James Bowman and Coopertree Capital in China

Authors: Wicks, Andrew C.; Mead, Jenny; Keevil, Adrian
Source: Darden School of Business
Year: 2012
Company Name: Coopertree
Number of pages: 4

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Abstract:

James Bowman, a founding partner of a private equity fund manager based in New York City, has traveled to China to meet with a China Power Investment Corporation manager in the hope of cultivating a business relationship. But Bowman is flabbergasted when the manager, in what is supposed to be an introductory conversation, asks that Bowman deposit $800,000 into a Chinese banking account. The money, the manager assures Bowman, will be returned to him within 30 minutes. This request, Bowman understands, is about the principles of Confucianism, which many in China incorporate into their work and home lives. These principles involve building close, trusting relationships in business. Bowman realizes that he is being tested, and he is uncertain how to respond.