In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 677 Taking over Hengsheng Bank, Hengsheng Group is about to be established!
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran couldn't help but laugh and said, "Then they should sell their shares in Hengsheng Bank to us."

“Yes, Haoran, Mr. Brown already told me on the phone that the shares of Hengsheng Bank can be traded at any time,” He Shanheng nodded and said.

"Uncle He, what are we waiting for? We should take control of Hengsheng Bank as soon as possible. If we wait too long, Huifeng Bank might cause some trouble if they get behind the scenes!" Lin Haoran said.

“There’s no rush. I’ll go to Standard Chartered Bank’s Hong Kong headquarters in person later. Before that, Haoran, I have an idea I’d like to discuss with you,” He Shanheng said, changing the subject.

"Uncle He, please speak freely, I'm all ears." Lin Haoran immediately became curious.

He Shanheng picked up the water glass on his desk again and took a sip before continuing, "The acquisition of Hengsheng Bank is inevitable. Once this is completed, Haoran, you will have Hengsheng Bank, East Asia Bank, and Daoheng Bank under your control, making you the undisputed number one financial conglomerate in Hong Kong."

I think it's time to consolidate resources and form a banking group, just like HSBC was originally backed by HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank by Standard Chartered Group. Bank of East Asia, Dao Heng Bank, and Hang Seng Bank shouldn't be subordinate to any one of them, but rather have an equal relationship. Only in this way can a strong synergy be formed, allowing them to achieve an advantage in market competition where 1+1+1 is far greater than 3.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran nodded in agreement.

It would indeed be inappropriate to make Bank of East Asia the parent company of Bank of East Asia after acquiring Bank of East Asia.

Putting aside everything else, Hang Seng Bank's reputation in Hong Kong is definitely better than that of Bank of East Asia.

After all, the Hang Seng Index alone has become a core indicator for measuring the performance of the Hong Kong stock market, and has established a very high level of authority and professionalism in the minds of investors over the years.

Hang Seng Indexes is directly affiliated with Hang Seng Bank, and is compiled and managed by Hang Seng Indexes Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hang Seng Bank.

It is precisely through its closely related financial services that Hengsheng Bank has accumulated a strong reputation and a broad customer base in the market.

Forcibly placing Hang Seng Bank under Bank of East Asia could not only cause dissatisfaction and loss of Hang Seng Bank's existing customers, but also weaken its unique position and brand value in the market.

Seeing that Lin Haoran did not object, He Shanheng continued, "After the establishment of the banking group, we can conduct a comprehensive review and integration of the businesses of the three banks."

This will organically combine Heng Sheng Bank's expertise in SME lending, East Asia Bank's extensive experience in cross-border financial services, and Dao Heng Bank's strong foundation in retail banking.

In terms of risk management, a unified risk prevention and control system has been established at the group level to monitor and accurately assess various risks in real time, ensuring the stability of the group's overall operations.

At the same time, we will integrate the technological resources of the three banks, increase investment in the field of financial technology, improve the level of computerized data services, and provide customers with more convenient, efficient and personalized financial products and services.

In terms of talent management, we will break down the talent barriers between the three banks, establish an internal talent mobility mechanism and training system, and enable outstanding talents to be trained and grow in different business areas and positions, so as to reserve sufficient talent for the long-term development of the group.

Through these resource integrations and strategic planning, we are confident that we can build the newly established banking group into a leader in the Hong Kong and even global financial markets.

He Shanheng finally stopped speaking at this point.

Lin Haoran also fell into deep thought.

What He Shanheng said is indeed very reasonable.

After a while, Lin Haoran raised his head and said with a smile, "Okay, Uncle He, I agree to establish a financial group to take charge of Hengsheng Bank, Daoheng Bank, East Asia Bank, and even more banks that may be acquired in the future. After the group is established, you will be the chairman of the group, and you can arrange this matter."

"Haoran, I have another request. I hope the group will be named Hengsheng Group. Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying that I'm the founder of Hengsheng Bank and that's why I want the group to be named that."

Instead, I believe that Hang Seng Bank has a certain reputation in the global financial industry because of the Hang Seng Index. In this way, our future expansion into overseas markets will be much easier.

Starting with the name Hengsheng is like raising a battle flag that is highly recognizable on the global financial battlefield. When we step into the international market with the name of Hengsheng Group, overseas investors will associate the Hengsheng Index with professionalism, authority and stability as soon as they hear the name Hengsheng.

This will make it easier for us to gain the approval of local regulatory agencies, the trust of customers, and the favor of partners when expanding our business overseas.

With the prestigious Hengsheng brand, we can quickly establish branches in international financial centers such as New York, London, and Singapore.

In New York, we compete with top investment banks on Wall Street, leveraging our integrated financial strength and diversified business to participate in mergers and acquisitions of large global companies and get a share of the international capital operation pie.
In London, leveraging its status as a global foreign exchange trading center, we will vigorously develop cross-border foreign exchange business, provide efficient and accurate foreign exchange trading services to global clients, and enhance our voice in the international foreign exchange market.

In Singapore, leveraging its status as a financial hub in Southeast Asia, the company cultivates the Southeast Asian market, providing customized financial solutions for local SMEs while attracting surplus funds from Southeast Asia to achieve two-way capital flow and optimal allocation.

Moreover, by using the name of Hengsheng Group, we can more easily attract top international financial talent. Those elites who have worked for many years in well-known overseas financial institutions are familiar with Hengsheng Index and Hengsheng Bank, and they will be more willing to join a group with international renown and broad development prospects.

With the addition of these outstanding talents, we can continuously improve the Group's international operation level and management capabilities, providing solid intellectual support for the Group's globalization strategy.

"Hengsheng Group," Lin Haoran repeated the name softly.

Undeniably, this name is much better than East Asia Bank.

East Asia, the name itself seems rather limited, confined to the East Asian region.

Unlike the Hang Seng Index, which has been a core indicator for measuring the performance of the Hong Kong stock market since the 1960s.

As Hong Kong became one of the world's three major financial centers, the Hang Seng Index ushered in unprecedented development opportunities, and its influence soared.

It has not only become an important window for global investors to understand the Hong Kong stock market, but also an important bridge for Hong Kong's financial sector to connect with the world's financial system.

With the deepening of global economic integration, more and more international funds are flowing into the Hong Kong stock market, and the Hang Seng Index, as a core indicator for measuring the performance of the Hong Kong stock market, is becoming increasingly important.

Therefore, the name "Hengsheng" is indeed more suitable as the name of the new group. It carries not only a simple name, but also a key step for Lin Haoran's banking group to step onto the international financial stage and formulate a long-term strategic plan.

Lin Haoran doesn't have any particular preferences when it comes to naming things. If a name is good, he will continue to use it and there's no need to change it.

Like Hongkong Land, Cham Island, and HK Electric, he chose to retain their original names after acquiring them, continuing to leverage their existing rich heritage and widespread recognition.

Anyway, he is the real boss and the real shareholder. The name was given by someone else, so it doesn't really matter. He is the one who really benefits!

“Okay, Uncle He, I agree. Let’s use the name Hengsheng Group!” Lin Haoran said with a smile.

He Shanheng was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected Lin Haoran to agree so easily.

He paused for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and a relieved smile spread across his face: "Haoran, your straightforward nature is truly admirable. With your unwavering support, the establishment of Hengsheng Group will proceed much more smoothly."

Lin Haoran spread his hands and replied with a relaxed smile, "Uncle He, we're all in the same boat with the same goal. As long as a decision is beneficial to the group's development, I will naturally give my full support!"

"Haoran, don't worry. Just for the trust you have in me, I will risk my life to build Hengsheng Group into a global financial giant. I will never let you down!" He Shanheng said solemnly and firmly.

At this moment, he felt more and more that his decision to resign from his position as chairman of Hengsheng Bank and follow Lin Haoran was absolutely correct.

After all, even Hengsheng Bank is about to be brought back under his control.

He Shanheng then went on to tell Lin Haoran about his ideas and the future development plans for the soon-to-be-established Hengsheng Group.

Around noon, the two of them had a simple meal with Dashan in the company cafeteria.

After the meal, Ho Sin-hang hurriedly led his legal team to Standard Chartered Bank.

On the surface, He Shanheng appeared calm and unhurried about acquiring Hengsheng Bank.

But in reality, only he knew that his heart was already churning like boiling water, and he couldn't wait to get control of Hengsheng Bank back into his hands.

After all, he founded Hengsheng Bank and personally led it for decades. His affection for it was as deep as that for his own son.

After He Shanheng left, Lin Haoran also left the East Asia Bank building and headed to the Kang Le Building.

To be honest, Yamada Keiko had been by his side for the past few days, and now that she had suddenly gone back to Japan, Lin Haoran felt a little empty inside.

On ordinary days, Keiko Yamada's gentle and melodious voice and lively and playful appearance would always appear unintentionally. She could always hand Lin Haoran a cup of hot tea at just the right time when he was busy.
When he was struggling with decision-making, he would offer some unique insights with his delicate mind. Although they were not always the final word, they were like a gentle breeze, gradually clearing his mind.

This is perhaps the unique charm of Keiko Yamada as a secretary; she subtly and quietly integrates into Haoran Lin's work and life.

These are things that Kwan Ka-wai could not do.

Although Guan Jiahui is now busy running her own clothing chain stores, in Lin Haoran's view, Guan Jiahui is more like a vase, bringing him more visual pleasure.

However, it was difficult to provide him with the right comfort and enlightenment when he was struggling at work and his thoughts were in turmoil.

Of course, this doesn't mean he would dislike Guan Jiahui. ...

In the blink of an eye, the clock hands quietly pointed to two o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Haoran was sitting in his office, gazing comfortably out the window, enjoying the clear, sunny weather after the typhoon.

Just then, a crisp cell phone ringtone broke the silence without warning.

He snapped out of his daze, and with a gentle turn of the chair, the wheels rolled and the chair came to a steady stop in front of the desk.

Immediately afterwards, he reached out, picked up the phone, and decisively pressed the answer button.

"Haoran, it's me! I have some fantastic news for you. We've successfully signed the share acquisition agreement for Hengsheng Bank with Standard Chartered Bank and Huifeng Bank. All that's left is to transfer the funds to Huifeng Bank's corporate account, and the deal will be officially complete!" He Shanheng's voice on the other end of the phone was filled with barely suppressed joy.

Lin Haoran and Standard Chartered Bank had already finalized the terms for the acquisition of Hengsheng Bank.

Therefore, after He Shanheng arrived, there was no need to restart negotiations. He simply arranged for his legal team to draft a contract that both parties agreed to. Once everyone signed and stamped the contract, the deal was basically done.

That's why He Shanheng didn't take long before he eagerly called Lin Haoran to share the good news.

"Okay, thank you for your trouble, Uncle He. Please arrange for the finance department of East Asia Bank to transfer the money to them as soon as possible!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

With the contract signed, the acquisition of Hengsheng Bank is now a certainty.

"Well, Haoran, taking over Hengsheng Bank is not complicated for me. I will try to firmly grasp control of Hengsheng Bank as soon as possible, and at the same time speed up the establishment of Hengsheng Group. I think we should establish Hengsheng Group the day after tomorrow, so that we can better manage the three banks. What do you think, Haoran?" He Shanheng continued.

"The day after tomorrow? Uncle He, isn't that a bit too soon?" Lin Haoran asked in surprise.

"Don't worry, Haoran, there's no rush at all. Establishing Hengsheng Group is just a necessary procedure. I can arrange all the relevant formalities and preparations perfectly at any time."

In terms of personnel structure, elite personnel were drawn from the three banks to quickly build an efficient management team; the business plan is also clear and well-defined, taking the existing business of Bank of East Asia as the core, integrating the resource advantages of Bank of East Asia and Hengsheng Bank to create a comprehensive and diversified financial service platform.

"Once the group is established, it will be able to quickly begin operations and make its mark in the financial market," He Shanheng said confidently, his voice brimming with excitement.

“Okay, then I’ll have to trouble you these next few days, Uncle He. Also, now that Hengsheng Group has been established, it needs a suitable headquarters. If we continue to keep it in the East Asia Bank Building or the Hengsheng Bank headquarters building, it doesn’t feel quite right for the group’s future development.”

"Here's what I'll do. I'll first allocate a floor in the Kang Le Building for Hengsheng Group as its headquarters. This will make it easier for Hengsheng Group and companies like Zhidi Group to conduct business exchanges and cooperation. We can move later when we find a more suitable place," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

Given Hengsheng Group's current strength, especially its remarkable market share, owning its own headquarters building is naturally a given.

However, Lin Haoran felt there was no need to rush into this matter at the moment.

Currently, the transaction volume of Hong Kong's real estate market has declined sharply. If nothing unexpected happens, a real Hong Kong real estate crisis will arrive in less than a year.

At that time, Hong Kong's real estate industry will fall into an unprecedented winter, with a large number of properties remaining unsold, land prices plummeting, countless real estate developers experiencing broken cash flow, and the sound of bankruptcy and closure echoing everywhere.

When that time comes, he'll check if there are any suitable buildings for sale in the Central area, and then he'll have Hengsheng Group buy one.

Hongkong Land Group owns many commercial buildings, such as Alexandra House and Prince House.

However, these are all properties of Hongkong Land Group, and there is no need to give up Shangxia, a subsidiary of Hongkong Land Group, to Hengsheng Group.

Although they are all companies under Lin Haoran, they operate independently and have different development positioning and strategic plans. Rashly transferring the commercial buildings under the Landmark Group to Hengsheng Group will not only disrupt the original business layout of the Landmark Group, but may also cause internal management chaos.

Therefore, even between sister companies, it's essential to distinguish between them.

If the funds and assets of different companies are mixed up, it will create huge hidden dangers in many aspects such as financial accounting, tax declaration and strategic decision-making.

Once economic disputes or market fluctuations occur, they can easily trigger a chain reaction, plunging a previously stable business empire into crisis in an instant.

Lin Haoran understands this well, which is why it is very important for his various companies to maintain a relationship of relative independence while developing collaboratively.

Just like the preparation of Hengsheng Group this time, although there will be business exchanges and cooperation with companies such as Land Group, the division of assets must be clear and unambiguous.

“That works too. Let’s set up the headquarters in the Kang Le Building. That way, I can coordinate the management of the three banks, and it will also be easier to communicate with you, Hao Ran. I know you usually prefer to go to the office in the Kang Le Building,” He Shanheng said with a hearty laugh.

“Okay, I’ll talk to Mr. Ma Shimin about this later and ask him to vacate an entire floor for you to use as offices,” Lin Haoran nodded in agreement.

This isn't difficult to handle.

Although the occupancy rate of the Connaught Building is quite high, Hongkong Land Group still has a portion of its offices that have been vacant and unused. It wouldn't be too difficult for them to allocate an entire floor for it.

"Haoran, I'd like to go with you to the headquarters of Hengsheng Bank in an hour to take over the management of Hengsheng Bank. What do you think? I've already made an appointment with Mr. Brown from Standard Chartered Bank. We'll meet at the Hengsheng Bank headquarters in an hour and complete the final handover there." He Shanheng's tone was clearly excited as he said this.

Hengsheng Bank—he had just submitted his resignation and left there a month ago. Who could have predicted that he would regain control of Hengsheng Bank so quickly?

It felt like a dramatic play.

When he resigned from Hengsheng Bank, he never imagined that he would one day be able to regain control of the bank.

After all, Hengsheng Bank was previously a holding subsidiary of Huifeng Bank.

Who could have foreseen that Huifeng Bank would fall into such a severe crisis, and even be taken advantage of by Standard Chartered Bank and successfully acquired?
Lin Haoran seized the opportunity and acquired Hengsheng Bank.

All I can say is that this whole thing was incredibly dramatic, and even Lin Haoran himself probably didn't expect things to turn out this way.

"Okay, shall I pick you up at the East Asia Bank headquarters, or is there another arrangement?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

"Come pick me up together, thank you for your trouble," He Shanheng replied with a hearty laugh.

"Okay, I'll be there in half an hour. See you then!" Lin Haoran said.

"see you later!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran didn't linger in his office to kill time, but went straight to Ma Shimin's office.

His purpose in making this trip was to inform the other party about vacating a floor in the Kang Le Building for the soon-to-be-established Heng Sheng Group to use as its headquarters office, so that Ma Shimin could make the arrangements as soon as possible.

Since the boss had spoken, Ma Shimin naturally had no objections.

After all, those vacant offices were originally reserved and have been left idle. It's perfectly fine to allocate them to Hengsheng Group now.

Moreover, Hengsheng Group will also pay rent to Kangle Building according to market rates.

Although the two companies are related, as the saying goes, even brothers have to keep clear accounts, right?
Half an hour later, Lin Haoran, accompanied by bodyguards, left the Kang Le Building and drove directly to the headquarters of the East Asia Bank.

On the first floor of the East Asia Bank headquarters building, Lin Haoran met He Shanheng, who was already waiting.

"Uncle He, aren't you taking anyone else with you?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.

How could Ho Sin-hang take over a well-known large enterprise in Hong Kong without bringing any people with him?
"Don't worry about that, Haoran. You know what position I held at Hengsheng Bank before. I know every single thing about Hengsheng Bank very well. Moreover, there have been no changes in the middle and senior management of Hengsheng Bank after I left. I still have a lot of influence there. For me, taking over Hengsheng Bank is just a matter of me being there!" He Shanheng laughed heartily.

Lin Haoran had to admit that He Shanheng had worked at Hengsheng Bank for many years and had a deep foundation. He was very familiar with the internal situation of Hengsheng Bank and his influence was still not to be underestimated, even though he had only recently left the company.

“Alright, let’s set off now. Don’t keep Mr. Brown waiting.” Lin Haoran said, and got into the car with He Shanheng. The convoy headed towards the headquarters of Hengsheng Bank.

Throughout the journey, Lin Haoran gazed out the car window at the bustling yet somewhat restless street scene, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

This trip to Hengsheng Bank marks his true takeover of the bank.

From today onwards, Heng Sheng Bank, a renowned and influential bank in Hong Kong's financial industry, will be officially incorporated into his business empire and become his property!

(End of this chapter)