Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire.

Chapter 249 4K (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

Although Huaxia International Trust Investment Company did not officially announce the list of its first board members at this time due to confidentiality requirements during the preparatory period.

However, for a major British bank like HSBC, which has always closely followed the economic development of mainland China and has a deep network of contacts, its information channels remain readily available.

Just a few days later, news that Chen Bingwen had been invited to serve as a director of Guoxin Securities was already on the desk of HSBC tycoon Sir Michael Sandberg.

Shen Bi looked at the brief but substantial intelligence report and fell into deep thought.

The study was filled with the slow, swirling smoke of cigars.

This news confirmed some of his previous premonitions and completely changed the balance of power.

He was initially wavering between Li Jiacheng and Chen Bingwen, waiting for the best offer.

Li Jiacheng represents a stable, traditional, and mutually beneficial cooperation model, with both parties having a long-standing friendship and tacit understanding.

Chen Bingwen, on the other hand, represents vigor, innovation, and close ties with emerging forces in mainland China, but also carries greater uncertainty.

Now, the title of "Guoxin Director" shines like a bright light, illuminating certain qualities in Chen Bingwen, or rather, foreshadowing a certain future.

This is not just commercial recognition, but also a deeper political signal, indicating that this young man has entered the vision of a certain core circle.

The energy and potential it contains need to be reassessed.

HSBC's sale of its Hutchison Whampoa shares is not merely a commercial transaction, but also a strategic choice. The selection of a buyer is not just about who offers the highest price, but also about who best represents the future direction of development and who can bring HSBC longer-term and more stable benefits in the Far East, especially in the increasingly close relationship with mainland China.

Li Jiacheng is very sincere, and Cheung Kong's strength is beyond doubt.

However, Chen Bingwen now carries the added prestige of being a "director of Guoxin Securities," which, along with its symbolic significance and potential future synergistic effects, gives him a different level of importance.

This means that by collaborating with Chen Bingwen, HSBC may indirectly gain access to a more promising channel to higher-level economic decision-making circles in mainland China.

Shen Bi took a deep drag on his cigar and slowly exhaled the smoke.

He recalled an informal meeting with Y.K. Pao a few days earlier.

Sir James Pao casually remarked, "Sir Sir Michael Sandberg, times are changing. Sometimes, investing in young people is investing in the future of the mainland market, which will only open wider and wider."

At the time, he neither agreed nor disagreed, but in retrospect, Sir John Paul's words seem to have a deeper meaning.

Should they continue to choose Li Jiacheng, who has a deep-rooted foundation and a good working relationship, or should they bet on Chen Bingwen, who is sharp and has already gained some kind of "certification"?

Risks and opportunities coexist.

But HSBC, with its century-old foundation, has always been willing to take risks at crucial moments.

With the current momentum of reform and opening up in mainland China clear, the long-term value of a partner that is closely related to emerging forces in mainland China and entrusted with important responsibilities may far exceed the price difference of a single transaction.

With this in mind, Shen Bi gradually made up his mind.

He pressed the intercom button: "Eileen, connect me to Mr. Chen Bingwen of Sugar Heart Capital and see if he's free tomorrow afternoon. I'd like to arrange a meeting with him to discuss things."

The next afternoon, at the Peninsula Hotel coffee shop.

He arrived on time, and Sim Bi was already seated and waiting.

"Sir Sir Michael Sandberg, good afternoon." Chen Bingwen smiled and sat down.

"Mr. Chen, please have a seat." Shen Bi wore his usual smile. "First of all, congratulations, Mr. Chen. Although the news has not been officially announced, I heard that you will soon be appointed as a director of the newly established Guoxin Company. You are truly young and promising, congratulations!"

Chen Bingwen understood immediately; it was indeed about this matter.

He responded modestly, "The Jazz are well-informed."

"I'm just doing my small part, learning from my predecessors, and doing something to promote economic exchange between the two regions."

Sir Michael Sandberg nodded, cutting to the chase: "Mr. Chen, the reason I've invited you here today is to formally discuss the matter of HSBC's holdings in Hutchison Whampoa."

Chen Bingwen sat up straight, adopting a posture of attentive listening.

"After careful discussion by the board of directors, and taking into account various factors,"

Sir Michael Sandberg said slowly, "HSBC has agreed in principle to sell our 23 percent stake in Hutchison Whampoa to Sugar Capital."

Despite having anticipated it, Chen Bingwen was still taken aback when he heard Shen Bi confirm it with his own ears.

This crucial step has finally been taken! He steadied himself and calmly asked, "Thank you very much, HSBC and Sir Michael Sandberg. What are the specific conditions?"

Regarding the price, Sir Michael Sandberg quoted a figure that was at a premium to the market price, but still within a reasonable range. "The payment method is negotiable. It can be partly cash, partly deferred payment, or a method linked to performance."

The specific details can be finalized later.

Sir Michael Sandberg raised his coffee cup and said meaningfully, "Mr. Chan, HSBC made this decision because it is optimistic about your future and also about the huge potential for development in the mainland."

I hope this collaboration will be a great start.

"In the future, HSBC may have even more areas to collaborate with China in the Far East, especially in businesses related to the mainland."

Chen Bingwen raised his glass and lightly clinked it with Shen Bi's: "I also believe this is a win-win start. Thank you for your trust, Sir. The cooperation between Sugar Capital and HSBC will surely yield fruitful results."

The two exchanged a smile, their unspoken words conveyed in their exchange.

This deal, which will shake up Hong Kong's capital markets, was initially finalized amidst the aroma of coffee.

After leaving the Peninsula Hotel and getting into his car, Chen Bingwen let out a long sigh of relief.

Acquiring Hutchison Whampoa's shares from HSBC means he will gain controlling interest in Hutchison Whampoa in one fell swoop. The most crucial move in this grand strategy has been made.

The Li family residence in Deep Water Bay.

In the study, Li Jiacheng slowly put down the phone, his face calm, but the knuckles of his fingers holding the receiver were slightly white.

He sat alone in the chair, remaining silent for a long time.

Despite having a premonition, when Sir Michael Sandberg personally confirmed that HSBC had chosen Chan Ping-man, he still felt a strong sense of frustration and anger.

Years of planning and countless efforts were wasted at the last moment!

And he lost to such a young opponent!

He recalled his wife Zhuang Yueming's words and forcefully suppressed his turbulent emotions.

Getting angry is useless; the most important thing now is to deal with it.

Li Jiacheng walked to the window and looked at the eaves of villa number 75 diagonally above.

HSBC's choice, while unexpected, was also reasonable.

Chen Bingwen's position as a "director of Guoxin Securities" likely played a decisive role.

This reinforced his previous idea: he must accelerate the expansion in mainland China and make it more impressive and eye-catching.

"The project to donate funds to build a university needs to be expedited immediately," he thought to himself.

At the same time, he also realized that losing control of Hutchison Whampoa did not mean the end of the game.

He still holds a significant number of Hutchison Whampoa shares and remains an important shareholder.

There will still be room for power struggles within Hutchison Whampoa's board of directors in the future.

Moreover, real estate is his foundation, and the development of CK Asset Holdings itself is the key.

"It seems we need to readjust our strategic priorities; we can't afford to waste all our energy on this one game with Hutchison Whampoa."

Li Jiacheng's gaze regained some depth and composure.

The loss of one battle does not mean the failure of the entire war.

He has weathered many storms; this is just another hurdle he needs to overcome, or perhaps an even greater one.

The conference room in the Weiye Building.

After Chen Bingwen informed Fang Wenshan, Huo Jianning, Gu Yongxian, and several department managers present of the news that a principle agreement had been reached with HSBC, he...

Everyone was thrilled.

This means that Sugar Capital will officially take control of Hutchison Whampoa, one of the Big Four British banks, marking a historic moment.

"Now is not the time to celebrate," Chen Bingwen said seriously, pouring some cold water on everyone's enthusiasm. "The most crucial stage is yet to come."

Negotiations on agreement details, fund allocation, communication with exchanges and regulatory agencies...

There are countless details to consider; every single step must be flawless!

He looked at Vincent Fang: "Director Fang, you are in charge of leading the final agreement negotiations and funding arrangements with HSBC, ensuring everything goes smoothly. Determine how much funding is needed and where it will be allocated, and formulate a plan immediately."

"Attorney Gu, you are responsible for all legal documents to ensure compliance, and at the same time, prepare a public announcement to reassure us of our confidence and commitment to the future development of Hutchison Whampoa."

"Jianning, get ready. As soon as the agreement is signed, you must lead a team to Hutchison Whampoa and exercise the rights of the controlling shareholder."

Especially with Veri, we need to communicate well to ensure a smooth transition.

Chen Bingwen issued clear instructions one by one, and everyone accepted the orders and went about their business.

Chen Bingwen was the only one left in the conference room.

Acquiring Hutchison Whampoa is just the first step.

How to integrate this vast business empire, how to revitalize it, and how to deal with potential reactions from Li Ka-shing and other shareholders —

The real challenge is just beginning.

But he was fearless.

Throughout his journey, he seized the opportunities presented by the times thanks to his keen insight and decisive courage.

In the future, he will continue down this path.

He recalled the enormous potential of Wong Wai in the fields of ports, real estate, and retail from his past life, and his heart was filled with anticipation.

What he needs to do is to unlock these potentials faster and better, and build an even more powerful business flagship.

A few days later, HSBC and Chen Bingwen jointly issued an announcement stating that HSBC would sell its 23% stake in Hutchison Whampoa Limited and related interests to Sugar Heart Capital, controlled by Mr. Chen Bingwen.

Upon completion of the transaction, the consortium will become the single largest shareholder of Hutchison Whampoa.

One stone caused a thousand waves!

The news instantly ignited the entire Hong Kong Island business district, with major newspapers rushing to report it on their front pages!

"Chinese business tycoon Chen Bingwen invests heavily to take control of Hutchison Whampoa!"

"A Deal of the Century! The Landscape of British Trading Companies Changes!"

"A young tycoon's astonishing rise to wealth!"

The market was in an uproar, with much discussion.

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The news spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys.

Tea restaurants, stock exchanges, and clubs for the wealthy—people are all buzzing about this sudden and dramatic change.

Hutchison Whampoa's share price fluctuated wildly after the market opened, with a large number of buy orders emerging after the opening price surged. The market expressed its initial approval of the new owner with real money, or rather, its expectation for the new opportunities that this change may bring.

No one expected that the person who ultimately acquired control of Hutchison Whampoa would be the young Chan Ping-man!

This means that the era of British-dominated business in Hong Kong is rapidly coming to an end, and a new era of Chinese-owned businesses is being ushered in by a new generation of business leaders.

Deep Water Bay, the Li family residence.

Early in the morning, Li Jiacheng sat at the dining table with several newspapers spread out in front of him. The front pages were full of news about Chen Bingwen taking over Hutchison Whampoa.

He sipped his porridge slowly, his face calm, but the hand holding the spoon gripped it more tightly than usual.

Zhuang Yueming looked at him and asked softly, "Did you see the news?"

"Hmm." Li Jiacheng responded, putting down his spoon. "It was expected, but I didn't expect HSBC to act so quickly."

His tone was flat, revealing little emotion, but there was a barely perceptible darkness deep in his eyes.

Even with mental preparation, the sense of defeat is still real when you actually see the confirmation in black and white.

"What are your plans for the future?" Zhuang Yueming asked with concern.

"Plans?" Li Jiacheng picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, stood up, and said, "Business will continue as usual, and life will go on as normal."

Losing one of them, Hutchison Whampoa, won't cause the sky to fall.

Our foundation is Cheung Kong Holdings, and no one can touch that.

Moreover, we remain a significant shareholder of Hutchison Whampoa.

He walked to the window, looked at a corner of Villa No. 75, and said in a deep voice, "What I care about now is the donation to build a university."

This needs to be done quickly and efficiently.

The mainland market is the real long-term solution.

He turned around and said with fighting spirit, "Chen Bingwen got the Hutchison Whampoa, which gave him an early advantage."

But this business marathon has only just begun.

Seeing her husband quickly adjust his state, Zhuang Yueming felt somewhat relieved.

She knew that her husband would not be defeated by a single setback.

In the following days, the Hong Kong business community continued to buzz about the deal.

Some financial commentators analyzed in newspapers that Chen Bingwen's success marks a new stage of development for Chinese-funded enterprises, which are no longer limited to traditional industries and local markets, but have begun to have the strength to compete with British giants on the international stage.

Some conservative voices worry that Chan Ping-man is too young and lacks experience in managing such a large and complex organization, and whether he can steer the giant ship of Hutchison Whampoa remains to be seen.

Many small and medium-sized businesses and investors are taking a wait-and-see approach, waiting to see what new policies the new owner will have and whether they can bring new business opportunities.

Under intense scrutiny, the working group dispatched by Sugar Heart Capital to Hutchison Whampoa, led by Canning Fok, quietly moved into Hutchison Whampoa's headquarters on Pedder Street and began exercising the rights of the controlling shareholder.

Chen Bingwen did not rush to appear at Hutchison Whampoa headquarters.

He remains seated at the Weiye Building, strategizing and planning.

He knew that maintaining a certain distance and letting the professional team handle professional matters was the wiser choice at this moment.

He needs time to think about a longer-term strategy.

A few days later, Cheung Kong Holdings announced its intention to donate funds to build a comprehensive university in Guangdong Province. Although it was only a preliminary intention, it still attracted widespread attention and was seen as a signal that Cheung Kong Holdings was deepening its expansion into the mainland market.

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