BBVA wants to buy Sabadell for less than what is worth

The CNMC He has given the green light to BBVA OPA on Banco Sabadell imposing commitments for three years, but the greatest obstacle is not regulatory but financial. The operation presents A mathematical paradox: BBVA offers much less than Sabadell’s actions are worth. The approval of the competition agency, far from clearing the way, has put on the table the contradictions of an operation that has been taking over more than a year and still having serious obstacles both financial and politicians. In figures. The Basque Bank proposes An exchange of one action for every 4.83 shares of Sabadellwhat each Catalan bank title values ​​in 2.39 euros, compared to 2.56 euros to which he quotes. This 7% negative differential is the main anomaly of this operation. There are hardly reasons for Sabadell shareholders to accept this proposal. Main loser? Sabadell small shareholders, which They represent almost 50% of the capitalThey have no incentives to accept an offer that would make them lose money regarding selling their shares directly in the market. This Atomized structure of the shareholders It is precisely one of the great challenges ahead of BBVA, which would need to convince thousands of retail investors to accept an operation that, at least in strictly economic terms, harms them. Between the lines. The 7% discount indicates that the market assigns a few probabilities of success to the operation. If investors believed that the OPA will prosper, the price of Sabadell would be converging towards BBVA’s offer, not moving away from it. Although BBVA tries to convey an optimistic narrative about the chances of success of its offer, that 7% gap transmits otherwise. Turning point. BBVA has repeated that its offer will not improve because doing it would harm its own shareholders. Its calculations indicate that it has up to 2.3 billion to improve the operation, but this would erode the profitability for its investors. The bank is at a crossroads: Or maintain its current offer assuming that you have little chances of prospering … … or the improvement at the cost of harming their own shareholders, which contradicts their duty as a quoted company. The backdrop. The government adds uncertainty to the process with The announcement of an unprecedented public consultation prior to its final decision. Pedro Sánchez has stressed that he will support the operation “as long as it benefits the common interest.” This consultation, unprecedented in operations of this caliberunderlines political reluctance towards a bank concentration that would further reduce competition in the sector and could have consequences in access to credit for individuals and SMEs. And now what. CNMV must now approve the OPA brochureprobably in early July, opening a 30 -day acceptance period that will partially coincide with August, month of low stock activity. This circumstance could lengthen the process until September, far beyond the original calendar that managed the BBVA. The calendar thus plays against an operation that accumulates both delays and uncertainty. Financial logic suggests that the operation is dedicated to failure if BBVA does not improve its offer, but doing it would harm its own shareholders. It is a dead end alley for one of the greatest business operations in Spanish banking. In Xataka | Revolution is doing in the bank the same as Netflix in entertainment or Amazon in retail: conquer from the margins Outstanding image | Joel Filipe in Unspash

Apple has a very clear option not to be left behind in AI: Buy Anthropic

The recent association between Apple and Anthropic to develop a platform of “Vibe-Coding“, as he said Bloomberg, It could be much more than a simple technological collaboration. It is the first act of what should become a much deeper union: a complete acquisition. Apple is at a historic crossroads in the AI ​​race. Your association with Anthropic to integrate Claude Sonnet In Xcode it is an implicit admission that its internal development of AI does not advance with the necessary speed. Swift Assist, announced but never releasedIt remained as a symbol of Apple’s difficulties to compete in this field alone. While OpenAi, Google and Anthropic advance by leaps and bounds, Apple runs the risk of being relegated in the largest technological revolution since the smartphone. And that risk is growing. The acquisition of Anthropic would be a tectonic movement for both companies. For Apple, it would mean ensuring one of the most sophisticated language models in the market, particularly highlighted in programming tasks. For Anthropic, he would represent the support of one of the technological giants with the greatest financial capacity and global distribution. The combination of Excellence in Apple hardware and integration with the avant -garde in Anthropic (whose product quality is far ahead of its distribution capacity) would create a difficult synergy to match. Historically, Apple has prospered when you have acquired key technologies at key momentsintegrating them deeply into their ecosystem. The purchase of PA SEMI in 2008 laid the foundations for Apple Silicon chips. The Beats acquisition It was not only for the headphones, but by the streaming technology that would become Apple Music. Now, AI represents another turning point, where staying halfway between their own developments and external alliances would lead to a permanent disadvantage position. The price of acquiring Anthropic would be great, probably in the range of tens of billions, a magnitude in which Apple has never moved, used to much smaller purchases. But he has not done so does not mean that he cannot do it: he has more than 150,000 million in cash and would be a key strategic investment. It is not only a matter of acquiring technology, but of ensuring the future of its entire platform. While Tim Cook speaks of a hybrid approach with “certain own models”, the truth is that the real power will be in those who possess the best fundamental models. For Apple, Anthropic should not be only a temporary partner, but a permanent piece of his vision for the future of computer science. In Xataka | There is something Apple knows how to do very well: sell iPhone. There is also something that does not know how to do: the intermediate iPhone Outstanding image | Xataka

You can no longer buy anything from there to be sent direct from China

The turn is radical. Temu has stopped showing foreign sellers products to US users. In other words, you can no longer buy items that are sent directly from China, just The model that converted to the platform in a phenomenon of electronic commerce in that country. The change occurs in full commercial shaking: the Trump government has eliminated Customs exemption for packages of less than $ 800 from China. “Temu has recently migrated its operations in the United States to a local distribution model. This means that all sales in that country are now managed by local vendors, and orders are processed from the territory itself,” a spokesman explained to Wired. Goodbye to direct access to Chinese sellers. The immediate consequence is clear: American buyers can no longer directly acquire products from China, which is a complete turn with respect to the usual operation of the platform in that market. Sales are now in the hands of local vendors, and the available catalog is limited exclusively to articles stored in US territory. A new label: “Local warehouse”. All products available in the American app now carry the “local warehouse” label. Although many of them remain manufactured in China, they are physically stored in the United States, which exempts them from the new customs tariffs. This nuance is key: Temu has not eliminated the products of Chinese origin, but it has eliminated the possibility of buying them directly from the country of origin, breaking the traditional channel that had allowed him to offer such low prices. The attempt to show tariffs. Before blocking, Temu came to show import positions over 100 % of the original price. On their website, it was read: “Imported articles to the United States may be subject to import positions. These charges cover all customs processes and costs, including tariffs paid to the authorities in your name.” That section is still visible, but has lost practical sense, since now no user in the United States can buy products that are sent from outside the country. Temu’s strategy to make visible the impact of tariffs apparently did not prosper. Manufactured in China, stored in the United States. Although the direct channel has broken, Chinese products are still present. Many of the current articles were imported before the entry into force of the new standards. But that stock is limited. According to Chinellerseverything indicates that it will be the sellers themselves who will assume the import procedures and the management of the new tariffs, presumably transferring them in part or in their entirety at the price that consumers pay. The impact of the tariff war. The change of model is not understood without the context. At the beginning of the month, the Trump administration raised tariffs up to 145 % For certain imports from China. Today, May 2, the Elimination of the exemption known as “of Minimis”which allowed to import products of less than $ 800 without paying taxes. A blow that goes beyond Temu. According to CNNmany low -income Americans used Temu as a way of access to affordable products. That access has now closed. The platform faces the greatest challenge since its arrival in the US market. The model that made it grow has come down, and it is not clear if the measure will be temporary or definitive. What is certain is that the commercial environment has changed, and Temu will have to adapt if you want to continue competing. Images | Theme | Wayhomestudio In Xataka | Apple anticipates 900 million dollars of tariff impact. It is equivalent to the cost of producing almost two million iPhone

This is the Google Pixel that would buy me right now. Your software will receive many updates and have a very good camera

Mediamarkt has launched a new renewal campaign where we can find very good offers. And although we can find some offers in certain Google mobiles, for the price it has right now I would keep the Google Pixel 9. Mediamarkt (and other stores) has dropped its price to 699 euros. * Some price may have changed from the last review It is one of the best mobiles that were launched in 2024 He Google Pixel 9 It is one of the best mobiles that were launched last year, today is still a terminal that may interest us a lot, especially considering that we usually find it on offer. It is quite complete, but stands out above all in its multimedia section. In this sense, riding a screen Super acts OLED of 6.3 inchesoffers a resolution of 2,424 x 1,080 pixels and also a 120 Hz soda rate. To this we must add that it is compatible with the format HDR10+ and which offers a maximum brightness of 2,700 nits. On the other hand, the mobile will continue to receive Android updates For many years (seven since its launch), it comes with the Google Tensioner G4 processor and its 4,700 mAh battery supports fast charge of 45W, 18W wireless load and inverse wireless load. In addition, its photographic section is also remarkable, and it comes in this case with a 50 MP main sensor and a large angle of 48 MP. You may also be interested in these accessories Google Pixel 9 & Pixel 9 Pro Fonda- Durable Protection – Spots resistant silicone – Android – Obsidian phone case * Some price may have changed from the last review New’c 3 pieces, screen screen for google pixel 9, pixel 9 pro, tempered crystal antiarañazos, antihuellas, without bubbles, hardness 9h, 0.33 mm ultra transparent, ultra resistant * Some price may have changed from the last review Some of the links of this article are affiliated and can report a benefit to Xataka. In case of non -availability, offers may vary. Image | Pepu ricca In Xataka Android, Google In Xataka | The best mobiles (2025), we have tried them and here are their analysis In Xataka | The best price quality price (2025). Your analysis and videos are here

Renault asks Japan to copy and make “small cars that people can buy.” The truth is that we don’t want them

The automobile market has forgotten small and simple cars. It is a reality for which it should be a perfect mobility solution for the middle European citizen. Now, Luca De Meo is committed to prioritizing the “small cars that people can buy.” But do these words make sense? “We don’t do it”. Because they are “unproductive,” according to Luca de Meo. Of those who speak are of small cars, of those of smaller size that, for the CEO of Renault, have completely killed European regulations. “We have to make small cars that people can buy again,” he said in an interview with Auto.it. “It is difficult for a regulator to know more than an engineer which is the best solution. Let’s leave engineers the best solution to reduce the impact of CO2,” said Meo to the questions of the Italian medium. The problem? For the CEO of Renault it is clear: “European regulation in the last 20 years has failed.” And this has been because “it was driven by the Germans, who wanted to make the most complex cars, because it suited them. That has had a devastating effect in other producing countries such as France, Italy and a little in Spain where people buy small cars because they do not have money or do not enter the cities.” The solution? Have your own regulation that It resembles that of Kei Car Japanese. These cars are extremely small, they cannot exceed 3.4 meters long or 1.48 meters wide. Nor equip yourself with an engine greater than 660 cc or 64 hp. In return, cars are not considered as such and, therefore, They do not have restriction problems that traditional vehicles in large cities have. In return, MEO slides not only the idea of ​​promoting small vehicles with new legislation, it also chooses to reduce the mandatory safety elements in cars of this size. “We were forced to add a security equipment valued at 400 euros. That on a Renault Twingo is a lot of money, in a sedan it is much less.” Too expensive. It is a usual criticism of the price of cars. They are too expensive for the client to allow them. Actually, although in recent years the price increase has been very pronounced, a car is cheaper now than 50 or 60 years ago. However, the ability to access the low range has been reduced. Pressing for other expenses of enormous cost, such as housing, the Spanish average citizen is opting for low -end vehicles when acquiring a new car. In what we have been, The best -selling car is Dacia Sanderofollowed by the MG ZS, the two cheapest cars in its segment. He is accompanied by Nissan Qashqai who has recently dropped price and the Renault Captur and Seat Arona, cars that barely exceed 20,000 euros starting. It does not come profitable. In his words, Luca de Meo is part of reason. Match the cheapest cars in safety equipment with the highest cost Price irremediably increases of this type of vehicles. By European regulationsthe cheapest car that is sold in our continent must have, among other systems, emergency braking, lane output alert or rear camera. However, it is also unquestionable that this equipment is an extra security for drivers who put themselves at the controls of a car. Although from Dacia (from the Renault Group) They have removed value for these measuresthese types of obligations guarantee a minimum of possible accidents to all drivers. Do we buy them? Luca de Meo’s words sound very good but … are we interested? If we attend to the number of Enrollments in our countryurban vehicles (such as the aforementioned Twingo) barely register 1.4% of registrations. They are the compact and the C-SUV (comparable by size) the most purchased vehicles in Spain, accumulating 48.5% of registrations. A segment followed by the utilities and B-SUV, which total 39.6% of the enrollment. Expanding the views to the rest of Europe, Discriminate Acea to vehicles in traditional sizes. A+B for utilities and urban (those of smaller size), followed by compact (c), medium size (d) and luxury (e and f). However, take the SUVs out of these categories. According to these data, in 2023 segment A and B that De MEO considers among the best selling remained at 21%, while the SUVs accumulated 51% of the registrations (between three and four times more than a decade ago). The little ones (taking into account that they add two segments) are not so far from 15% that compact accumulate. Do we want them? It is the other big question. According to the registration, we prefer larger vehicles. But, in addition, there is another constant: commercial failures among smaller vehicles. Although most European citizens make their daily journeys in urban environments, cars dedicated exclusively to the city remain little dear. WE HAVE SMART EXAMPLEconsidered a car too expensive despite being extremely useful in the European cities of intricate streets in historical and difficult parking helmets. Photo | In Xataka | If you have 155,000 euros in your pocket, now you have another doubt: buy the new Renault 5 Electric Turbo or a Porsche 911

These are the best sets you can buy

As every year, on May 4 it is celebrated The Star Wars Day. This date, indicated for all fans of this special saga, is an ideal time to revive movies or series again or to get products related to it. There is everything, although there is a brand that stands out for having variety and quality: LEGO®. This Danish firm usually takes advantage of these dates to launch new Star Wars sets, something that will also happen this year. On the occasion of Star Wars Day, we are going to recommend some interesting sets, in addition to The two novelties that we will have this year: LEGO® SHEET SHIP FIRESPRAY FETTwhich can be purchased from May 1, for 299.99 euros. Lego® Star Wars Logowhich will arrive on May 1, by 64.82 euros. Lego® Star Wars R2-D2one of the most iconic characters in the original films saga, by 66.66 euros. LEGO® GROGU, with aerocuna and customizable, by 99.23 euros. LEGO® BARCAZA VELERA DE JACBAone of Star Wars’s most spectacular sets, by 499.99 euros. LEGO® SHEET SHIP FIRESPRAY FETT The jewel of Lego®’s novelties is this Jango Fett ship that we could see in ‘The attack of the clones’. They are 2,970 pieces that we can place in an exhibitor to place it wherever we want. In addition, it comes with two minifigures. If we want to be one of the first to get her, we just have to register, for free, In the Lego® Insiders programwhich is completely free. Doing this, we can access the purchase of this exclusive set on May 1 by 299.99 euros LEGO® Star Wars logo The other novelty, which is already available to pre-computer on Amazon and Lego® is this set of the Star Wars logo. It is a set composed of 700 pieces that will reach stores on May 1. And eye: hides a small surprise inside one of its lyrics. Right now it costs 64.82 euros. Lego® Star Wars R2-D2 Talking about R2-D2 is doing a whole Star Wars icon. The first time we could see it on the screen was during ‘A new hope’, although he won more prominence in the following films. It is composed of 1,050 pieces and has A head that can be turned 360 degrees. He does not lack a single detail and we can get him for 66.66 euros If we apply the discount coupon on the Set page on Amazon. LEGO® GROGU Grogu has made a hole in our heart for his passage in the series ‘The Mandalorian’. This set not only allows us to ride this character, but also to its aerocuna. His head and body allow us to change his appearance of many different ways, ideal to change it from time to time. Right now it comes out of 99.23 euros. LEGO® BARCAZA VELERA DE JACBA We close this selection of sets with a jewel such as this sabba vest bar. This ship, which appears at the beginning of ‘The return of the Jedi’, is composed of about 4,000 pieces. Besides, comes with 11 minifiguras where Hutt himself is included. It is available by 499.99 euros. Some of the links of this article are affiliated and can report a benefit to Xataka. In case of non -availability, offers may vary. Image | LEGO® In Xataka | Lego constructions to another level: the Technic series has the models with which any collector would dream In Xataka | Your favorite series, comics and movies also in Lego: 15 ideal construction kits to mount yourself or give away

Buy the new Renault 5 Turbo Electric or a Porsche 911

He RENAULT 5 TURBO 3E It already has a market exit. The most radical electric version of the small French car promises to be a before and after in a category that is still to be developed: that of the sports electric car. He will do it with figures that scare but are up to what he promises. Because if you were thinking about picking up the phone and reserving one of the 1,980 units that Renault will put on sale, you should know that the deadline has already been opened. The price to be paid: 50,000 euros. With that payment you will have preference to one of the first 500 units that are put in the market and, in addition, a special price: 155,000 euros. As Renault has revealed, those interested will have to fill out a form On this website. It is requested that a specific dealership be selected and, later, it will be the brand that is responsible for contacting the client. Once this first procedure is over, the client can customize his order throughout the next year and wait for one of the first deliveries in 2027 when the car will be launched definitively. In this customization process you can contact a meeting with the Renault design team to define all kinds of details. The company specifies that the seats, doors panels, the dashboard can be customized … but you can also opt for classical decorations such as the red grenade or black, yellow and white classic that pay tribute to the winner of the Corsica Rally in 1982 and that we have seen in the promotional images. Why does an electric car have less autonomy than the announcing A unique car in the market The French have also taken the opportunity to confirm that the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will star in a tour of the dealers of Madrid, Paris, Brussels and other European cities. Finally, this summer we will see at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the great appointments for speed lovers. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E serves the company to test to what extent the gum of nostalgia can stretch. The price is so high that it equals that of a Porsche Taycan GTSa 700 hp car that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and has a battery with a size of 105 kWh for what it can do without clearing more than 500 real kilometers without stopping to recharge. Therefore, Renault’s bet cannot be more passionate. It enters an unknown land for the company offering, without any doubt, the most expensive electric car of the moment in relation to the price and size of its battery. Of course, it is also a car that promises to open a before and after in its category. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is pending approval but has already announced that it will offer 540 hp of power that will deliver them with two rear engines. Its 4,800 NM motor pair breaks all the schemes for a car just 4.08 meters long. Until now, the most expensive and powerful options among electric cars have represented huge gigantic berling or SUVs. The biggest problem has been to introduce a battery large enough to feed powers of hundreds of power CV in a small car. This Renault 5 Turbo 3E will mount a 70 kWh battery with 800 volts structure promising loads of up to 350 kW (right now the fastest loads are about 250 kW and are totally exceptional). They hope to go from 15 to 80% capacity in 15 minutes. In addition, there was another problem added to the sportsmanship of electric cars. The weight was too high. Renault has done everything possible to file kg using carbon fiber. The result is a 1,415 kg car. There are 100 kg less than, for example, the last Volkswagen Golf R. And a few kg more than one of the last Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R. It only remains to be known to what renault 5 turbo 3e is a pump dynamically and, above all, if Renault will place the 1,980 limited units that will be put on sale of this new Culogordo at a price of 155,000 euros of departure. Photos | Renault In Xataka | Renault 5, new car of the year in Europe: the electric car triumphs among critics while stagnating among the public

Chrome’s extensions have a big problem. Anyone can buy them and fill them with malware without finding out

One day John Tuckner decided to try to be evil. He found a browser extension called “Website Blocker” that could buy for $ 50 and took it. The extension, which allows to block certain websites so that the user is not distracted with them for some time, was especially interesting because it allowed to reuse it for spam attacks. And then things happened. Sight problem. In just a few days I had control of the extension and could do what I wanted with it. He modified the code, published the update and confirmed that the novelties had reached all users without being found. And then told what was happening: He is the founder of the cybersecurity company Secure Annex, and wanted to confirm their fears: there is great danger with extensions: anyone can buy them, modify them and reuse them for all kinds of purposes. Google reviews the modifications, but “it is not clear about what level of scrutiny,” Tuckner explained. Another recent case. At the end of January the creator of the Browser Boost Extra Tools for Chrome extension sold this development and transferred it to its new owner. Its 30,000 users were soon exposed to the new code, which dynamically redirected websites that the new owner decided unilaterally. I have not been. One of the extension users He warned of the problem in the github repository of the extension and analyzed the code notifying the danger of malware that could reach due to the new owner. The creator, n0m1111, explained who had sold the extension months ago and was no longer responsible for the code. Playing with permits. These extensions often allow permits of all types of browser parameters. Tuckner explained how in the extension he bought a permit called “declarativemetretreQuest” was used that was very wide and allowed to redirect users to false authentication sites to steal their passwords. Other permits would allow the owner of an extension to take screenshots with sensitive information or access the cookies that the browser keeps to steal data from the browser sessions. The possibilities are multiple and in Xataka we already talked a few months ago about how extensions They are becoming a silent method to infect users. A recent attack. In February, the Gitlab Threat Intelligence expert team They discovered A group of 16 Chrome extensions “used to inject code into browse to facilitate advertising and SEO fraud.” Among them they added 3.2 million users, and in Gitlab confirmed that the extensions had been bought and then modified, which allowed to avoid suspicions by users and the industry itself. These experts notified Google of the problem, and the company eliminated them all in January 2025. Block extensions, the solution. If you want to protect yourself from these problems, the solution is block The execution of extensions in your browser, especially in computers that handle sensitive data such as work. Unless they are extensions of trust, these types of problems can cause serious security problems. Care with permissions. Browser extensions can end up being bought, sold and reused without notice by their new owners, as has been the case. That raises a serious problem for users and companies, which before installing an extension should provide A lot of attention to permits that ask for these extensions to work. What do they say in Google. In Xataka we have contacted Google responsible and we will update this article if we receive new data on the subject. Be that as it may, the company offers A HELP DOCUMENT In this regard and also indicated in a Article in your official blog How to stay safe with the use of extensions in Google Chrome. In Xataka | Those responsible for the Robinson list confirm that it has not been hacked or data robbery (updated)

The English Court has the MacBook that would buy me right now. It is powerful, but also cheap

I have always used Windows for comfort. The first computer that my father brought home carried the Windows 98, and since then I have felt a great familiarity with the operating system, to the point of not considering making the leap to other ecosystems. Although This changed just over a month ago. I bought the Mac Mini M4 And I am very delighted, so much that I have even considered buying a laptop. Although I don’t need it for now (a couple of years ago I bought a gaming masi laptop), the MacBook Air M2 It is the one that would buy me right now. And I would do it mainly because in El Corte Inglés it has dropped in price to the 879 euros. * Some price may have changed from the last review A MacBook with an excellent value for money I liked the Mac Mini M4 so much (eye, there are some things that don’t) that at the moment I will not return to Windows. Therefore, in the face of the future, Macbook Air are an option that interest me more and more, especially if I can find any model at a good price. In the end, I have always had a limit of 1,000 or 1,100 euros that I have not passed with Windows computers, and I will not do it with any Apple. The macbook air m2 now has a good price for everything it offersand that is why it catches my attention. In this case, it is about MacBook Air M2 with a 13.6 -inch screen in its 16 GB configuration of unified memory and 256 GB of internal storage. In addition, to all this we must add that it comes with the Apple m2 chipwhich means two things: it offers a very good power and performance and is compatible with Apple Intelligence. Although yes, personally, for now I have not used Apple’s artificial intelligence because it does not attract me at all – not Apple’s, or any other. This point is completely indifferent to me, what I am looking for, or what I prioritize is a good performance. And another point that catches my attention, although this is somewhat more widespread of Apple’s laptops, and not only of the Air, is that the MacBook Air M2 has a Battery that offers excellent autonomy. It depends a lot on the use that we give, but in a theoretical way it is capable of reaching about 18 hours of video playback or up to 15 hours of wireless web navigation. They are very good figures, especially if we are looking for a laptop to work away from home. You may also interest these accessories for the MacBook Air M2 Logitech MX Ergonomic wireless vertical mouse, multi -ordering, 2.4 GHz/Bluetooth with USB unifying receptor, 4000 dpi optical follow -up, 4 buttons, fast charge – black – black * Some price may have changed from the last review Samsung T7 Shield SSD Portable 1TB, USB 3.2 Gen.2 SSD External Black (MU-PE1T0S/EU) * Some price may have changed from the last review Some of the links of this article are affiliated and can report a benefit to Xataka. In case of non -availability, offers may vary. Images | Javier PastorApple In Xataka | Best iPhone. Which to buy and recommended models based on budget, tastes and quality price In Xataka | What iPad Buy. Apple tablets catalog analysis with recommendations depending on the use and budget

The USA most exclusive golf club spent a fortune to buy the neighborhood. They did not have the resistance of an old woman

In Augusta, Georgia, where the average value of a house is around $ 125,000, the offers of the most famous golf club in the United States, the Augusta National Golf Clubto residents and owners of the adjoining lands have been much more than generous. The prestigious club that houses the Masters tournament has allocated at least 200 million dollars to the purchase of more than 100 properties, from modest houses to neighborhood shops, with uprights that even quintupled or more the fiscal value of the property. Only A house is brought to the ambitious renewal project. Money and aesthetics. The last week told the Wall Street Journal exclusively. In the last 20 years, the most legendary golf club on the planet has executed one of the most ambitious (and discrete) land acquisition campaigns in the recent history of American sport. The goal was not just to gain physical space. It was also transforming everything that surrounds the club into an extension of its controlled, elegant and exclusive aesthetic. The image of the visitor who is going through a neighborhood of houses for rent, street vendors and cigarette stalls on the way to the perfect grass fields did not fit with the narrative of the “Golf Sanctuary”. Therefore, the club began to Buy the houses and to demolish themturning whole neighborhoods into parking lots and green areas, redrawing even road limits and suffocating any trace of the popular bustle that once surrounded the masters. White cheches. To do this and as we said at the beginning, they have not spared when taking the neighborhood. He WSJ counted Cases such as the Lakemont Presbyterian Church, sold for 1.65 million dollars, or that of Madeleine Liles, who received 1.1 million dollars for the house that his father built in 1953. These cases exemplify a clear pattern: Augusta National does not discuss. Pay. Fast, in cash, and without hesitation. The strategy has generated a Unexpected wealth For many residents, he has strengthened local tax coffers and has silenced much of community resistance. The newspaper explained that the phrase “You know they have the money” has become a mandatory between sellers and local real estate agents. And yet A house He has resisted the “charm” of green. Club entrance A “ordinary” house vs. Empire. Yes, apparently, just a few steps from the legendary club, a 92 -year -old woman, Elizabeth Thackerresists firmly multimillionaires offers that surround her. In a modest house with three bedrooms and a single floor, built in 1956 on a land of 27 hectares, Thacker has lived most of his life, along with his late Husband Herman and his family. The house, located in the Stanley Road 1112in Augusta, Georgia, he has witnessed generations: his children grew up there and also played his grandson as a child, the professional golfer Scott Brown. However, for years, property is also the object of desire for the powerful golf club, which has invested those More than 200 million dollars in expanding its urban domain and converting the surroundings in part of its private infrastructure. The roots value above all. Although the estimated value of the house is of 338,026 dollars (Well above the local average of $ 215,000), Augusta National has presented multiple offers above that figure, all rejected. And not because business has not been done before: the Thacker sold another property to the same institution for 1.2 million dollars. The difference in this case is because the house where Elizabeth still lives is different. It is home to his life, the site where he formed a family and where he still finds meaning and belonging. His late husband made clear in 2017: “Money is not everything.” And that phrase, simple and powerful, seems to summarize the spirit with which the woman has faced one of the most influential sports clubs on the planet. Resistance between demolitions. WSJ counted That Augusta National strategy these two decades has been silent but forceful: buying properties at prices far superior to those of the market, sometimes through limited liability companies with opaque names such as BC Acquisition Co. or WSQ. Many of those acquired homes have already been demolished, replaced by parking areas or empty spaces, ready for future constructions. In fact, right in front of Thacker’s house there is now unfaled land that functions as a parking lot for tournament attendees. Under this context, his looks like an island in the midst of the advance of a tide that buys and transforms everything. The “other” Elizabeth. Next to the old woman, there is another person who has also resisted the offers of the club, although from another perspective. Rebecca Freeman81, he lives nothing from the club par-3 of the club. The woman has also seen how a dozen houses in her street were sold and demolished, and although Augusta National has made her an offer, she was lower than the 500,000 dollars obtained A neighbor, and she, patient and calculator, has decided to wait. No doubt, he plays with an ace in the sleeve: he knows that the club will end up wanting his property and a few others who still stand. “When they are ready to stay with the remaining, the price will rise,” He said to the WSJ. Its logic, like that of others who have resisted, is simple: when a buyer has infinite pockets and an immovable plan, the key is to wait for the right moment. Tenacity as a legacy. In it Thacker case And although many neighbors have already sold, she not only remains, but is still the soul of her house. Your daughter, Robin Thacker Rinder, confirmed the media With pride: “Yes, it’s ours. And yes, mom still lives there. He has an iron will.” That stubbornness, in simple appearance, encloses an act of dignity that challenges the logic of the great transactions. In times where everything seems to have a price, the story of Thacker has become these days a rare reminder that there are decisions that They … Read more

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