Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 238 Preparing for a retreat
Baron He Wei didn't take it seriously: "90 billion Hong Kong dollars, which is equivalent to 15.5 billion US dollars, can he pay it off in one go? Last night he even asked me to help him talk to you about extending the repayment period. You can go ahead and do it without worry."

Seeing that Baron He Wei insisted, Shen Bi sighed: "Baron He Wei, since you insist, then we have no choice but to do it this way."

After saying this, Shen Bi shook his head again, got up and left.

HSBC Group meeting room.

On the left sat Chen Jiajun, Oyuns, Huang Dawen, and others, while on the right sat HSBC Group's head, Sir Michael Sandberg, General Manager, and the group's legal counsel.

Sham Bi sighed and said helplessly, "Sir Chen, we have spoken with the Foreign Secretary."

"I'm very sorry, HSBC will still be withdrawing the loan. Whether you choose to pursue legal action or raise funds to repay the debt is up to you."

"In addition, since HSBC defaulted first, the interest will be waived."

After saying this, Shen Bi sighed. He accepted the situation regardless of whether Chen Jiajun would be released or not.

If he cannot repay the debt, according to Baron Hewitt, as long as Chen Jiajun bows his head and admits his mistake to the British Empire, Sir Chen will still be a good comrade of the British Empire.

At this moment, the pressure suddenly fell on Chen Jiajun's side, and both Oyuns and Huang Dawen looked at Chen Jiajun.

Chen Jiajun took out a cigar: "Shen Bi, we've known each other for three years now, and I understand you're under pressure."

Baron Hewitt's decision was within Chen Jiajun's expectations.

When a nation uses all its resources against you, a paltry HK$9.1 million is nothing to Baron Hewitt.

Anyway, it's not like he's the one who's losing money.

Shen Bi nodded and said, "I have no other choice. Thank you for your understanding."

“Dum.” Chen Jiajun extended his hand.

Doom took a document out of his pocket and placed it in Chen Jiajun's hand.

Chen Jiajun pushed it over directly and said, "This is a deposit certificate from a Swiss bank. I will immediately notify the Swiss side to transfer the funds. The total of 90 billion will arrive tomorrow."

After saying that, Chen Jiajun took the lead in getting up and leaving gracefully.

When Shen Bi took the deposit certificate, he saw that the figure on it was a staggering US$8,075,860,000.

"Boom."

In an instant, countless flavors of sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter surged into Shen Bi's mind.

I'll beat your mother!

He'd been tricked!
Chen Jiajun wasn't just bluffing.
On the contrary, they were extremely confident!

That's why they took the opportunity to ask for an interest waiver.

"Big Boss, how much savings does Sir Chan have?" Pu Weishi leaned over to take a look and immediately froze on the spot.

After the landlord withdraws all the funds and deducts the money from everyone else, Chen Jiajun will receive 73 billion US dollars. In addition, the group's recent profits have all been converted into US dollars, so the total is more than 80 billion US dollars.

"Sir Chen, Sir Chen, let's talk this over."

At this moment, Shen Bi felt extremely regretful. He stood up and shouted loudly at Chen Jiajun, who was walking out of the conference room.

Outside the VIP meeting room was HSBC's senior management office area. Hearing the commotion inside the meeting room, everyone gathered at the door to see what was going on.

Inside the meeting room, Shen Bi coughed up a mouthful of blood and roared, "Foreign Minister He Wei, f***... *pfft*..."

After saying that, Shen Bi fainted on the ground.

Blood splattered on the blank wall, a shocking sight.

The meeting room descended into chaos.

HK$9.1 million, what does that mean?
Even a large conglomerate like HSBC only makes a profit of 20 billion a year.

Because of Baron Hewitt's decision, HSBC has essentially wasted more than half a year's work.

After leaving the HSBC Building, Chan Ka-Chun went to one of his private clubs in Central.

The original penthouse in the Guojun Building could no longer meet his needs for private receptions, so last year Chen Jiajun bought a penthouse in a building in Central and turned it into a private club.

At this moment, sitting in front of Chen Jiajun were Jardine Matheson's taipan, Newbikin, and Hongkong Land's general manager, Paul Bo.

To guard against Baron Hewitt's underhanded tactics, Chan Ka-Chun decided to buy Hong Kong Electric first. Hong Kong Electric is one of the two main electricity suppliers in Hong Kong.

"please."

In the lavish yet tastefully decorated clubhouse, a waiter served freshly ground coffee, while Chen Jiajun sat at the coffee table, leisurely brewing Pu'er tea.

"Thank you."

Newbijian took the coffee and said with a smile, "Sir Chen, why do you still prefer to brew your own tea even though you're so rich now?"

He and Chan Ka-Chun were old acquaintances; they had met several times during the acquisition of Wharf Holdings.

"This is the difference between us Chinese and you. In our eyes, brewing tea is a kind of culture. People often think that a man who can brew tea is steady and reliable, because brewing tea requires the most effort and thought, and you have to immerse yourself in learning it."

Chen Jiajun explained to Niu Bijian with a smile.

Newbijian took a sip of coffee and praised, "When you say that, it reminds me of what I learned during my research trip to America. Americans told me that a barbecue grill is a symbol of masculinity. Almost every family has one, but they never let other men touch it; they treat it like a treasure."

"Haha, that's pretty much it."

A burst of good-natured smiles erupted from the crowd.

Chen Jiajun poured himself a cup of tea and said, "Niu Bijian, I've called you here today because I want to discuss a business deal with you."

"Go ahead," Newbjörn said, gesturing for them to speak.

“I want to acquire Hong Kong Electric Holdings Limited. Please give me a price.” Chen Jiajun looked at the other party with bright eyes.

Jardine Matheson was one of the four major foreign trading companies in Hong Kong, and was known as the king of foreign trading companies.

Long before Hong Kong was seized by the British, the Jardine Matheson Group had already started doing business in China and had been controlled by the Keswick family for many years.

Since it's known as the king of foreign firms, it must have something special about it.

Jardine Matheson's group of companies includes Jardine Fleming, Hongkong Land, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Dairy Farm, Hong Electric, and so on. To put it simply, the Jardine Matheson group has grown alongside this city.

Many streets and buildings are named after people associated with the Jardine Matheson Group.

Jardine Matheson is currently the largest real estate developer in Hong Kong, bar none.

Upon hearing Chen Jiajun's request to acquire Hong Kong Electric, Newbikin put down his coffee cup and smiled, saying, "Sir Chen, you should know that our Jardine Matheson Group is not short of money, right?"

Not short of money?
Chen Jiajun almost burst out laughing after hearing this.

Such talk is only good for fooling laymen.

Jardine Matheson's debt is in the tens of billions.

Chen Jiajun flicked his cigar ash and sneered, "Let's not beat around the bush. You know better than I how much debt the Jardine Matheson Group has."

"Ahem." Newbikin coughed and said, "Sir Chan, as far as I know, you owe HSBC HK$95 billion, don't you?"

The implication is clear: Where did you get the money to acquire Hong Kong Electric Group?

Chen Jiajun chuckled and said, "Newbie, your information channels are outdated. I've already discussed the repayment with HSBC today, and I'll transfer the 95 billion tomorrow..."

"hiss."

Newbikin and Bobby gasped. These days, who would choose to repay a loan they owed to a bank?
Judging from Sir Chen's confident demeanor, he didn't seem to be lying.

Chen Jiajun waved his hand and said, "I called you here today not to discuss how we owe HSBC money... In short, how much are you willing to pay for Hong Kong Electric Group? Currently, Hong Kong Electric Group's share price is HK$6, and your Jardine Matheson Group has a total of 45000 million shares. I'll offer a premium of 4 cents per share. Are you willing to sell or not? Cash transaction."

Newbijian remained unmoved: "Sir Chen, this is not about money."

Chen Jiajun laughed and said, "Newbie, your Jardine Matheson must have heard about Foreign Minister Hewitt's negotiations with the mainland, right? Are you really not afraid? As far as I know, the Jardine Matheson headquarters was in Shanghai back then, and quite a few of its assets were confiscated, weren't they?"

"Besides, Hong Kong Electric Group is not Jardine Matheson's main business, and you know its profitability. Why not sell it to me now?"

Upon hearing this, Niu Bijian's face immediately turned ugly.

He hesitated, saying, "Sir Chen, this isn't something you can just buy whenever you want, is it? The past is the past. Besides, as far as we know, the mainland gives to England..."

“Then it’s HK$7 per share, a premium of HK$1 per share,” Chen Jiajun interrupted Newbikin. Newbikin shook his head and said, “When our Jardine Matheson Group acquired Hong Kong Electric, the price per share was HK$6.75.”

"So how much do you want?" Chen Jiajun leaned back on the sofa, looking at the two of them with interest.

Seeing Chen Jiajun's insistence on buying, Newbijian saw an opportunity and tentatively asked, "Could you...?"

"You're asking for it, aren't you?"

Doom slammed his fist on the table, causing the coffee and tea cups to bounce, and his muscles twitched up and down.

"My elder brother bought your Hong Kong Electric Group, that's giving Jardine Matheson face, and you're still complaining?"

Old Yu threw the butterfly knife in his hand, hitting the bullseye, and glared angrily.

A group of people glared at Newbitch and Bobby, waiting for their leader to speak so they could give the two a taste of iron fists.

Looking into the eyes of the young demon slaves in the private club... Newbijian couldn't help but recall the fates of Zhang Renlong, the Jiang brothers, and a series of rumors.

With over a hundred thousand brothers in Hung Hing, they could easily send just a few men to take his life.

He's just a professional manager at Jardine Matheson, why does he have to work so hard?

Newbridge immediately picked up his coffee: "Sir Chan, seven dollars is seven dollars. If you ask for an extra penny, I'll be your son."

“Now I’ve changed my mind. Six yuan per share, take it or leave it.” Chen Jiajun crossed his legs and looked at the two of them with a mocking expression.

"Six dollars it is, Sir Chen, I've decided to be your friend." Newbie gritted his teeth.

“Okay, keep the transaction confidential for now. Have Jardine Matheson’s lawyer come over to sign the contract.” Chen Jiajun nodded in satisfaction.

After the transaction with Jardine Matheson was completed, Chan Ka-Chun held 45000 million shares of HK Electric Holdings Limited, representing a 34.6% stake, making him the largest shareholder of HK Electric Holdings Limited.

For a moment, Chen Jiajun felt a pang of heartache, knowing that in 1985, Li Ka-shing acquired Hong Kong Electric for HK$6.40 per share.

But back then, Hong Kong dollars weren't worth nearly as much as they are now.

After the successful acquisition of Hong Kong Electric, the most important thing next is CLP Group.

If the British Hong Kong government were to really take drastic measures to suppress him, it would definitely be a comprehensive attack. Back then, the British Hong Kong government cut off the electricity to Fok Ying-nam's Star Club.

Just in case, Chen Jiajun also had to acquire the Kadoorie family's CLP Group.

Unlike Jardine Matheson, the Kadoorie family is a very tough nut to crack, and CLP Group is one of the core businesses of the Kadoorie family.

22 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

One after another, top-of-the-line luxury cars stopped in front of the Peninsula Hotel, and members of the Landlord Association, including Zhan Peizhong, Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, Luo Minsheng, Chen Zhan, and Mai Shengyun, stepped into the hotel one after another.

They were all adorned with gold and silver, with bodyguards and assistants close at hand, exuding an air of grandeur and authority.

Along the way, they were greeted by celebrities and wealthy people.

The most astonishing news in Hong Kong's business world these past two days has been the repayment of a HK$90 billion loan from HSBC by Sir Chan, chairman of the Titan Group.

It is said that Sir Chen's Dragon Fund was managed by Zhan Peizhong, Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, and others. In just two years, it achieved an astonishing average annual return of 100%.

Not only that, some of the funds of Lin Mingze, Huo Yingnan, He Xin and others were also managed by Zhan Peizhong and others, and the huge profits earned made Lin Mingze, Huo Yingnan, He Xin and others grin from ear to ear.

Therefore, these people are also known as the God of Wealth.

Of course, all the members of the Landlords' Guild knew that the person who created all these legends was not them, but Sir Chen.

Last night, Sir Chen gave them orders to come to the Peninsula Hotel for a meeting, which is why everyone has gathered here.

"Boss, everyone's here." Zhan Peizhong looked at Chen Jiajun.

Chen Jiajun nodded and said, "Okay, the reason I've gathered everyone here today is because I want to acquire China Electronics Corporation."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression turned strange.

The reason is that CLP Group is owned by the Kadoorie family, as is the Peninsula Hotel.

Sir Chen was actually sitting in the Peninsula Hotel, plotting with them about the future and fate of China Power Group.

Good guy.

Sima Xiang, the oldest member of the Landlords' Association, said, "Sir Chen, the Kadoorie family holds 34% of the shares in CLP Group. The shareholding has always been very stable, making the acquisition extremely difficult. Do you want a quick victory or..."

"The faster the better. I don't expect to acquire all the shares held by the Kadoorie family, but I at least want to get the position of chairman of the board," Chen Jiajun said.

Huang Shitong cautioned, "If that's the case, it might be a case of more harm than good, Sir Chen."

Chen Jiajun waved his hand and said, "Is funding still a problem for me?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately brightened. With Chen Jiajun's current net worth, buying the entire CLP Group wouldn't be a problem.

"Although funding isn't an issue, in line with our style, we must fight a decisive battle and try to save the boss money. This is the information I gathered last night."

Zhan Peizhong set the tone for this acquisition battle by distributing the documents to everyone.

Luo Minsheng flipped through the pages and said, "Sir Chen, I think we can start by acquiring the shares of the Grand Hotel Group."

Chen Jiajun nodded: "Go ahead."

Luo Minsheng spoke eloquently: "I recently received news that Kadoorie Group's CLP is preparing to expand and has recently purchased a lot of equipment. The Kadoorie family has also contributed a lot of money, and the Kadoorie family's cash flow is currently a bit tight."

"The equity structure of the hotel group is somewhat unstable, which presents an opportunity for us."

In 1923, the Kadoorie family acquired the then "Shanghai Hotel Company Limited" and merged it with "Hong Kong Grand Hotel Company Limited" to form "Hong Kong Shanghai Grand Hotel Company Limited".

In 1928, the Peninsula Hotel, just steps away from Kowloon Pier, opened its doors. The Peninsula Hotel introduced classic English afternoon tea and was the first hotel in Hong Kong to serve afternoon tea.

For many years, thanks to the influence of movies and literature, going to the Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea has been seen as a very stylish, sophisticated, and pretentious thing to do.

However, due to its history and special significance to Hong Kong people, the Peninsula Hotel has indeed become an undisputed symbol of Hong Kong's cultural and economic heyday, emphasizing both luxury and sentiment, and its status is irreplaceable.

Although the Kadoorie family was the largest shareholder of the hotel for a long time, they had to "choose the bear's paw over the fish" because investing in the power industry required a large amount of capital, and gradually reduced their shareholding in the hotel.

By the 70s, the largest shareholder of the Grand Hotel had become Leung Chung-ho, the second generation of the Leung Cheung family of Hong Kong, who had always been keen on acquiring properties in downtown areas for investment.

The Liang Chang family has some connection with He Xin; he and Fu Laorong were the first generation of casino operators in Macau.

He later suffered a mental breakdown, frequently handing out banknotes and watches on the street, and committed suicide by jumping off a building in 1979.

After Liang Chang's death, his son Liang Zhonghao is now in charge of the Liang family.

Leung Chung-ho holds 31% of the shares in the Grand Hotel and also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grand Hotel. He and the Kadoorie family have a clear division of labor and jointly operate the Grand Hotel Group. As for the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors, the two parties take turns serving.

Luo Minsheng's idea was to acquire the Grand Hotel shares held by Liang Zhonghao and oust Kadoorie from the Grand Hotel's board of directors.

As the founders of the Grand Hotel, the Kadoorie family would certainly not allow themselves to be driven out of their ancestral business and would definitely raise funds to launch a counter-takeover campaign.

While the Kadoorie family launched its anti-takeover campaign, members of the Landlords Association immediately acquired CLP Group.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiajun's eyes lit up. He nodded and said, "Okay, Luo Minsheng will lead this acquisition battle. The money will come from Longteng Fund. Everyone will assist him. Luo Minsheng, do a good job."

"Yes, thank you, Sir Chen."

Luo Minsheng stood up and immediately felt as if he had been given a royal robe.

"Good luck, everyone." With that, Chen Jiajun raised his wine glass to the crowd.

Zhan Peizhong, Huang Shitong, Sima Xiang, and others also raised their glasses at the same time.

At noon that day.

At the Shangri-La Hotel, Sima Xiang and Luo Minsheng met with Liang Zhonghao, and the three chatted and laughed.

Sima Xiang, Luo Minsheng, and others are now at the center of the storm, becoming the targets of pursuit by media outlets of all sizes in Hong Kong.

Every move they make can spark a lot of speculation from outsiders and stock market investors.

The Leung Chung-ho family is also a long-established family in Hong Kong. His father, Leung Cheung, was one of the founders of Hang Seng Bank.

The combination of these three immediately attracted the attention of interested parties.

(End of this chapter)