Hong Kong 1980: The Savage Era

Chapter 274 275 [Not Tough Enough]

Although the contract has not been signed yet, this is basically a done deal. Both parties are well-known companies in the industry and will definitely not easily go back on their word on this matter.

Once you go back on your word, it will undoubtedly be like slapping the other party in the face. Although it will not reach the point of a fight to the death, it will not be easily resolved. Some business war will definitely break out between the two parties, so you need to weigh whether the benefits are worth it.

Back to Dean Securities Investment Company
Bai Jinyan reported the results of the discussion to Luo Qihong, which was somewhat surprising to Luo Qihong.

"It seems that the rumors are true. Feng Jingxi's health is not very good, and he is anxious to push his eldest son to the front." Luo Qihong said lightly, "He wants to make friends with people from all walks of life in Hong Kong and pave the way for the second generation of successors."

"The collapse of Sun Hung Kai Bank has made Feng Jingxi very vigilant. If it were the 70s, Feng Jingxi would have tried every means to take back Sun Hung Kai Bank. Now, he probably doesn't have that mindset anymore. One reason for this is inevitably that Feng Yongxiang's abilities are not up to par." Bai Jinyan agreed with Luo Qihong's statement.

"Forget it. This has nothing to do with us. As long as there is a good deal, anyone will cooperate with us." Luo Qihong believed that the assets of Sun Hung Kai Securities were good, but not worth De'an Company's coveting.

There are many good things in this world, so there is no need to provoke a family with a complicated network of relationships.

"Feng Jingxi and Li Zhaoji are two of the Three Musketeers and have a very close relationship. Moreover, this time the acquisition of the electric light company should be handed over to Sun Hung Kai Securities. Do we need to make some preparations in advance?" Bai Jinyan wanted to use Sun Hung Kai Securities to obtain some timely and accurate information.

Luo Qihong shook his head and said, "It's not very useful to do this. Li Zhaoji and Li Jiacheng are both rational people. They won't let the Land Company take too much advantage. Let's not take risks at this point."

"We will also take action against Wheelock during the competition between the two to prevent the other person who is eliminated from intervening in the acquisition of Wheelock."

"Then I will hurry up and contact the small shareholders of Henderson Land Development." Bai Jinyan naturally knew the priorities of things.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel
This is the decoration of a classic aristocratic residence in Western Europe, with red carpets, armor, swords and other furnishings.

Li Zhaoji specially asked someone to buy a bottle of 30-year-old brand red wine at a large sum of money to entertain Cheng Yutong and Luo Qihong with great ceremony.

Li Zhaoji had thought about talking to Li Jiacheng, but unfortunately they both knew that neither of them would give up. The Hong Kong Electric Company was an important part of their huge plan, and it was difficult to find a replacement for the time being.

Cheng Yu-tung took a sip and complimented, "It tastes very good, worthy of being a 30-year-old French red wine."

"Mr. Li must have spent a lot of money. Today's incident is not a small matter. I don't even dare to drink." Luo Qihong held the wine glass between his fingers and shook the red wine in the glass with a faint smile on his face.

Li Zhaoji was silent for a moment. "Since Luo Sheng has brought this up, I will just tell you the truth. I hope you two can help me take over the electric light company."

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "Mr. Li is so powerful. Even if he is short of cash, he can still go to Sun Hung Kai Properties and Sun Hung Kai Securities. There is no need to go to me and Uncle Tong."

"Sun Hung Kai Properties suffered a lot of losses in this big crash, and Sun Hung Kai Securities lost Sun Hung Kai Bank in the Hong Kong dollar crisis. We don't have any spare money for the time being." Li Zhaoji also knew that he couldn't hide it from Luo Qihong and Cheng Yutong. "I have also contacted other people, but they are not willing to join in."

Luo Qihong glanced at Zheng Yutong and asked, "Uncle Tong, what do you mean?"

New World Development is negotiating with the Trade Development Council for the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre project, which requires more than 1 billion yuan in funding, and Wheelock Properties wants several hundred million more. So how could they have the spare funds to help Li Zhaoji now?

Cheng Yutong shook his head and said, "I have several projects that require a lot of funds. I really can't allocate too much money. 1 or 2 million is not a big deal."

1 or 2 million is of no use at all. If it was just this little amount of money, Li Zhaoji could have gathered it by gritting his teeth.

"Mr. Li, what can we get?" Luo Qihong asked expressionlessly. He didn't have any friendship with Li Zhaoji, so there was no need for him to play those empty words.

"I know that Mr. Luo holds 5.6% of the shares of the electric light company. If Mr. Luo is willing to help, I will buy back these shares at a high price afterwards and ensure that Mr. Luo's profit is not less than 3% based on the current stock price." Li Zhaoji took out his huge sum of money. It seemed that Li Jiacheng put a lot of pressure on him.

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "To be honest with you, Mr. Li, I am somewhat interested in the shares of International City Company. Can you give me some from the Electric Light Company? 10% of the shares will be enough."

Li Zhaoji couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart. Luo Qihong's appetite was still so big. It was indeed difficult to satisfy him.

"The Electric Light Company and Cheung Kong Holdings are both major shareholders of International City Company, each holding 34%. It is not good to weaken such a large stake. Why don't Luo Sheng absorb 7% of the shares from other shareholders, and the Electric Light Company sell 3%. I will then bring Luo Sheng into the board of directors. How about that?" Li Zhaoji stared at Luo Qihong and suggested.

"Okay, then Mr. Li, how do you want me to help you?" Luo Qihong still didn't drink the glass of red wine, but his fingers were shaking.

"The relationship between the Hong Kong Land Development and Li Jiacheng is better than mine. I am worried that the Hong Kong Land Development will favor Li Jiacheng, so I hope that Luo Sheng can acquire 10% of the shares of the Electric Light Company." said Li Zhaoji.

"The amount of money involved is too huge, so 10% of the shares is unlikely, but I can guarantee that the 5.6% of the shares will support Mr. Li." Luo Qihong is not a fool. He has to spend and lock up 10 billion yuan for such a small amount of profit.

"Luo Sheng can completely borrow money to make the acquisition. As for the interest, I will pay it. I will also guarantee Luo Sheng 1% profit from the stocks he has acquired now." Li Zhaoji gritted his teeth and continued to bleed heavily.

Cheng Yutong persuaded, "Ah Hong, this profit is not low, and the future dividends of International City Company will not be small either."

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "Since Uncle Tong has said so, I will give you face, Mr. Li, and we will go to sign the contract another day."

The 35% equity share that triggers a full acquisition restriction really scared a lot of people, even Li Zhaoji was scared.

After the deal was done, Luo Qihong picked up the goblet and took a sip of red wine. Sure enough, the wine tasted very good.

After the banquet, Luo Qihong and Zheng Yutong found a secluded club to sit down and talk about their affairs.

"My funds are in place. When can I talk to Zhang Yuliang?" Cheng Yutong asked after taking a sip of tea.

Luo Qihong put down his teacup and said, "Any time is fine. Now is a good time. However, Zhang Yuliang may not be willing to let go of Wheelock and may even sell his shares to someone else, allowing this person to compete with us."

"There are not many people who can take over this batch of shares. Who do you think is most likely to be Zhang Yuliang's target?" Cheng Yutong frowned. If things turned out like this, things would become very complicated.

"The chartering king! Wheelock's business is very compatible with Wharf Holdings. I'm worried that the chartering king has already set his sights on Wheelock." Luo Qihong didn't believe the information reported in the news in his previous life. These tycoons wouldn't simply sit and wait for opportunities. How could they seize them if they did?

"Then we must convince Zhang Yuliang, otherwise there will be a takeover war." Cheng Yutong said, "Let's take a loss and offer a high price. I think Zhang Yuliang will not refuse. He has always wanted to invest in Australia."

"Well, if we two show up together, Zhang Yuliang should be under pressure." Luo Qihong suggested. "Then you should make an appointment with Zhang Yuliang. It will be good for us if we can get it done early. We can stop the bad situation of Wheelock as soon as possible, and we can spend less energy on restructuring assets and debts." Cheng Yutong said thoughtfully.

Wheelock Group is in a very bad situation now. The reputation of the "Blue Lantern" is getting louder and louder, and shareholders' confidence in Wheelock is getting lower and lower, which will of course have a huge impact on future debt restructuring.

Therefore, completing the acquisition as soon as possible can save some of the reputation.

"Okay, I'll follow up personally." Luo Qihong nodded in agreement.

Cheng Yutong smiled and said, "The project of the electric light company requires several hundred million. Can you afford it?"

"It's a bit of a stretch, but De'an Company has already recovered tens of billions of yen from the Japanese stock market and can support the acquisition at any time. It's a pity to waste those profits." Luo Qihong said with a wry smile.

"You can never make enough money. You can only make the big ones and let go of the small ones," Cheng Yu-tung taught.

"You're right! People who want everything often get nothing." Luo Qihong laughed. There will be plenty of opportunities to make money in the future. Doing the current things well first is the real and reliable thing.

"Between Li Zhaoji and Li Jiacheng, who do you think is more promising?" Luo Qihong began to talk about something off topic.

Cheng Yutong restrained his smile and said thoughtfully, "I have to say that Li Jiacheng is stronger, and Li Jiacheng has been planning for a longer time than Li Zhaoji."

"Then won't I fall into the trap?" Luo Qihong smiled. Judging from Li Zhaoji's performance, Li Jiacheng did have the upper hand, otherwise Li Zhaoji would not have made such concessions.

Cheng Yutong also laughed, "I don't believe you can't see this. You should be investing in the future. Li Jiacheng's management is indeed good. It's only a matter of time before the share price of the electric light company rises by 50%."

Li Zhaoji's ability is not bad, but he is still inferior to Li Jiacheng. This is also the general perception of Hong Kong citizens.

Dean Securities Investment Office
Luo Qihong told Bai Jinyan everything he had discussed with Li Zhaoji, and these things still needed to be carried out by Bai Jinyan.

"Is Li Jiacheng going to win?" Bai Jinyan asked with some fear. It was not in their interest for Li Jiacheng to win.

"It's hard to say! Li Zhaoji should not place his hope on the Jardine Matheson Group. It all depends on Li Zhaoji's ability. If he can acquire more than 25% of the shares, he will be the new owner of the electric light company." Luo Qihong likes to watch the fights among tycoons, while he hides behind the scenes, shooting cold arrows and making a lot of money.

"Is it possible for us to steal the show? Seize control of the electric light company from them." Bai Jinyan couldn't contain his excitement. If De'an Company controlled several powerful listed companies, its status would rise by leaps and bounds.

She, Bai Jinyan, will also become one of the rare strong women in Hong Kong, and people like Hu Xian and Gong Xinru will be inferior to her.

Luo Qihong laughed out loud. "If we had 40 billion yuan in cash, they would not be our opponents."

Hearing the astronomical figure of '40 billion yuan', Bai Jinyan took a breath of cold air. This was the market value of a large-scale company, half of an electric light company.

"There will be fewer and fewer stocks on the stock market. We should target those small shareholders as soon as possible. We should acquire 5% of the electric light company's stocks. We should obtain funds by mortgaging the existing electric light company's stocks." Luo Qihong ordered.

Bai Jinyan nodded, but raised a new difficulty. "Every investment project is stuck. We are already short of funds. Even if we withdraw 2% of the cash from the Japanese stock market investment, we are still struggling."

The plans all showed deviations to varying degrees, with 10 billion yuan of funds being trapped and a large amount of loans being generated.

As one side gains while the other loses, De'an Company certainly cannot bear it. Although it will not collapse, it will be quite uncomfortable.

"This is the only way for now. We should try to make future investments according to the plan. There can't be any big deviations." Luo Qihong said with emotion.

Back to Deep Water Bay Villa at night

Because it was winter, night fell early and the sky was dark at around 6 o'clock.

There was only dim light in the garden. Luo Qixing and Chen Yusan, a couple, sat together with sad faces, and the atmosphere was quite depressing.

"Ah Hong, I have something to tell you." Chen Yusan spoke first.

Luo Qihong asked doubtfully, "You say."

"The new electronic components company may not be able to be opened." Chen Yusan said somewhat dejectedly.

Luo Qihong thought for a moment and said, "Is it because of your grandfather? Or is it another problem?"

"At the instigation of my uncles, my grandfather has planned to open an electronic components factory to compete with us in the components market in Hong Kong," Chen Yusan explained.

Luo Qihong smiled, feeling that these children of wealthy families were a little strange. They knew that it was profitable, but they were unwilling to offend others. Instead, they chose to retreat and give up their vested interests.

He thought further and found that he had some problems of his own. If he had not wanted to cooperate with Jingmou Electronics Company, perhaps the establishment of the new company would have been quite smooth.

Therefore, he felt that he had to lend a helping hand and not let these businesses be handed over to others for nothing.

"There has always been competition in business, but this time it's family members who are in charge. If Uncle Chen doesn't want to do it, then we can do it ourselves. Even if we lose the Hong Kong market, we still have the Japanese market, the Korean market, and even the American market. The advantages are much better than Jingmou Electronics Company." Luo Qihong reminded.

"What if my grandfather wants you to give in?" Chen Yusan was still intimidated by Chen Zengjing's authority.

"This is business, not a favor. If Grandpa Chen can give my brother and me equal benefits, I can certainly make concessions." Luo Qihong said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, how can you do business without pressure?"

Chen Yusan nodded thoughtfully, "Then I'll go back and persuade my dad."

"Uncle Chen needs to give us a reply as soon as possible. It is important to seize the opportunity now." Luo Qihong said seriously. He is not a member of the Chen family and does not need to give too much face to Chen Zengjing.

(End of this chapter)