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

Chapter 265 Investment Promotion (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)

In the office, both Morris and Huo Jianning looked at Chen Bingwen, waiting for him to make a decision.

Chen Bingwen recalled the well-known Chinese-language media brands from his past life.

Suddenly, the word "phoenix" popped up.

Phoenix TV.

Although satellite television technology is not yet mature and Hong Kong Island does not yet have the conditions for large-scale promotion, the name "Phoenix" itself, and its meaning of "phoenix rebirth" are simply tailor-made for RTV at this moment.

It has shed the old name "Lidi" which carries a colonial and outdated connotation, signifying a complete transformation and a broad vision that will not appear petty when it goes international in the future.

"Although each of these names proposed by Morris has its own considerations," Chen Bingwen slowly spoke, breaking the silence, "I feel that they are all lacking something. Either they don't have a grand enough vision, or they don't sound like the names of a TV station that can stand the test of time."

Perhaps we can be bolder and have a broader perspective.

He paused, glanced at Morris and Huo Jianning, and said, "I'm considering a new name, Phoenix TV."

"Phoenix?"

Morris repeated it unconsciously.

"Yes, the phoenix. It symbolizes the phoenix's rebirth from the ashes."

Chen Bingwen explained, "This perfectly symbolizes that after we take over Rediffusion, we will transform it and give it a new life."

Moreover, the image of the phoenix represents auspiciousness, nobility, and vitality in Chinese culture, and enjoys widespread recognition.

Although satellite television technology was not yet mature at the time, and conditions on Hong Kong Island were limited, this name left room for imagination regarding our potential future regional and even global Chinese-language broadcasting.

He looked at Maurice and Huo Jianning: "What do you think?"

Morris pondered it carefully, his eyes gradually brightening: "Phoenix TV—Phoenix Rebirth—this is a very good meaning, Mr. Chen!"

This name has both cultural depth and an uplifting spirit. Moreover, it sounds more concrete and approachable than ATV, and has a broader scope than Five Star TV or ATV.

I believe that both employees and viewers will find it easier to accept and remember this name.

Huo Jianning nodded in agreement, "This name is indeed good. It is both easy to understand and grand, which is very much in line with your previous statement about being rooted in the local area and looking towards the future."

"Okay, since everyone thinks it's feasible, let's tentatively decide on this direction for the TV station's name change."

Chen Bingwen made the decision: "Morris, you take the lead, together with the brand consultants, to quickly develop a comprehensive visual identity design and promotion plan for the new Phoenix TV brand."

The new name and brand image will be launched grandly and decisively once the internal integration has yielded initial results and a decent new program has been launched.

"Understood, Mr. Chen! I will organize a team to implement this as soon as possible."

Morris took notes with great enthusiasm.

"There's one more thing," Chen Bingwen said to Morris, "The content of a television station is key, and the core of content is talent."

A good name alone is not enough; you need good programs and good actors to support it.

I've compiled a list of screenwriters, directors, actors, and producers who I believe have great potential or have already begun to shine.

As he spoke, he handed a prepared list to Maurice.

The list includes many names, some already somewhat famous, others still relatively unknown, but all categorized by author(s), director(s), etc.

The categories are clearly divided into actors, productions, etc.

The screenwriters include Wong Jing, Wai Ka-fai, and Tang Tak-hei.

Directors include Johnnie To, Chiu Chun-keung, and Lee Kwok-lap.

Actors include Chow Yun-fat, Angie Chiu, Adam Cheng, Felix Wong, and Michael Miu.

Chen Bingwen knew that some of these people might still be at the bottom, but had huge potential, while others were already key members of TVB. It was difficult to poach them, but they were also very valuable.

"There are many talented people on the TVB side, but even under such a large organization, there are bound to be some overlooked talents or those whose development is limited."

Your task is to find ways to poach as many people as possible from our list, whether from wireless or other sources.

Especially young people who have ideas and drive.

We can offer more generous compensation, but the key is to provide them with the space and platform to showcase their talents.

Chen Bingwen instructed, "We need to build our own talent pool, which is more important than simply buying dramas."

Morris took the list and quickly glanced through it. He recognized some of the names but was not familiar with others. However, he trusted Chen Bingwen's judgment: "I understand, Mr. Chen."

Talent is fundamental.

I will set up a dedicated team to work on this quietly but proactively, and to strengthen our production team as soon as possible.

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Just as Chen Bingwen was paving the way for the future of Phoenix TV, another undercurrent was quietly brewing.

The atmosphere in the luxurious office of Chen Songqing, chairman of the Jianing Group, was not as smug as outsiders might have imagined.

Chen Songqing sat behind his huge desk, listening to his subordinates' report on the failed acquisition of Lijia Soda Factory. His usual smile faded, and a shadow crossed his face.

"Li Luyan ultimately chose Sugar Heart Capital?" Chen Songqing's voice didn't reveal much emotion, but those familiar with him could sense his displeasure.

"Yes, Mr. Chen. Li Tai's reply was very polite, but the meaning was very clear: they believe that Sugar Heart Capital's proposal is more in line with the long-term development of Li Jia Soft Drink Factory's business, especially their commitment to employee resettlement is more specific."

The subordinate reported cautiously.

"Hmph, long-term development?"

"Employee placement?" Chen Songqing scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Chen Bingwen—he's quick to act, always meddling in everything."

He was originally determined to acquire the land of the Lijia Soda Factory. The location was excellent, and whether he resold it or developed it himself, he could tell another compelling capital story and further boost Jianing's stock price.

Unexpectedly, Chen Bingwen intercepted the deal halfway through.

This made him feel as if he had been humiliated by a young man. Although he didn't show it on his face, he was really annoyed inside.

"Mr. Chen, should we—create some trouble for Sugar Heart Capital in other ways?" the subordinate asked tentatively.

Chen Songqing waved his hand, his enigmatic smile returning to his face: "No need."

In the business world, it's all about ability.

Chen Sheng is young and ambitious, launching attacks on multiple fronts. We should just wait and see.

Perhaps—if he expands too much, he'll run into problems.

Our focus at Carnegie is on doing our own thing well, telling the story of the Golden Gate Tower effectively, and driving up the stock price. Also, we'll explore whether there are any other high-quality assets available for acquisition.

He paused, then added, "However, you should all be more careful about any business related to Sugar Heart Capital in the future."

Extra caution is needed regarding financial transactions and contract details.

"Understood, Mr. Chen."

Chen Songqing dismissed his subordinates and sat alone in his office, lost in thought.

Chen Bingwen's rise was indeed faster than he expected, and his approach was different from his own model of rapid expansion through financial skills and leverage, leaning more towards industrial integration and cash flow.

Chen Songqing sees this kind of "hard work" as somewhat thankless, but he has to admit that its foundation may be more solid.

He decided to hold back for the time being and wait and see before making any further plans.

However, in his heart, he already regarded Chen Bingwen as a potential adversary who needed to be highly vigilant.

That day, Chen Bingwen received a call from Zhang Jianhua, the general manager of China Resources.

"Mr. Chen, have you been busy lately?" Zhang Jianhua's voice was as warm as ever.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang. It's alright, just some routine company matters," Chen Bingwen replied politely.

"Here's the thing, next Wednesday afternoon, at the China Resources Building in Wan Chai, we'll be holding a small-scale investment promotion seminar, mainly to introduce the latest investment policies and some cooperative projects from the mainland, especially Guangdong Province. The attendees will be friends from the Hong Kong Island business community."

"If you have time, Mr. Chen, you'd be welcome to come over and sit down. We can exchange ideas and I'd also like to hear your views on the development of mainland China."

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Zhang Jianhua extended an invitation.

Chen Bingwen's heart stirred.

The investment promotion symposium organized by China Resources is of a high level, and the fact that Zhang Jianhua personally called to invite them is itself a signal.

He also wanted to learn more about the latest developments in mainland China in order to accelerate the development of the beverage industry.

"Since Mr. Zhang has invited me, I will definitely attend. Is next Wednesday afternoon?"

"I'll definitely be there on time." Chen Bingwen readily agreed.

"Okay, it's settled then. I'll have my secretary send you the specific time."

On Wednesday afternoon, Chan Ping-man arrived at the China Resources Building in Wan Chai on time.

The symposium was held in a conference room on the top floor, with views of Victoria Harbour outside the window.

There were already more than a dozen people in the conference room, mostly business people over forty or fifty years old, including some familiar faces.

Zhang Jianhua was exchanging pleasantries with several guests when he saw Chen Bingwen enter. He immediately greeted him with a smile.

"Mr. Chen, welcome, welcome! Come, let me introduce you to some friends." Zhang Jianhua warmly pulled Chen Bingwen towards several middle-aged men who were talking.

"This is Mr. Chen Bingwen of Sugar Heart Capital, who is also a director of Guoxin Company. He is young and promising!"

This is Mr. Hu from Hopewell Holdings, this is Mr. Tang from South Sea Textile Mills, and this is Mr. Yuan Geng from China Merchants Group (Hong Kong Island Branch).

When Yuan Geng was introduced, Chen Bingwen felt a slight jolt.

Yuan Geng!

The de facto head of the Shekou Industrial Zone, and one of the iconic figures of the future reform and opening up.

At this time, Yuan Geng looked to be in his fifties. He was not tall, but he had sharp eyes and was in good spirits.

"Mr. Yuan, I've long admired your name." Chen Bingwen extended his hand, his voice filled with respect.

He had genuine admiration for this pragmatic individual who truly pioneered on the front lines.

Yuan Geng smiled and shook hands with Chen Bingwen: "Mr. Chen, you are too kind. You are the one who is truly remarkable. We have all heard about your acquisition of the British company in Shekou."

After exchanging pleasantries, the discussion began.

Representatives from China Resources and China Merchants Group mainly introduced the investment environment, preferential policies, and specific cooperation projects in mainland China, especially Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.

The report highlighted the planning of the Shekou Industrial Zone, including infrastructure construction, preferential policies for processing trade enterprises, and a blueprint for future development.

Yuan Geng also gave a brief speech, without much empty talk, mainly talking about the types of industries that Shekou urgently needs to introduce, such as electronics, textiles, toys, and building materials, as well as the special support given to enterprises that bring advanced technology and management experience.

His speech was pragmatic and direct, and carried a passion for getting things done and starting businesses.

Chen Bingwen listened attentively, his mind racing.

The Shekou Industrial Zone enjoys a unique geographical advantage, being adjacent to Hong Kong Island and possessing significant policy advantages.

Although it looks like a wasteland now, it has huge potential for future development.

His main business now is beverages and food, which doesn't seem to directly match the manufacturing industry that Shekou is currently focusing on attracting investment to.

However, it's always good to plan ahead.

Perhaps we could set up a simple bottling plant or packaging material plant there first. On the one hand, we could take advantage of the cost advantages of the mainland, and on the other hand, we could establish a foothold in advance, familiarize ourselves with the environment, and prepare for larger investments in the future.

During the tea break, Chen Bingwen made a point of walking over to Yuan Geng.

"Mr. Yuan, from your introduction just now, the development strategy of Shekou is very clear and inspiring."

"Is Mr. Chen interested?"

Yuan asked with a smile, his eyes filled with inquiry.

"I am indeed somewhat interested."

In particular, Shekou's geographical location and policies are very attractive to companies targeting Hong Kong Island and overseas markets.

Chen Bingwen carefully considered his words, "Our Sugar Heart Capital mainly focuses on the food and beverage business. We'd like to know what specific preferential policies and conveniences are currently available for investing and setting up a factory in Shekou?"

Upon hearing that it was about industrial investment, Yuan Geng became even more interested: "Welcome!"

We strongly support any investment in real industries.

There are specific preferential measures for land use, taxation, raw material imports, and finished product exports.

If Mr. Chen is interested, he is welcome to come to Shekou for an on-site inspection at any time, and we can discuss the details.

Despite the current challenging conditions, we're moving very fast. We believe time is money and efficiency is life.

"Time is money, efficiency is life—" Chen Bingwen repeated this slogan that would later become widely known, nodding in approval, "Well said."

Mr. Yuan, we will definitely visit you in Shekou sometime to see for ourselves.

"Great! You're welcome anytime!"

Yuan readily agreed and had his assistant leave Chen Bingwen's contact information.

No concrete agreement was reached at the meeting, but it was very fruitful for Chen Bingwen.

He had direct contact with key figures like Yuan Geng, gaining a more intuitive understanding of Shekou and opening a window for future plans in the mainland.

He also noted that among the Hong Kong businessmen attending the meeting, not many showed genuine interest in Shekou; most adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

This might just be an opportunity.

A few days later, the preliminary due diligence results for Lijia Soft Drink Factory came out.

Mai Lisi reported to Chen Bingwen: "Mr. Chen, the financial situation of Lijia Soft Drink Factory is healthier than expected. The brand has a certain degree of loyalty among the local middle-aged and elderly population, and the distribution channels are also relatively complete."

However, the equipment is indeed outdated, production efficiency is low, and the product line is limited, mainly relying on a few traditional carbonated beverages. Facing new market competition, the pressure is considerable.

.

It seems that Li Tai genuinely wants to sell; their negotiating approach is quite pragmatic.

Chen Bingwen nodded. Li Luyan was a sensible person. She knew that this business might not be able to flourish under her control. It would be better to cash out as soon as possible and use the funds in investment areas where she was more skilled.

Regarding the price, what is your assessment of a reasonable range?

"Based on the assessment of assets and profitability, we believe that a range of HK$45 million to HK$50 million is reasonable."

"Of course, the final price still needs to be negotiated," McLeish replied.

"Can.

We need to organize a team and begin formal negotiations with Litai as soon as possible. The principle is to accept all employees, and we want both the brand and the factory.

Prices can approach their upper limit, but a smooth transition must be ensured.

Chen Bingwen gave instructions.

He values ​​the increased production capacity and distribution channels that the acquisition will bring, as well as the strategic value of eliminating a local competitor.

"clear."

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