In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 333 Bao Yugang's Call
The answer from the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Mai Si, reached Lin Haoran's ears in the shortest possible time.

As expected, just as he guessed, Max could not possibly give any answer that would be favorable to him.

After leaving Max's office, these media did not even return to the company, but turned again and went to the Governor's Office, hoping to get a different answer from the Governor's Office.

At this moment, Mai Lihao was in the office looking at the report submitted by his subordinates.

Of course, he knew exactly what was happening at Jardine Matheson.

He felt it was normal that these British financial groups collectively excluded Lin Haoran. How could he, a British man, not know what kind of people these British financial groups were like!
However, he did not intend to interfere too much in this matter. Perhaps, being kicked out of the board of directors of Jardine Matheson was the best outcome.

"Mr. Governor, there are many reporters outside who want to interview you!" At this time, a staff member came in and reported.

"A lot of reporters? How many people exactly?" Mai Lihao asked with a little surprise.

Why did these reporters come to interview him for no reason?
"There are about fifty or so, and they are all reporters from Hong Kong's mainstream media," the staff member replied.

"Okay, I understand. I'll go out and take a look." After a little thought, Mai Lihao walked straight out.

As one of the most beloved governors in Hong Kong's history, MacLehose was indeed a very people-friendly government official and enjoyed a good reputation among the citizens of Hong Kong.

He also pays great attention to listening to public opinion.

Therefore, at this moment, Mai Lihao was a little curious about why these people were looking for him.

Soon, Mai Lihao arrived at the gate outside the Governor's Mansion.

With guards present, these reporters naturally did not dare to break into the Governor's Mansion and were now patiently waiting for a reply from the Governor's Mansion.

Unexpectedly, they saw Governor MacLehose walking out of the Governor's Palace. Everyone was surprised and happy at the same time.

Governor General MacLehose actually accepted their interview.

"So many of you have come here together, I believe you all come for the same purpose, right? That reporter from the South China Morning Post, can you tell me what your purpose is?" After coming out, Murray MacLehose pointed at a reporter and asked.

"Mr. Governor, the reason for our visit this time is to interview you..." The foreign reporter from the South China Morning Post told MacLehose everything about Lin Haoran's request for the Governor's Office to make a decision for him, and even told him the answer from the Securities and Futures Commission's Max.

After hearing the reporter's answer, Mai Lihao fell into deep thought and frowned.

Why didn’t Lin Haoran look for him in private?
With Lin Haoran's current status, if someone wants to see him privately, he will meet them at any time.

However, Lin Haoran chose to use the media as a bridge to convey the matter, which made Mai Lihao feel a little puzzled.

But right now, none of that is the point.

The key is how he should deal with these reporters.

Facing the questions from many reporters, Mai Lihao said slowly after careful consideration: "I am not an expert in the securities industry, and Chairman Mai Si of the Securities and Futures Commission is the authority in this field. Since he believes that this matter is legal and compliant, I cannot make any biased decision. Therefore, Chairman Mai Si's statement represents the position of the government, and I will not comment further."

After the reporters left, Mai Lihao returned to the office and called Max.

……

On the morning of October 10th, all newspapers reported on the feud between the Jardine Matheson British Financial Group and Lin Haoran.

Whether it is Lin Haoran’s press conference, the interview with the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Mr. MacLehose, or the interview with Governor General MacLehose, they have all been processed and become wonderful articles.

"These British financial groups are going too far!"

"That's right. Holding 19% of Jardine Matheson's shares, but not having any right to interfere with the company? Is this fair?"

"The British are all partial to each other!"

"I used to think Mr. MacLehose was a good governor, but when it comes to matters concerning the British, isn't he biased towards the British?"

"I have always thought that Hong Kong belongs to Hong Kong people, but now it seems that Hong Kong is still only the Hong Kong of the British."

"Mr. Mai Lihao, I have always respected him, but now it seems that he does not deserve my respect!"

……

This matter began to intensify among the citizens of Hong Kong.

Although this matter has nothing to do with everyone, as the pride of the Chinese people, Lin Haoran has already become an idol for many Chinese people. Now that he encounters such a thing, it is inevitable that they feel unfair for Lin Haoran.

If it were many other listed companies, holding 19% of the shares could even allow one to serve as the company's chairman.

However, not only was Lin Haoran unable to serve as the head of Jardine Matheson, he was even kicked out of the board of directors and lost any right to interfere.

If this situation isn’t unfair, then what is?
Shi Xun said, Lin Family Villa. Lin Haoran was eating breakfast while reading the news in the newspaper.

He had actually guessed what the response from Mai Lihao and Max would be, even when he held the press conference.

After reading one newspaper after another, Lin Haoran put down the last one, but his face showed satisfaction with what was reported, and he did not show any dissatisfaction at all because of the favoritism of the Governor's Office.

In this era, Hong Kong is still a colony after all. Before the return, isn’t it normal to be partial to it?

All he did was to get an attitude and a promise from the Governor's Office.

A promise not to interfere with his competition with these Jardine Matheson British consortiums.

Although he was 100% sure that he could take back control of Jardine Matheson through the Hong Kong Land Group.

But the Governor's Office's statement is too crucial.

Even if he had 100% control of Jardine Matheson, if the Governor-General's Office had any objections, he might even have no choice but to abandon Jardine Matheson.

Who made it so that this place is under the jurisdiction of the Governor's Office?
Fortunately, based on his understanding of MacLeod, Governor MacLeod was a relatively easy-going person. As long as things were done within the rules, he would normally be more fair and just.

If it were other previous governors of Hong Kong, it would not be certain.

"Buzz buzz buzz~" A series of beeping sounds came from the pager.

Lin Haoran picked it up and took a look, wondering who was calling.

However, he still went to the phone and dialed back.

"Hello, this is Lin Haoran." After the call was connected, Lin Haoran directly introduced himself.

"Haoran, I'm your Uncle Bao." What Lin Haoran didn't expect was that the person opposite him was Bao Yugang.

This phone number should be the phone number of his Bao family in Deep Water Bay. No wonder Lin Haoran couldn't recognize it.

"Uncle Bao, is there anything wrong?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.

"Haoran, I know everything about your removal from the board of directors of Jardine Matheson & Co. I am deeply indignant about this. I called you specifically to find out what your next plans are. If there is anything you need help with, please don't hesitate to tell Uncle Bao and I will do my best to help.

The development path of our Chinese consortium is full of challenges, and those British consortiums do not want us to grow. Therefore, we should unite the strength of the Chinese consortium!" Bao Yugang said on the other end of the phone.

"Uncle Bao, thank you so much for your kindness. If I really need your help, I will definitely ask you for it. But for now, I can still handle it. There is no need for your personal help!" Lin Haoran responded with a smile.

Unexpectedly, Bao Yugang called me specifically for this matter. It really shows that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

From this, it seems that Bao Yugang really cares for and supports him as his junior.

“Since Jardine Matheson and Hong Kong Land Group are now mutually controlled, you cannot continue to acquire Jardine Matheson, so I advise you to temporarily give up the idea of ​​acquiring Jardine Matheson. They actually controlled the two companies mutually, which was beyond my expectation. This has completely made us lose our desire for Jardine Matheson and Hong Kong Land Group.

But Haoran, although there is no chance to acquire it now, I believe there will be one in the future. I have also learned more about the mutual control of Yichi Holdings. In fact, it is not without any shortcomings. I suggest that you can hold shares first and look for opportunities in the future. You are still young and there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. I also want to see the day when Yichi Holdings is acquired by a Chinese financial group!" Bao Yugang continued.

"Oh? What are the disadvantages of mutual control of Yichi?" Although Lin Haoran disagreed with Bao Yugang's words, he asked with some curiosity.

He wanted to see what Bao Yugang thought.

"After in-depth research, I believe that although the mutual control plan seems to be able to completely prevent the Chinese consortium from coveting these two companies once implemented, there are obvious flaws in adopting this "linked ships" strategy. Haoran, you should know about the Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms period, right? It was because all the ships were connected that a fire could burn down the entire Cao army fleet, which ultimately led to the defeat of Cao's army.

Similarly, although the mutual control between Jardine Matheson and Hong Kong Land Group may seem to make the two parties stronger and more resilient after joining forces, once one of them encounters a serious financial crisis, it will directly affect the other party, causing heavy losses to both companies! "Bao Yugang expressed his thoughts.

After listening to Bao Yugang's analysis, Lin Haoran couldn't help but admire him.

He is worthy of being the recognized leader of Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong today, and worthy of being the big boss who was able to seize Hutchison Whampoa from Jardine Matheson. He has unique insights and extraordinary skills.

Regarding the mutual control of Yichi, Lin Haoran had already known the shortcomings of this decision because he knew that the final result would indeed end in failure.

In another time and space, this plan only lasted for three years before it failed.

The reason is that both parties control 40% of each other's shares.

When the Hong Kong Land Group was in deep trouble due to the real estate crisis, with a large amount of funds frozen and heavy debts, Jardine Matheson was also implicated as it was also controlled by Hong Kong Land, with its funds also tied up and debts hanging heavy.

In this way, Jardine Matheson was dragged down by the Hong Kong Land Group.

In the end, the Keswick family seized the opportunity and expelled Niu Bijian from Jardine Matheson in one fell swoop.

(End of this chapter)