take it to the next level."
Ryan feels a sense of relief at her words. "I honestly understand every of your points."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. So, let's talk about the specifics of the deal. We're offering to buy 65% of the company for a total of $20 million. That would give us a controlling interest, but you would still own 35% of the company and have a seat on the board of directors. We're also offering a five-year contract for you to stay on as the CEO, with a generous salary and benefits package. Do you have any questions about the deal?"
Did he not decide to take a break from the CEO stuffs and all? Being offered such a position is nothing but a total temptation on their part, but Ryan was ready to stand his group -he never goes back on his words, and it won't start now.
"I don't think it's proper to just decide this amongst ourselves, this is for the board of directors to determine and not mine anymore." He told her, politely declining her sumptuous offer. He had decided not to fall for it, regardless of what benefit applied to it.
"That's a fair point, Mr. Lerman. But I think it's important for you to understand the terms of the deal and how it would affect you personally. Do you have any specific concerns about the proposal?" She requested, drawling her words.
Ryan pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I'm concerned about what would happen if I don't meet the goals or expectations set by the board. Would I be at risk of losing my position or even my ownership stake in the company?" He threaded his words so carefully as he sprouts them out of his mouth.
Sheila nodded her head for a few times, understanding his concern.
"That's a valid concern, and it's something we can address in the contract. We could include a clause that protects your ownership stake, even if you're removed from the position of
CEO." She told him, her voice soft and clouded with deep assurance. "We want you to feel secure in this deal, and we're willing to work with you to make sure you're comfortable with the terms. Does that help to address your concern?"
Ryan feels relieved to hear her answer. He hadn't considered the possibility of being removed from the company altogether, and he's glad to know that they're willing to work with him on that issue.
"So, just to recap - you would own 35% of the company and have a seat on the board of directors. You would have a five year contract as the CEO, with a generous salary and benefits package. And we're willing to negotiate terms that would protect your ownership stake, even if you're removed from the position of CEO. Does that sound like a deal you can get behind?"
Sheila might appear calm on the outside, but deep down in her, she knows this was a very tempting offer he would never get by -no one in his shoes with, and she anxiously waited for his reply, suppressing the urge to smirk.
Ryan takes a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. This is a big decision, and he knows it will have a major impact on his life. But then, he realized it was not worth the shot to give up on his decision.
Unconsciously and shaking the thought off his head, he opened his mouth to utter his reply. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sheila..."He began slowly. "But I already made my mind on this, and I won't be changing it, I'm not really interested in being a CEO anymore and even if I'm to change my decision -this is for the board of directors to decide, not ours..."