In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 369: Don’t Compromise Easily

However, at this moment, Lin Haoran was extremely calm inside and did not seem to be under tremendous pressure as he appeared to be.

The reason is actually very simple. He himself did not have much ambition for Jardine Matheson.

From the beginning to the end, Lin Haoran's target was only the Hong Kong Land Group, and the control of Jardine Matheson was just a spoils of war he obtained in the process.

He had never expected that it would be so easy to seize control of Jardine Matheson.

When he was about to give up, opportunity came quietly, allowing him to easily seize the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson.

Facing the current situation, Lin Haoran had his own plans in mind.

He knew that although these British financial groups united to put pressure on him, the chips in his hand were enough to give him an advantageous position in this game.

He intends to deal with this sudden "mediation" with a calm and rational attitude.

Now, no one present mentioned the Jardine Matheson Group at all, and it was obvious that they had accepted the fate of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Or perhaps in their minds, even though the market value of Swire Properties exceeds that of Jardine Matheson, its status is far inferior to the latter.

Therefore, they did not care about the loss of the Hutchison Whampoa Group by the British consortium, but were extremely unwilling to lose Jardine Matheson.

"Your Highness Prince Charles, and all the business leaders present here," Lin Haoran stood up at this moment, his tone firm and solemn, "You should all know that in order to obtain the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson, I paid an inestimable price and invested billions of Hong Kong dollars.

I have every confidence in the future of Jardine Matheson, especially its investment projects on the international stage. I believe that its potential is limitless. That is why I will fight for this controlling stake at all costs. How can I give up this hard-earned victory so easily because of one word from you?
Today, looking at the entire Hong Kong, and even the world, only Jardine Matheson can take on this role. Even the influence of the Bank of Hong Kong is mainly limited to Hong Kong and the surrounding areas. "

Lin Haoran's words revealed his importance to Jardine Matheson, which seemed to have surpassed that of Bank of Hong Kong.

Even if these British financial groups joined forces with the royal family to put pressure on him, he would not agree easily.

There was a brief silence in the room. Prince Charles stroked his chin gently. For him, he didn't really care who owned Jardine Matheson. He just came here to express his opinion.

After all, Jardine Matheson is not a royal property and has nothing to do with the royal family.

"Mr. Lin," Henry Keswick finally spoke to break the silence, his voice steady and powerful, "We all see your determination and dedication, but please understand that Jardine Matheson is by no means just a company limited to Hong Kong. It carries the history and glory of the British consortium in Hong Kong for many years. Therefore, I hope you can think carefully.

If you are willing to consider transferring the shares of Jardine Matheson in your hands and returning the controlling rights of Jardine Matheson, then you can put forward any conditions. As long as these conditions are reasonable, we can seriously consider and meet them. After all, the business circle in Hong Kong is not large, and there is no need for you to have a grudge with all of us British financial groups because of this matter. "

Henry Keswick's words carry a hint of sincerity and compromise, attempting to solve current problems with a rational and pragmatic attitude.

He knew very well that the controlling stake of Jardine Matheson in Lin Haoran's hands had become the core bargaining chip in this contest. Only by successfully persuading Lin Haoran could they move forward with subsequent plans. Otherwise, all the preparations he had made during this period would be in vain.

Henry Keswick really spared no effort to regain control of Jardine Matheson.

Not only did he make many promises to those British financial groups, he also used his personal connections to successfully persuade the Rothschild family, the most powerful financial group in Britain and even Europe, and even invited Prince Charles to travel to Hong Kong to help.

If it were in the past, he would never do all this easily.

After all, doing so would mean that even if they regained control of Jardine Matheson, they would lose a lot of benefits.

But Henry Keswick had no choice. If he couldn't take it back, then their Keswick family would not even have any rights in Jardine Matheson.

With almost absolute control, what does the 12% Jardine Matheson shares held by the Keswick family mean?
No matter what, he would make Lin Haoran give up Jardine Matheson.

However, the current situation forces him to pay a huge price.

He has invested too much to maintain the Keswick family's position in Jardine Matheson.

An emergency meeting has been held within the family, and it has been unanimously decided to regain the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson at all costs.

Faced with such a family decision and the current complex situation, Henry Keswick knew very well that only by regaining the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson could the Keswick family regain its position at the top of Jardine Matheson. Lin Haoran listened quietly to Henry Keswick's statement, his eyes did not waver at all, as if he had already made up his mind.

He knew very well that if he agreed to this easily, he would not get much benefit even if he gave up the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson, because this would make these foreigners think that he, Lin Haoran, was easy to bully, which was not in line with his consistent business principles.

"Mr. Henry," Lin Haoran said slowly, his voice full of unquestionable firmness, "I understand your position, and I respect the deep feelings of the Keswick family towards Jardine Matheson.

But as I have said before, I invested heavily to acquire this controlling interest based on my strong belief in its future potential, and I will not give it up easily.”

He paused, looked over everyone present, and continued.

“Of course, I also understand your eagerness to regain the controlling stake, but please remember that the business world emphasizes fair trade, not oppression. If the Keswick family and the British financial group present here can come up with a plan that satisfies me, then for the sake of Prince Charles and the royal family, I am willing to consider giving up this controlling stake.

However, this is just a consideration. If I am not satisfied, I will not agree even if all of you put pressure on me. You should also know that with my current financial resources, I don’t have to stay in Hong Kong. No matter where I go, I will be treated with courtesy. "

Hearing this, Henry Keswick couldn't help but secretly admire Lin Haoran's calmness and determination.

Even when facing so many British tycoons and even a British prince, he was so calm and composed. No wonder he could achieve such great success at such a young age.

This time, Henry Keswick finally realized in his heart that Lin Haoran's talent was better than his own.

He knew that any threats or intimidation would be futile against such a business tycoon.

So he adjusted his tone and tried to continue the negotiations in a more peaceful manner.

"Mr. Lin, we are certainly willing to propose a fair and reasonable plan, but before that, I would like to ask, what is your definition of 'satisfactory'? In other words, what specific benefits do you expect to gain from this transaction?"

Lin Haoran smiled slightly, as if he had expected the other party to ask this question. "It's very simple. What I require is that you must provide a quotation that can fully reflect the value of Jardine Matheson's controlling stake, and also handle the issue of mutual control between Hong Kong Land Group and Jardine Matheson. After all, if you want me to give up Jardine Matheson, you can't ask me to give up Hong Kong Land Group as well, right?

At the same time, I also hope to get some additional compensation. After all, I have put in a lot of effort and time for this controlling stake. If this compensation satisfies me, giving up Jardine Matheson will not be a problem. Although I still feel reluctant to part with Jardine Matheson, everything can be discussed in the face of interests. "

He paused and continued, “Of course, I will also consider your position and interests, but please remember that it is you who are asking me to give up the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson, not that both of us have this intention.

So if the compensation is not enough, I will not give up easily. Otherwise, I would rather choose to continue to hold the controlling stake. In my opinion, Jardine Matheson is the best company in Hong Kong, otherwise it would not be called the king of foreign companies. "

As Lin Haoran finished his words, the atmosphere in the room became tense and subtle again.

Lin Haoran's meaning was very clear. For the sake of the royal family's face, he had given these British financial groups a way out. The matter of giving up the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson & Co. was negotiable, but he would not agree easily.

If his conditions are not met, he will not give up the controlling stake in Jardine Matheson!

Lin Haoran was not worried about offending all British financial groups after completing this transaction.

Because he knew that these British financial groups were not monolithic. For example, the British forces behind the Huifeng Bank were at odds with the Keswick family and others.

Therefore, once this matter is settled, all parties will eventually return to normal and go about their own business.

With Lin Haoran's current influence in Hong Kong, even if these British financial groups intend to avoid him, it is difficult to completely avoid the opportunities for cooperation with his affiliated companies.

Although Lin Haoran did not agree directly, his words made Prince Charles very satisfied.

After all, Lin Haoran made it clear that the reason he made concessions was entirely for the sake of the royal family's face. Otherwise, even if all the British financial groups joined forces to put pressure on him, he would never give up Jardine Matheson easily.

At this time, Prince Charles once again played the role of peacemaker: "Mr. Lin, Mr. James Rothschild, Mr. Henry Keswick, and everyone present, since we have discussed this far, I suggest that we should all take a step back.

Next, you can find a suitable time and place to sit down and have in-depth discussions again. I believe that through further consultations, you will definitely be able to find a solution that satisfies all parties. It is getting late now, so you may as well go back first!"

(End of this chapter)