I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 77: Investing Further

Matthew leaned back in his chair, watching the city lights flicker beyond the glass windows of his penthouse office. The SM Prime deal had gone exactly as planned. Sentinel Systems was now embedded in the largest real estate and retail empire in the Philippines. But Matthew wasn't the type to settle. He had billions in liquidity, and he wanted more. The next move had to be bigger.

San Miguel Corporation.

A conglomerate with its hands in everything—food and beverages, power, infrastructure, oil refining, and toll roads. If there was a company that truly shaped the Philippine economy, it was San Miguel. If Sentinel could secure a stake and a board seat, Matthew wouldn't just be influencing one industry—he would be influencing the entire country's economic landscape.

Angel entered his office, holding a report on her tablet. "I had a feeling you'd say that," she said as she took a seat. "San Miguel Corporation is massive. Their market cap is around PHP 1.6 trillion—roughly $33 billion USD. They've taken a hit from the pandemic, but not as bad as SM Prime. Their revenues are still strong, thanks to power generation and infrastructure."

Matthew nodded. "That makes them stable. And they'll rebound hard once the economy is back to full strength. Where's their stock price now?"

"Currently trading at PHP 110 per share," Angel reported. "Down from its pre-pandemic high of PHP 180. That's a 40% discount. If we move now, we can secure a major stake before recovery kicks in."

Matthew leaned forward, eyes sharp. "What percentage would we need for a board seat?"

Angel did the math quickly. "San Miguel's free float is lower than SM Prime's. Most of its shares are tightly held by the Cojuangco and Ang families. Based on the latest disclosures, 5% would already make us a top shareholder."

Matthew smirked. "Then we start at 3%—same strategy as before. Quiet acquisitions through different investment arms to avoid drawing attention."

Angel nodded. "I'll have Daniel coordinate the buying strategy."

Matthew exhaled, his mind already a step ahead. "And once we cross 3%, we let them know we're here."

For the next five days, Sentinel Systems began acquiring San Miguel Corporation shares through multiple brokerage accounts and hedge funds. They executed trades carefully, ensuring no sudden volume spikes would alert market analysts.

By the end of September, Sentinel had secured 2.7% of San Miguel Corporation, valued at approximately $900 million USD.

Angel walked into Matthew's office, tablet in hand. "We're closing in on 3%. No major media attention yet, but their investor relations team might start noticing soon."

Matthew smirked. "That's when we make contact."

October 1, 2020.

The email arrived earlier than expected.

Angel placed her tablet in front of Matthew, raising an eyebrow. "San Miguel just reached out. Ramon Ang himself wants to meet."

Matthew picked up the tablet and scanned the message. It was direct and to the point.

Mr. Borja,

We've noticed Sentinel Systems has taken an interest in San Miguel Corporation. I'd like to personally discuss your firm's long-term plans regarding our company.

Let's schedule a meeting.

— Ramon S. Ang, President & CEO, San Miguel Corporation

Matthew smirked. "He's smarter than SM Prime's leadership. He's not waiting for us to reach 5%. He wants to know our intentions now."

Angel nodded. "That means he's either open to collaboration—or he sees us as a potential threat."

Matthew leaned back, considering the angles. "Either way, we control the narrative."

The video call was set for 9 AM. Unlike the SM Prime negotiations, this one felt different. San Miguel wasn't struggling. They had strong assets, and they weren't desperate for new investors. If Matthew wanted influence, he had to offer something beyond capital.

As the call connected, Ramon Ang appeared on-screen, seated in his office. Behind him were framed images of San Miguel's infrastructure projects, breweries, and energy plants. A reminder of just how diverse his empire was.

"Mr. Borja," Ang greeted, his voice calm but sharp. "You've made quite the name for yourself recently."

Matthew smiled. "I try to make good investments."

Ang chuckled. "So, Sentinel Systems is now one of our biggest institutional investors. I have to ask—why San Miguel?"

Matthew leaned forward. "San Miguel isn't just a company. It's a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. Your businesses touch every major industry—food, power, oil, infrastructure. If I want Sentinel to have a long-term impact, there's no better partner than San Miguel."

Ang nodded slowly. "And what exactly do you want?"

Matthew didn't hesitate. "A board seat. Sentinel doesn't invest passively. We bring value. Just like with SM Prime, we can enhance San Miguel's operations with AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation."

Ang studied him. "You're bold."

Matthew smirked. "I prefer to think of it as strategic."

A moment of silence. Then, Ramon Ang leaned back in his chair.

"You know, Mr. Borja… Normally, I'd be cautious about letting a young tech CEO influence my company. But San Miguel is evolving. We're expanding our energy business, modernizing infrastructure, and digitizing logistics. Maybe… Sentinel can be useful."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you're open to the idea?"

Ang nodded. "If your stake reaches 5%, I'll consider endorsing your nomination for a board seat."

Matthew smirked. "Then we'll reach 5%."

The next week, Sentinel Systems accelerated its acquisitions. By October 10, Sentinel officially crossed the 5% threshold, securing an additional $1.1 billion USD in shares, bringing their total investment to $2 billion USD.

The media took notice.

"Sentinel Systems Increases Stake in San Miguel Corporation – Strategic Move or Power Play?" – BusinessWorld

"Tech Giant Sentinel Expands Its Influence in Philippine Conglomerates" – Philippine Daily Inquirer

Matthew sat in his office, reading the headlines. The plan was working.

Angel walked in, smiling. "We're officially over 5%. Ramon Ang's office reached out again. He's agreed to discuss the board seat."

Matthew nodded, standing up. "Good. Let's finish what we started."

October 15, 2020.

The final negotiation took place in San Miguel's corporate office in Ortigas. Unlike SM Prime's more cautious approach, San Miguel was pragmatic. Ramon Ang had seen Sentinel's rise. He knew fighting against a major shareholder like Matthew was pointless.

After a two-hour discussion, the deal was finalized.

Sentinel Systems would secure a seat on San Miguel Corporation's board.

Sentinel would collaborate with San Miguel's energy and infrastructure divisions, integrating AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity solutions.

Matthew would have direct access to strategic discussions, ensuring Sentinel's influence on future expansions.

As Matthew left the building, he turned to Angel. "That makes two board seats in two of the biggest companies in the country."

Angel smirked. "So what's next?"

"I think we'll take a rest from investing for now. Let's enjoy what we have earned."

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"If you say so sir."