746, Wharf takeover war begins Clouds move in all directions
Just as people in Hong Kong were preparing for Christmas, Bao Yugang, chairman of Global Shipping and once the richest man in Hong Kong, held a press conference!
This press conference was held without any warning, catching everyone off guard.
"In order to protect the interests of individuals and families, we will purchase an additional 18 million shares of Wharf at a cash price of HK$105 per share in the name of individuals and families. The period will be five days next Monday, and the amount involved will reach HK$18.9 billion.
The relevant additional purchase procedures will be entrusted to Fengwu Securities Company."
It is now the closing time of Hong Kong stocks on Friday afternoon, and Hong Kong stocks will not open for the next two days, so Bao Yugang has postponed the decisive battle to next week!
As soon as this news came out, the entire press conference went into a frenzy. Reporters from Xiangjiang newspapers who had been invited by Bao began to ask Bao Yugang about the specific situation.
The most critical one is how Bao suddenly raised so much cash!
Bao Yugang did not give a specific reply to this, but said that Bao has prepared the funds. Now, if there are investors who want to sell Wharf stocks, they can contact Fengwu Securities immediately tomorrow. In addition, Bao Yugang once again
Emphasizing that they will only purchase 18 million additional shares of Wharf this time, after exceeding this number, Bao will stop purchasing additional shares of Wharf.
This is also to increase the nervousness of investors holding Wharf stocks.
The news spread instantly in Xiangjiang.
Chu Huan learned the news at Zhao Yazhi's villa.
"I understand, I'm going to the company now!" After putting down the phone, Chu Huan stroked the belly of Zhao Yazhi, who was already pregnant.
"I have some things to do at the company, so I'll come see you in the evening!"
Zhao Yazhi nodded, with a happy smile on her face. This smile has not disappeared since she became pregnant.
"Well, then Brother Huan, be careful!"
Chu Huan nodded, left Zhao Yazhi's villa with his coat on board, and took a car straight to the Chinese Bank.
"Bao Yu just held a press conference and officially announced the acquisition of Wharf."
After Xu Yi saw Chu Huan, he immediately turned on the TV and showed Chu Huan the pre-recorded content about Bao Yugang's press conference.
Looking at the high-spirited Bao Yugang on TV, Chu Huan nodded and said, "The war has finally begun!"
Xu Yi couldn't help but nodded. To outsiders, this acquisition war was about Wharf, but for Chu Huan and others, in fact, the beginning of the Wharf acquisition war also meant that they were about to officially start the Jardine acquisition war.
!
"Are the funds ready?" Chu Huan asked Xu Yi.
Xu Yi nodded and said, "We have transferred funds from North America and are completely ready!"
Chu Huan sat back on the sofa, "Now let's see how Niubijian will deal with it!"
In another time and space, the decisive battle of the Wharf acquisition war was initiated by Land and Land. At that time, they suddenly launched a surprise attack on Bao while Bao Yugang was attending the International Independent Tanker Owners Conference in Europe.
As a result, Bao Yugang changed all his itinerary and secretly returned to Xiangjiang to start a takeover battle for Wharf.
Now the Wharf acquisition war is initiated by Bao Yugang. What remains to be seen is whether Land will adopt the previous strategy.
Xu Yi said with some worry, "Boss, is it possible that Real Estate would abandon Wharf after seeing Bao Yugang offer such a high purchase price?"
Chu Huan shook his head. This time, Land's holdings of Wharf shares far exceeded those of the same period in another time and space. Moreover, Wharf is one of Land's most important properties. If there is no fight, Land will give up the fight with Bao Yugang, then Land will
It will give people the impression of being strong on the outside but capable on the inside.
You must know that at this time and space, Jardine Matheson did not increase its holdings in Land. At this time, if Wharf was acquired by Bao Yugang so smoothly, then Land will arouse the concern of many people, and the consequences of this will not be sustainable at all.
This is not what Yihe wants to see.
"Is there any news from Yihe?"
Xu Yi shook his head and said, "Not yet."
Yes, but I just had a phone call with Mr. Gu, and now all the newspapers and media in Xiangjiang have gone to the Kang Le Building to know what the other party thinks.
In addition, Wen Mingzhang also called and said that he is now preparing to go to Jardine to attend Jardine's board of directors!"
Chu Huan said, "Always pay attention, I want to know Land's thoughts as soon as possible!"
"yes!"
Kangle Building, Jardine headquarters!
"Mr. Keswick, this is what happened. This afternoon Bao Yugang suddenly announced the acquisition of Wharf and set the price of each Wharf stock to HK$105 per share. Now the company's directors are already in the conference room
We are waiting here, and they all want to know what our plans are!"
At this time, Newbikin was reporting the situation in Hong Kong to Henry Keswick who was far away in London, and his expression was mostly worried.
Nowadays, the company has just invested all its cash in expanding 7-11. As a result, at this time, Bao Yugang suddenly announced a plan to acquire Wharf, which completely disrupted all their plans!
The Wharf matter was too serious for Jardine and Land, and Newbijian did not dare to make his own decision.
"What's the plan?" Henry Keswick's voice roared on the phone, "Of course we can't give up Wharf. Do you know what Wharf means to Land and Jardine?"
Jardine Matheson is known as the Hong Kong super conglomerate that flies together with two wings, and the two wings of Jardine Matheson are actually Land and Wharf.
Now, one of his wings is about to be snatched away. Faced with such a result, Henry Keswick naturally cannot give up!
Newbikin didn't want to give up Wharf either, but now, he had to explain two things to Henry Keswick.
"Mr. Keswick, first of all, because of the previous cash-burning war in the retail industry in Xiangjiang and the current expansion of 7-11, all the company's liquid cash has been eaten up. Now it is Friday night again. I want to use it at this time.
Raising money is a very difficult thing.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! And it’s such a huge amount of money!”
After a pause, Newbijian continued, "In addition, Bao Yugang has now raised the price of Wharf to HK$105 per share. If we choose to exchange shares for shares at this time, shareholders will definitely buy it.
But if it is a cash acquisition, we must at least come up with an acquisition price equal to Bao's.
It’s not easy for us to raise this amount of money these days.”
The two problems can actually be regarded as one problem, that is, Jardine simply cannot come up with so much cash at this time!
Henry Keswick said over the phone, "If there is no other way, you have to find a way. So you should immediately contact the three banks, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Hang Seng, and apply for help from them. I will also contact the British locals here in London."
I will negotiate with the bank, and whether I can receive the money or not, I will fly to Xiangjiang tomorrow."
The Wharf takeover battle was such a major event that Henry Keswick could not possibly watch the battle from as far away as London.
Newbikin originally wanted to talk to Henry Keswick about another matter, but thinking that Henry Keswick would come to Xiangjiang tomorrow, he finally decided to wait until Henry Keswick came to Xiangjiang before discussing this matter.
.
"Yes, I'm waiting for you in Xiangjiang!"
After hanging up the phone, Niubijian saw Bao Fuda and Karmanin sitting in his office, both with eager eyes on their faces.
Baofuda immediately asked Newbijian after he hung up the phone, "What did Mr. Keswick say?"
Newbigan said, "Mr. Keswick means that Wharf must never be given up!"
Bao Fuda worriedly said, "If we don't give up Wharf, we will need at least 2.6 billion Hong Kong dollars in cash to be able to compete with Bao Yugang, but at this time the group simply does not have that much cash!"
"I have told Mr. Keswick about this matter. He means that we should quickly contact HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Hang Seng to apply for loans from them. In addition, Keswick
Mr. K will also be raising funds over there in London!"
"HSBC is currently competing with Standard Chartered Bank for the Royal Bank of Scotland. In addition, it has previously provided loans to many department stores in Hong Kong. Do they have so much cash at this time?
The situation of Standard Chartered Bank and Hang Seng Bank is similar to that of HSBC. I don’t think they can provide us with sufficient loans!”
Bao Fuda still has no optimistic thoughts about this matter.
"The timing chosen by Bao Yugang is really great. I suspect that he has been watching us, waiting for us to invest all the funds in the expansion of 7-11, and then suddenly take action. If there is no expansion of 7-11,
The company’s funds will no longer be so tight!”
Karmanin also preached seriously.
Newbijian waved his hands and said, "It's useless to talk about this now. The most important thing is how we get through this difficulty!"
Having said this, Niubijian looked at Bao Fuda and Karmanin solemnly and said, "You two, now has reached the most critical moment for the company. We absolutely cannot lose Wharf!"
Bao Fuda and Karmanen also knew the significance of Wharf to the group. At this time, Bao Fuda suddenly said, "We can use cash plus stock exchange to deal with Bao Yugang's cash acquisition, although this will give us no advantage.
But if we raise our own bids, there is hope."
Karmanen said, "But even so, we still need a lot of cash. The most important thing now is who in Xiangjiang can provide us with this cash!"
Newbikin looked at the two of them and asked, "Tell me, who has the most liquidity in Xiangjiang?"
Karmanen said, "Of course it's HSBC!"
Bao Fuda thought about it for a while, then shook his head and said, "Although many people are saying that Chu Huan spent a lot of money in response to the previous money-burning war in the retail industry, I think the liquid cash in Chu Huan's hands will definitely not
Less!"
Niubijian nodded and said, "I think so too. What do you think would happen if we decided to package Wellcome and the ongoing 7-11 business and sell it to Yunhai Group?"
Karmanen's face changed drastically. He was in charge of Yihe's retail business. If Wellcome and 7-11 were packaged and sold to Yunhai Group, he would have no status in the group.
Just when Karmanen wanted to object to this matter, Bao Fuda loudly said, "This is a good idea. Yunhai Group has always wanted to dominate the retail industry in Hong Kong. The reason why they have not taken action against Wellcome and 7-11 before is
That's because they have no chance of winning.
If we can now package these two companies and sell them to Yunhai Group, then the funds in our hands will be enough. In addition, after Chu Huan disburses the funds, he will definitely encounter short-term cash flow difficulties. If we do this
Then we don’t have to worry about Chu Huan doing something to us for the time being!”
Although none of the three of them said it explicitly, they all knew in their hearts that if anyone else took action against Land or Yihe at this time, they would be in real danger!
And the only one with such strength in Xiangjiang is Chu Huan.
But after calculation, they believed that Chu Huan, who had just experienced a money-burning war in the retail industry, might not have the strength to launch acquisitions of Jardine Matheson and Land!
But no matter how you put it, this is a hidden danger!
Now if we can take advantage of the situation of selling Wellcome and 7-11, Chu Huan's wallet will be emptied again, Land, and Jardine will be safe.
"If this is the case, Chu Huan has completely controlled the retail industry in Xiangjiang. Although this industry does not seem to be as profitable as the real estate industry, but the little adds up, and the Yunhai Group has a monopoly position, then our current behavior
In fact, it’s just drinking poison to quench thirst, laying the groundwork for bigger thunder in the future!”
Karmanin expressed his concerns.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Both Niubijian and Baofuda understand Karmanin's worries. In addition, they also know that at this time, Karmanin is more worried about
Give up Wellcome and 7-11. After all, this is the company he is responsible for. Without these two companies, Karmanin will have no status in the group.
"This is also a helpless move. You should know that Wharf's strategic position in the group is much higher than that of Wellcome and 7-11. What's more, 7-11 has not officially started operations at this time. As for his post-operation
Profitability is still a big question mark at this time. The group's board of directors has always been critical of this matter. Even if we don't raise it, someone on the board of directors will definitely raise it!"
Bao Fuda preached seriously.
Karmanen said, "With the profits of Yunhai convenience stores there, we should completely believe in 7-11. In the future, this company will bring more abundant cash flow to the group. I never think of selling Wellcome.
7-11 is a good solution!"
Seeing that Baofuda and Karmanin were about to quarrel, Niubijian said at the right time, "Okay, how to decide this matter will have to wait until Mr. Keswick comes to Xiangjiang."
"
Baofuda and Karmanin stopped arguing.
Bao Fuda then asked Newbijian, "There are reporters outside the group now, and they are waiting for our decision. How should we inform them of this matter?"
Newbijian waved his hands and said, "Don't worry about them yet. I'm going to have a board meeting now. In addition, after the board meeting, I have to meet with several senior executives from HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Hang Seng. As for the things to be explained to the public, that's all."
Let’s talk about it after Mr. Keswick returns to Xiangjiang!”
Baofuda and Karmanin could only nod.
Roy Bentley put down the phone, with the same solemn look on his face. There were also two people in his office, namely Shen Bi and Pu Weishi!
The person who called Roy Bentley was not Newbikin, but Henry Keswick, who had just finished the phone call with Newbikin. He had already contacted Roy Bentley in advance.
"I didn't expect this war to come so suddenly. It's really unexpected!"
Roy Bentley sighed.
Shen Bi also looked a little serious and said, "Mr. Taipan, what do you think of Keswick's proposal? Do you want to provide them with financial support?"
Roy Bentley sighed, "Do we have any other choice? This time it is not only a battle between Bao Yugang and Land, it is also a battle between HSBC and Chu Huan!"
People in different positions look at the whole thing from different angles.
Once upon a time, Bao Yugang had the closest relationship with HSBC. With HSBC's support, Bao Yugang became the richest man in Hong Kong and the world's number one shipping king. HSBC relied on Bao Yugang's development to make them the richest man in Hong Kong.
The largest bank in Hong Kong.
The two complement each other and create a good story in the business community of Hong Kong!
But since problems arose in the development of the world's shipping industry, the relationship between the two parties has become delicate.
Even back then, HSBC forced Bao Yugang to take a stand when problems arose in several companies such as Japan Shipping Lines.
Although it was a matter of considering their respective interests, it is impossible to say that there is no gap between the two parties.
Taking the current matter as an example, Bao Yugang raised 18.9 billion Hong Kong dollars to acquire Wharf. The three people sitting here knew that Bao Yugang could not have so much cash.
But now Bao Yugang has raised this fund without their support from HSBC.
So who lent this fund to Bao Yugang?
The answer is self-evident, naturally it is Chu Huan!
"If Bao Yu has just completed the acquisition of Wharf, then the banking business of Wharf will definitely be handed over to Jiaku Bank in the future, and this is not acceptable to us, so we must not let Bao Yu do this.
Just succeeded!"
Roy Bentley emphasized.
Although they have reached a settlement with Chu Huan, it was reached on the premise that they could cooperate, but now they have a direct conflict of interest. This has nothing to do with friendship or agreement, and is entirely due to commercial considerations.
!
Pu Weishi said, "But now the bank needs a lot of money due to previous loans and the competition with Standard Chartered for the Royal Bank of Scotland.
If we still provide loans for Land, our bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio will have problems!”
Although HSBC is the largest bank in Hong Kong and its note-issuing bank, this does not mean that HSBC can provide loans to enterprises in Hong Kong without restraint. Any bank must consider the issue of loan-to-deposit ratio.
HSBC is no exception!
Shen Bi said, "This is not a problem. The acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland is a business behavior of our bank and does not involve the bank's own loan-to-deposit ratio. As for the department stores that were previously lent to, now with the Yunhai Group
If they invest in the company, there will be no problems in their operations. It can be concluded that this will be a good loan.
As for the issue of loan-to-deposit ratio, if we really want to support Land, this loan can only be a short-term loan, and both Land and Jardine have many good companies, so there is no need to worry about their repayment ability!"
Roy Bentley nodded and said, "Yes, in fact, the most important thing for them now is time. As long as they have enough time, they can still mobilize a large amount of cash!"
Pu Weishi met Roy Bentley and Shen Bi and both agreed to the loan for the land, so they could only agree.
"Then how much quota are we going to raise for them?"
Roy Bentley and Shen Bi looked at each other, and finally Roy Bentley said, "If Land wants to be stronger than Bao, based on their holdings, they will need at least 2.6 billion Hong Kong dollars. I think we can help them."
Provide a loan of HK$1 billion, but this loan must be lent to them only after Land Land can raise the remaining HK$1.6 billion.”
Shi Huaiya also put down the phone at this time.
"Is it from Newbikin?" John Shi asked his father.
They had also just watched Bao Yugang's press conference and knew that the only one who could call their father at this time was Niubijian.
However, Shi Huaiya's answer still surprised John Shi.
"It's Henry, he's going back to Hong Kong!"
"Even Henry Keswick is coming back. It seems they don't want to give up Wharf!" John Shi said in surprise.
Shi Yadi analyzed, "The strategic significance of Wharf to Land is so great that Henry Keswick would not give up so easily!"
"However, if Land wants to compete with Bao Yukang, it will need at least HK$2.6 billion in cash. It is impossible for them to have so much cash now!"
John Shi preached.
Schweizer nodded and said, "So Henry Keswick called me, hoping that I could support them and lend them a sum of money!"
Henry Keswick didn't want to give up Wharf, which meant that he had to raise a sum of funds as soon as possible, and his goal was not only the bank, but also his former business partners!
Brothers Shi John and Shi Yadi looked at each other. John Shi asked Shi Huaiya, "Daddy, what do you mean?"
Shi Huaiya looked at the two brothers and asked, "Do you think this acquisition war about Wharf is really just a Wharf acquisition war?"
Shi Huaiya's words caused John Shi and brothers Shi Yadi to fall into silence. After a while, John Shi asked, "Daddy, what do you mean?"
In the end, Shi Huaiya shook his head and said, "Actually, I don't know what I think, but I always feel that starting from the money-burning war in the retail industry in Hong Kong, the whole thing seems to be a premeditated and step-by-step situation.
Same.
Think about it, when the money-burning war in the retail industry in Xiangjiang started, Jardine was involved. In order to allow Wellcome to occupy more of the market and 7-11 to better enter the Xiangjiang market, Jardine invested a huge amount of cash in this matter.
, and also involved the major banks in Xiangjiang and cut off their cash.
Immediately afterwards, Bao Yugang launched the acquisition of Wharf at this time, and all this seemed to be calculating every move of Yihe!"
Shi John and Shi Yadi looked at each other and saw shock in each other's eyes, because in their father's words, they felt that there was something wrong in this matter.
There has always been an invisible big hand controlling everything, and the owner of this big hand is Chu Huan.
Chu Huan was involved in the money-burning war in the retail industry. Bao Yugang was able to raise so much cash in a short period of time, and it was very likely that Chu Huan lent it to him.
if it is like this
"Daddy, what you mean is that Chu Huan is actually setting up a bigger scheme?"
John Shi asked carefully.
As for what this game is?
The only one in Xiangjiang that can afford such a large-scale investment and such a chain-linked strategy is Yihe Land, right?
Shi Huaiya shook his head and said, "I can't be sure about this matter. You have to know that it is not that simple to acquire Jardine and Land. We don't know the shares of Chinese Land in Land now, but we know the shares of Chinese Land in Jardine. If
If Chu Huan really wants to take action against these two consortiums, the amount of cash used will be an astronomical figure. Now that Chu Huan has experienced so much investment, how can he still have so much?
Where’s the cash?”
Both John Shi and Yadi Shi were silent. Neither of them could make sense. They were really confused.
Finally, Shi Yadi asked, "Daddy, do you want to lend money to Henry Keswick?"
Shi Huaiya smiled bitterly and said, "I don't want to borrow money, especially lending money to the other party when the situation is unclear makes me feel unsure. But after all, we have been cooperating for decades. If we don't borrow money, it won't make sense!"
After some consideration, Schweizer decided to lend money to Henry Keswick. After all, his speculation was unfounded. More importantly, no matter what, the shares of Wharf purchased with this money were real.
Although after the Wharf acquisition war ends, Wharf's stock price will definitely fall.
But whether it is Henry Keswick or Land, Jardine Matheson has good assets, so there is no need to worry that the money will become bad debts after being loaned out.
"Lend them 200 million Hong Kong dollars. This is the greatest support we can give them now!"
Finally, Schweizer preached.
John Shi said with some worry, "If this is the case, will Chu Huan criticize our behavior?"
Even the famous Taikoo in Xiangjiang had to seriously consider Chu Huan's reaction to this matter at this time.
After making the decision, Shi Huaiya showed a relaxed smile and said, "We don't know what Chu Huan's plan is, not to mention that we have a trump card in our own hands. If Chu Huan really cares about this matter,
If you have any opinions, the trump card in our hands will protect us from harm when the time comes!"
John Shi and Yadi Shi were stunned, not knowing what the trump card in Shi Huaiya's mouth was!