Weijian Shan Books

Join author Weijian Shan as he helps orchestrate one of the most exciting financial deals in history Money Games: The Inside Story of American Dealmakers Saving Korea's Most Iconic Bank is a true insider's tale of one of the most successful private equity deals ever. In 1999, the U.S.-based Newbridge Capital became the first foreign firm to take control of a major Korean financial institution, a leading bank brought down by the Asian Financial Crisis. Full of twists and turns, setbacks and successes, Money Games is a blow-by-blow account of that deal, and the painstaking work it took to transform a troubled bank into a successful financial institution--and a massively profitable investment. Money Games covers several facets of the bank's buyout, including: A comprehensive insider's account of the deal itself An exploration of the national context in which the deal took place A detailed look at all the players involved, from dealmakers and bankers to politicians and regulators An in-depth analysis of the effects of the financial crisis How Newbridge rebuilt the Korean Bank into a profitable, modern financial institution How Newbridge orchestrated a remarkable exit from its investment, getting global banking titans to vie for the bank Perfect for bankers, private equity professionals, financial analysts, businesspeople and investors, Money Games is a necessary addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in high-stakes deal-making and compelling drama.

Foreword by Janet Yellen Weijian Shan's Out of the Gobi is a powerful memoir and commentary that will be one of the most important books on China of our time, one with the potential to re-shape how Americans view China, and how the Chinese view life in America. Shan, a former hard laborer who is now one of Asia's best-known financiers, is thoughtful, observant, eloquent, and brutally honest, making him well-positioned to tell the story of a life that is a microcosm of modern China, and of how, improbably, that life became intertwined with America. Out of the Gobi draws a vivid picture of the raw human energy and the will to succeed against all odds. Shan only finished elementary school when Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution tore his country apart. He was a witness to the brutality and absurdity of Mao's policies during one of the most tumultuous eras in China's history. Exiled to the Gobi Desert at age 15 and denied schooling for 10 years, he endured untold hardships without ever giving up his dream for an education. Shan's improbable journey, from the Gobi to the "People's Republic of Berkeley" and far beyond, is a uniquely American success story - told with a splash of humor, deep insight and rich and engaging detail. This powerful and personal perspective on China and America will inform Americans' view of China, humanizing the country, while providing a rare view of America from the prism of a keen foreign observer who lived the American dream. Says former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen: "Shan's life provides a demonstration of what is possible when China and the United States come together, even by happenstance. It is not only Shan's personal history that makes this book so interesting but also how the stories of China and America merge in just one moment in time to create an inspired individual so unique and driven, and so representative of the true sprits of both countries."

Private equity deal-making often remains secretive, but one legendary dealmaker reveals how a failing Chinese financial institution was transformed into a profitable entity without any government support. During the 2008 Great Financial Crisis, while banks in America, Britain, and Europe received government bailouts, one troubled bank in China managed to thrive without such assistance. The transformation was led by a US-based private equity firm, raising questions about how an American firm could take charge of a Chinese bank. This narrative explores the strategies employed to turn a struggling national bank into a robust, successful institution, all while navigating the complex landscape of Chinese regulations. It details the unprecedented steps taken in collaboration with Chinese regulators and the private equity process that followed, ultimately yielding substantial returns for investors in US dollars. Additionally, the story touches on a high-profile lawsuit in the US involving the Chinese bank, a Taiwanese-listed company, and significant implications for the Chinese government. The board, predominantly composed of Chinese businesspeople, included a major US shareholder and an American chairman, driving rapid changes within the organization.