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“A day I have looked forward to for many years,” admitted Bishara A statement that e ahead with his change of plan

“When we reach the executive floor we’ll go straight through to the boardroom, where the offer docunature”

“Thank you,” said Bishara, as he stepped out into the corridor When he entered the boardrooht directors rose as one and waited for him to take his place at the head of the table before they sat back down A butler served Bishara with a cup of his favorite Turkish coffee, black and stea hot, and two McVitie’s shortbread biscuits, also his favorite Nothing had been left to chance

Sloane took a seat at the other end of the table

“On behalf of the board, Mr Bishara, allow s Bank With your pere of ownership”

Bishara took out his fountain pen, and placed it on the table

“In front of you are three copies of the offer document, as approved by your lawyers Both sides haveof any real consequence” Mr Moreland nodded his agreement

“I thought it ht the reed on You will becos Bank, and can nominate three directors to represent you on the board, one of ill be appointed deputy chairman”

Bishara s to like who he had in mind for deputy chairman

“I will reht board members present here today will also have their contracts renewed for a further five years And, finally, the suht hundred thousand pounds, which values each share at five pounds”

Bishara turned to his lawyer, who handed him a banker’s draft for the full aht of it ale his mind

“However,” said Sloane, “so has arisen in the past twenty-four hours that has made it necessary to make a small adjustment to the contract”

Bishara could have been playing backgammon at the Clermont for all Sloane could tell from the expression on his face

“Yesterday ,” continued Sloane, “we had a call from a well-established City institution which offered us six pounds a share In order to prove their credibility, they placed the full amount in escroith their solicitors This offer placed me and the board in a most invidious position, as we are no more than the servants of our shareholders However, we held a board reed that if you were able to match the offer of six pounds a share, ould disreement We have therefore adjusted the offer docuure of thirty-five ave Bishara an ingratiating smile, and added, “Given the circumstances, I hope you will consider this an acceptable solution”