In other words, the strange aircraft in front of Mavi were all high-tech creations capable of flight. However, due to certain reasons or defects, they were unable to be mass-produced and remained stored within the design bureau.
No wonder so many people claimed to have seen UFOs or alien spacecraft—there was a good chance they had simply stumbled upon experimental aircraft being test-flown by national design bureaus. This could explain the numerous rumors…
After touring the design bureau, Ivanov led Mavi to the conference room to discuss the main agenda: the acquisition of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Just as Anatoly had told Mavi, the Sukhoi Design Bureau was in a difficult transition period and steadily declining. It was barely surviving on government subsidies, tightening its belt just to get by. There was simply no funding available to develop new fighter jets.
"Mr. Mavi, I believe I've given you a thorough introduction and tour. Now, let's discuss how much you're willing to pay to acquire the Sukhoi Design Bureau. And after the acquisition, how much funding will you provide for our research and development projects?" Ivanov probed cautiously.
He wasn't a businessman—his life's work was dedicated to designing new fighter jets. The amount of money involved in the acquisition wasn't what mattered most to him. What mattered was whether Mavi could ensure the future of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
As someone with the experience of two lifetimes, Mavi immediately recognized Ivanov's intentions. After a brief pause, he calmly responded, "Mr. Ivanov, before we discuss the price, I have a question for you. If my Mikoyan family does not acquire the Sukhoi Design Bureau, what will happen to you in six months? Or in a year, or two?"
Mavi was not one to fall into someone else's conversational rhythm. With a single question, he maneuvered Ivanov into a corner.
Ivanov carefully considered Mavi's words. He was right—if Mavi didn't acquire the Sukhoi Design Bureau, there was hardly anyone else in Russia suitable for the job. The candidate needed to have strong government connections and a solid reputation within the military.
If things continued for another six months or a year, the Sukhoi Design Bureau would likely decline even further…
Even though Mavi's argument was entirely reasonable, as the party involved, Ivanov couldn't help but feel a little defiant. "So, Mr. Mavi, are you saying that you believe the Sukhoi Design Bureau is beyond saving? That we have no chance of recovery?"
"That's not exactly what I mean, Mr. Ivanov. I'm simply outlining some possibilities. You have to understand that my Mikoyan Design Bureau develops a different series of fighter jets from yours. When clients come to make a purchase, they usually choose only one series."
Mavi phrased his words tactfully. To put it bluntly: The Mikoyan family also has a design bureau. If foreign buyers come looking for fighter jets, Mavi would naturally recommend his own designs over Sukhoi's. Over time, this would create a vicious cycle, making Sukhoi's decline inevitable.
This wasn't about Mavi being ruthless. It was simply the reality of the current economic climate, which didn't allow for acts of charity to save everyone. Unless Sukhoi was willing to lower its pride and actively seek Mavi's support, he had no reason to help.
If they humbled themselves and agreed to his terms, Mavi could consider investing in their fighter jet development. Additionally, when orders came in, he could allocate a portion of them to the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Unlike his previous acquisitions, Mavi was approaching this one with an almost laid-back attitude. If the other party was willing to lower their asking price and transfer part of their shares, negotiations could continue. If they maintained their high and mighty stance, Mavi would simply watch as they faded into obscurity—until they eventually declared bankruptcy, at which point he could acquire them at rock-bottom prices.
The choice was entirely in his hands. After all, Mavi had both the money and the connections.
Ivanov sat in his chair, frowning as he pondered for a long time. He had never expected the so-called acquisition negotiations to turn out like this. This was practically forcing their hand—aside from surrendering, resisting would only make things worse, eventually leading to the complete downfall of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Finally, Ivanov sighed helplessly and said to Mavi, "Mr. Mavi, could you give me some time to consider?"
"Of course, but please decide quickly! You know, I only have so much money, and if I end up investing in other projects instead…" Mavi deliberately trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
He wasn't some ruthless businessman. It was just that the design bureau was still in someone else's hands. Once it belonged to him, Mavi wouldn't hesitate to pour money into it.
"Understood, Mr. Mavi. I will discuss this with my family as soon as possible," Ivanov said, standing up to escort Mavi out.
However, just as they were about to leave the design bureau, Ivanov suddenly turned and asked, "By the way, Mr. Mavi, if the Sukhoi family is willing—I mean if—can you guarantee that under your leadership, the Sukhoi Design Bureau will rise to greatness again?"
Hearing the question, Mavi knew his response was crucial. Taking a deep breath, he answered with calm conviction, "Rest assured, Mr. Ivanov. I dare to swear on my personal honor that everything will turn out well."
"Alright, thank you. Then, I understand, Mr. Mavi." With this reassurance, Ivanov extended his right hand for a handshake.
Given the current state of the design bureau, there was little he could do to turn things around. Placing his hopes in someone as accomplished as Mavi seemed like the best option.
---
Two weeks later, Ivanov called Mavi, informing him that the Sukhoi family wanted to meet again. If everything was in order, they were prepared to accept Mavi's proposal—humbly and without resistance.
Negotiations among Russia's powerful families were never as simple as corporate acquisitions.
Three days later, in the afternoon, Mavi's convoy once again arrived at the Sukhoi Design Bureau. This time, alongside Ivanov, an additional figure awaited him—an elderly Russian man.
This man was none other than Felix, the true power behind the Sukhoi family. He had been a lifelong rival of Mavi's grandfather, and now, for the first time, he showed signs of conceding.
"Mr. Mavi, let me introduce you. This is Lord Felix of the Sukhoi family. He has a few questions he'd like to confirm with you," Ivanov said, making the introduction.
(End of Chapter)