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[2021-05-10 | Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Stuttgart, Germany| 10:00 CET]

The executive boardroom on the twelfth floor of Mercedes-Benz Group AG headquarters was a symbol of German engineering efficiency. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Stuttgart’s industrial landscape, the company’s sprawling manufacturing plants visible in the distance. Twenty executives sat around a polished mahogany table, tablets and documents arranged with meticulous precision.

Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, sat at the head of the table, his expression neutral as he listened to the quarterly performance report. At fifty-two, he carried himself with natural authority and charisma.

"Q1 revenue stands at €41.0 billion," CFO Harald Wilhelm said, his voice measured as he navigated through the presentation on the wall-mounted screen. "Down 5.2% year-over-year, primarily due to semiconductor shortages and lingering COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. However, our premium segment has shown remarkable resilience—Mercedes-Maybach sales increased 12%, and AMG performance division is up 8%."

Ola nodded, making a note on his tablet. "Margin performance?"

"EBIT margin at 9.8%," Wilhelm continued. "Below our 10% target, but within acceptable parameters given the macroeconomic headwinds. We’re forecasting recovery to 12-13% by Q4 as chip supply normalises."

"Good," Ola said. "Electric vehicle rollout?"

"EQS deliveries begin next month," Britta Seeger, Head of Sales, interjected. "Pre-orders are exceeding projections, 14,000 units globally. The marketing campaign with Lewis Hamilton has generated significant buzz, particularly in the UK and US markets."

"Excellent," Ola said. "Now, marketing. Bettina, you had something?"

Bettina Fetzer, Chief Marketing Officer, straightened in her seat. "Yes, Ola," she began, tapping her tablet. The screen shifted to a highlight reel of a young footballer in red and black, dribbling past defenders and scoring spectacular goals.

"Rakim Rex. Seventeen years old. Currently playing for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Bundesliga top scorer with 39 goals. Champions League top scorer with 14 goals. Leading Leverkusen to their first-ever treble—Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League final in two weeks."

The room watched as the reel played, looking straight out of an anime. A bicycle kick against Dortmund, a hat-trick at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich and a compilation of goals from various matches.

"He’s also," Bettina continued, "eligible for the German national team. Löw has confirmed he’s a serious contender for the Euros squad. The media narrative is already writing itself—’Germany’s Next Great Hope,’ ’The Future of Die Mannschaft,’ et cetera."

"And you want us to sign him," Ola said, reading between the lines.

"His agent—Lisa Rex, his mother—has been reaching out to all major automotive brands," Bettina confirmed. "BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen here in Germany and more abroad. We have a short window before someone else locks him down. I propose a three-year brand ambassador deal. Not just traditional advertising—integrate him into our EQ electric vehicle campaign. Young, dynamic, forward-thinking. He’s perfect for the demographic we’re targeting."

"Cost?" Ola asked.

"€3.5 million annually," Bettina said. "Plus performance bonuses tied to Ballon d’Or rankings, major tournament wins, and social media engagement metrics. Total ceiling around €5 million per year if he hits all targets."

Murmurs around the table. It wasn’t a small sum, but it wasn’t outrageous either—especially compared to what they paid Formula 1 drivers.

"Pros?" Ola prompted.

Bettina was ready. "First-mover advantage. If we sign him now, before the Euros, we lock in below-market rates. Lisa is likely to hold out on locking down a deal until the end of the season to raise his value, which is already highly marketable." She pressed her tablet, revealing the various brands that sponsor Rakim and showing relevant ads alongside sales graphs.

"Rex has 8.2 million Instagram followers, with a highly engaged audience that could potentially become our customers if they see him drive a Mercedes all the time."

Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer, spoke up. "But he’s only seventeen. Unproven for long-term stability, there is no guarantee that he won’t flop like Götze and Draxler after a glimpse of genius or one exceptional season. It’s a high-risk, high-return bet."

"Reputational risk," added Renata Jungo Brüngger, Head of Legal and Compliance. "He was shot three years ago in high school, and given that he is also American, it has a Gang-related narrative. The optics of associating our brand with such a risk factor could backfire—"

"He was the victim," Bettina cut in sharply. "Of a school shooting, no one will relate that to him being in a gang. He grew up in one of the wealthiest estates in Orlando, for God’s sake."

"Still," Renata persisted, "We need a full background check. Any skeletons in the closet could blow back on us."

"Agreed," Ola said. "Bettina, work with Legal and do a full vetting. If it comes back clean, we can move forward with a long-term deal. If not, we walk away. Clear?"

"Clear," Bettina said.

"Good," Ola said, glancing at his watch. "Anything else?"

"Meeting adjourned. Thank you, everyone." The executives filed out, leaving Ola alone in the boardroom. He stood, walked to the window, and clasped his hands behind his back, watching Stuttgart stretched out before him, full of factories, highways, and the backbone of German industry. His private phone buzzed a moment later, and he glanced at the screen.

The screen read Alexander Krüger, causing his back to straighten subconciosly as he pressed the answer button, keeping his voice neutral. "Mr Krüger. Good morning."

"Mr Krüger is my father, I told you to call me Alexander, Ola." The voice on the other end was smooth, carrying natural power. Alexander Krüger was 45, the CEO of Krüger Gruppe, and the single largest shareholder of Mercedes-Benz Group AG at 15%. Despite both being CEOs when Alexander called, Ola had to listen for the simple fact that he only sat in his spot with the man’s support.

"How are things in Stuttgart?" Alexander asked, his tone cordial.

"Busy," Ola replied, moving back to his desk. "Q1 earnings were solid. EQS rollout is on track. The usual challenges."

"Good, good," Alexander said. "I saw the quarterly report. Satisfactory considering, though I expect better margins by year-end."

"We’re forecasting 12-13% EBIT by Q4," Ola confirmed.

"Excellent." A pause. "I also heard something interesting. Marketing is pursuing a sponsorship deal with a young footballer. Rakim Rex."

Ola’s eyes narrowed slightly. *How did he know that already?* The meeting had ended five minutes ago. "It’s preliminary," Ola said carefully. "Bettina proposed it this morning. We’re conducting due diligence before making any decisions."

"I see," Alexander said, his tone still pleasant. "Well, I’m calling to save you the trouble. Don’t pursue it."

Ola blinked. "I’m sorry?"

"The Rex deal," Alexander repeated, his voice firmer now. "I don’t want Krüger associated with him. Drop it."

"May I ask why?" Ola asked, keeping his tone respectful but confused. "From a marketing perspective, the value proposition is strong. He’s young, talented, German-eligible, and his demographic reach—"

"I’m sure the business case is compelling," Alexander interrupted smoothly. "But this isn’t about marketing metrics, Ola. I’m telling you, as a stakeholder and a friend, don’t pursue Rakim Rex. Not now. Not ever as long as the Krüger name is attached to the business."

Ola was silent for a moment, processing, but Alexander’s tone left no room for negotiation. "May I at least know the reason?" Ola pressed gently. "If there’s a reputational concern, or legal exposure, I need to understand—"

"There isn’t," Alexander said flatly. "At least, nothing I know of, I just don’t want the Krüger name anywhere near the Rex family. And since Krüger Gruppe holds 15% of Mercedes-Benz, that extends to you."

"Alexander, with all due respect—"

"Ola." Alexander’s voice was calm. "I don’t often invoke my position. You know that. But on this matter, I’m making it clear. If you pursue this deal, I will have to re-evaluate my support for you on the board."

Ola felt like the air in his throat suddenly got heavy and couldn’t muster to speak as he understood the unspoken words. The Krügers controlled a large part of the German Defence, Pharmaceutical, Digital, and capital industries, with their hands in every sector. They naturally had connections in every sector, especially politics, so if the heir apparent wanted him gone, he would find a way. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Ola exhaled slowly. "Understood."

"Good," Alexander said, his tone lighting immediately. "Thanks for your care. How’s the family? Karin, well?"

"She’s fine," Ola said, his voice back to normal. "Thank you for asking."

"Excellent. Let’s have dinner soon—you, me, and the wives. I’ll have my assistant coordinate."

"Of course," Ola said.

"Take care, Ola."

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TO BE CONTINUED...