ESL Podcast 368 – A Corporate Takeover

Lee: Hello, Lee Williams.

Bruce: Hi, Lee. This is Bruce Eng. The reason I’m calling is to find out if there is any news about your company’s takeover bid for Shamrock Corp. It’s been a week and I was wondering what’s happening.

Lee: Hi, Bruce. I’m glad you called. I was just about to call you with an update. Here’s where we are. The offer we made to Shamrock was rejected by the board on Tuesday. Our company’s board of directors has been meeting all week to decide the next course of action.

Bruce: Is there any chance that this could turn into a hostile takeover?

Lee: There is a distinct possibility. Our company is hoping to avoid that since we had hoped to do extensive due diligence, but a hostile takeover may be the only option right now if we decide to move ahead with this.

Bruce: Would the banks go for little or no due diligence? I thought that their support of the takeover bid was contingent¹ on getting more information about the state of Shamrock’s finances.

Lee: You’re right and that may be the stumbling block.

Bruce: Okay, well, call me if you get more information.

Lee: I will. You can count on it.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 contingent   

adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队

参考例句：

• The contingent marched in the direction of the Western Hills.队伍朝西山的方向前进。
• Whether or not we arrive on time is contingent on the weather.我们是否按时到达要视天气情况而定。