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“That should clinch it,” said the major

“But what’s to stop hi for a better price?”

“That’s the beauty of the nondisclosure agreement He can’t di

scuss the offer with anyone other than his mother, unless he wants to be reported to the Bar Council Not a risk a QC would take lightly”

“And is our other buyer still in place?” asked the major

“Mr Bishara is not only in place,” said Sloane, “but he’s confir, and deposited two million pounds with his solicitor to show he’s serious”

“Why is he willing to pay so inia

“Because the Bank of England has recently turned down his application for a license to trade as a banker in the City of London, and he’s so desperate to get his hands on an English bank with an impeccable reputation that he doesn’t sees”

“But won’t the Bank of England object to what is obviously a takeover?” asked Fisher

“Not if he keeps the same board in place for a couple of years, and I stay on as chairman Which is why it’s so important that Clifton doesn’t find out e’re up to”

“But what happens if Clifton gets his hands on six percent?”

“I’ll also offer his a share,” said Sloane, “which I have a feeling he won’t be able to resist”

“I’e of attitude recently He seeenda”

“Then I’ll have to rewrite that agenda”

“The book is where a book should be,” said Mrs Babakov