The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

At 8 o'clock that evening, Octopus Finance Company and Uni-President Organization held a press conference to announce that Octopus Finance Company would acquire all the shares of Hang Lung Bank at a symbolic price of HK$1.

At the same time, Octopus Finance Company announced that it would invest US$200 million in Hang Lung and will continue to assume its responsibilities in the future.

The next day, the news was conveyed to Hong Kong citizens through large and small media, arousing intense public discussion.

"Lin Sheng has made another success. After being a shipping king, an industrial king, a real estate tycoon, a hotel tycoon, a media tycoon, and a clothing tycoon, he is now going to be a financial tycoon!"

"Nonsense! Lin Sheng is a financial tycoon. He is always successful in stock and gold speculation. He is very talented in the financial field!"

"With Lin Sheng taking over Hang Lung Bank, this bank should be able to weather the crisis safely, right?"

"Nonsense! You should say that if Lin Sheng takes over Hang Lung Bank, this bank will become a big bank."

"It makes sense, Lin Sheng is the God of Wealth!"

No matter who takes over Hang Lung Bank, it will definitely not have as big an impact as Lin Zhichao taking over. That morning, the run on Hang Lung Bank immediately disappeared without a trace. Although many people came to inquire about the news, they quickly went home and slept safely.

Lin Zhichao came to the Financial Secretary's Office and met with Financial Secretary Peng Lizhi. After all, the Legislative Council had approved the takeover of Hang Lung Bank by the Hong Kong government in two readings. Now that Lin Zhichao suddenly took over, Peng Lizhi also wanted to confirm the reliability of the matter.

"Sir Lin, we are very happy that you suddenly joined Hang Lung Bank. This will help Hong Kong's financial stability!" Peng Lizhi first said with certainty.

Lin Zhichao nodded and then said: "Yesterday we also checked the information of Hang Lung Bank and found that the bank's losses were not serious, mainly due to the general environment, so we are willing to take it over. Director Peng Lizhi, please rest assured, we can definitely handle it. It’s about Hang Lung Bank.”

Peng Lizhi said seriously: "We are naturally very happy to see Sir Lin taking over Hang Lung Bank, and we are very relieved. But did Sir Lin tell us what problems Hang Lung Bank has that led to this crisis?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said cheerfully: "There is nothing to hide about this! That's it. My team's preliminary investigation found that Hang Lung Bank's credit structure is unreasonable, with bad debts, serious losses, and lack of liquidity."

Peng Lizhi became curious and said: "Why is Mr. Lin willing to acquire such a bank? According to my understanding, in business, Mr. Lin does not look like a person who is doing business at a loss."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Of course there will be no loss! Assuming that Hang Lung Bank is taken over by the Hong Kong government, I believe that after five years, the Hong Kong government can make a profit and sell the bank, and there will be no shortage of buyers. And I have always wanted to be a banker. , but the opportunity has never been available, and now I finally have the opportunity, so naturally I will not let this opportunity go."

Peng Lizhi nodded and then said: "If so, it is reasonable. We want to send financial experts to Hang Lung Bank to understand the details of the matter and use it as a reference for subsequent strengthening of management in terms of financial laws. I wonder what Mr. Lin's opinion is? "

If it were anyone else, the Hong Kong government wouldn't need to say much, it would just send people to monitor it. After all, the situation of Hang Lung Bank almost caused turmoil in the entire financial world.

Lin Zhichao said: "No problem! We will cooperate with the Financial Department!"

"Thanks"

Lin Zhichao was magnanimous, and his acquisition was considered magnanimous. Zhuang Rongkun and Zhuang Qingquan also expressed their gratitude to Hang Lung Bank and persuaded other shareholders to 'sell' their shares to Octopus Finance Company.

Of course, Lin Zhichao also repaid the favor by granting a three-year moratorium on the Philippines Unified Institution's borrowing from Hang Lung Bank in order to get it out of trouble.

When Lin Zhichao returned to Hang Lung Bank, Lin Benfeng reported the situation immediately.

"Boss, we have sent seven senior executives to Hang Lung Bank to ensure the healthy operation of Hang Lung Bank."

Octopus Finance Company is not just a financial company. It had already prepared to establish a bank more than a year ago. Therefore, during this period, many senior banking talents were poached.

Lin Zhichao said: "After Hang Lung Bank is stabilized, I will deposit 500 million US dollars. After you exchange it for Hong Kong dollars, you can then lend. Be bold. Hong Kong's real estate and finance are already at a low point at this time. As long as there is property mortgage, It’s 100% affordable.”

In the future, at least one-third of his own wealth will be deposited in his own bank.

In this way, it is equivalent to increasing the loan-to-deposit ratio in a disguised manner. For example, a good loan-to-deposit ratio in the industry is 43% (deposits of 10 billion, loans of 4.3 billion). But if Lin Zhichao, as the boss, deposits another 10 billion, then he will lend 14.3 billion Hong Kong dollars, and there is no need to worry.

In this way, the bank's income will be greatly increased, as well as its credibility - and its wealth will be strong.

Lin Benfeng said: "Then what ratio will we set as a reference for our future loan-to-deposit ratio?"

Although the Banking Association has a stipulated loan-to-deposit ratio, it actually does not have legal effect, otherwise there would not be so many bank failures.

Lin Zhichao said: "Extract my deposits and operate according to industry standards, and that's it! Since I deposit it in our bank, I hope you can use it to lend money. Of course, loans must be compliant, such as this time If Hang Lung Bank fails, the loans will be substandard."

Lin Benfeng nodded and said, "I understand!"

He is the general manager of Hang Lung Bank appointed by Lin Zhichao, and is also the general manager of Octopus Finance Company. He is deeply valued.

The reason why Lin Zhichao valued Lin Benfeng was not because he was his brother-in-law, but because of Lin Benfeng's ability. Although he was only a middle-level manager at HSBC, he later started a senior management career by investing in Victoria Harbor and took the time to further his studies.

Of course, Lin Zhichao was also worried that Lin Benfeng still lacked the specific business of the bank, such as the work of the credit department, so he poached a Chinese senior employee in the credit department of HSBC Bank.

In short, Lin Zhichao will gradually make Hang Lung Bank a standardized and professional bank. This is the best way to grow bigger.

Lin Zhichao came to Shen Bi's office at HSBC Bank and explained his purpose.

"This time, I plan to resign as deputy chairman (non-executive) of HSBC. I am very grateful to have learned some experience in running a bank from HSBC."

Shen Bi smiled and said: "Sir Lin has had many opportunities to enter the banking industry, but I didn't expect to choose this one. However, I believe that with Sir Lin's reputation and strength, your bank will soon develop into a big bank."

He knew that Lin Zhichao had been eager to enter the banking industry, but the biggest reason why he had not taken action was 'lack of strength'; of course, this so-called 'lack of strength' was the potential to develop into a big bank.

But things are different now. Lin Zhichao's companies have sufficient cash flow and have always implemented low debt ratios. He is also the largest financial speculator in Hong Kong. Entering the banking industry is like a tiger going downhill.

Lin Zhichao said: "Banks dominated by individuals or families are bound to have a bright future. Unlike HSBC, which is developing towards a world-class bank, I believe that HSBC can become one of the top ten banks in the world in the future."

Seeing Lin Zhichao's high evaluation, Shen Bi was a little shocked. He knew that Lin Zhichao didn't know how to flatter someone, and his opinions came from his heart.

“HSBC is truly honored to receive such comments from Mr. Lin!”

"polite"

Afterwards, the two chatted for a while, and then Lin Zhichao stood up and left.

Today, Lin Zhichao and his companies no longer need to act based on the bank's face.

In the past, he was worried that entering the banking industry would make it inconvenient to get loans (from his peers), but now there is no need at all. The loans for his companies are generally very small. And even if local banks are inconvenient to lend large amounts to his business, Lin Zhichao maintains good relationships with major overseas banks.

So, no more worries!

Early October.

Although the Hong Kong government has not yet promulgated the "linked exchange rate", the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Hong Kong dollar has been running between 8.1 and 8.4, but there is no trace of speculation and speculators, and it is considered stable.

With his hands free, Lin Zhichao began to think about land acquisition.

In order to maintain his 'gentlemanlike demeanor', he sent his special envoy Li Yeguang to lobby at Jardine's headquarters in Keswick, West Gate.

At the end of September, the winner between the Keswick family and Newbijian was decided. Newbikin stepped down and received a subsidy of 1 million pounds, and Simon Keswick of the Keswick family took over Newbijian's position. At the same time, Bao Fuda, the chief culprit of the real estate debt king, also took the blame and resigned.

Simon was born in Winchester, England, in 1942. Like his father John, who was a former tutor at Jardine Matheson, he attended the famous Eton College in England when he was young, and after graduation entered the world-famous Trinity College of Cambridge. Simon didn't want to study, so he only studied for one year and then held a unique funeral. He lay in a coffin and was carried out of the school by his classmates - and he bid farewell to Cambridge University, which is longed for by students all over the world.

Simon's cynicism made his father furious, thinking that he was "a child who cannot be taught."

Simon’s brother Henry Keswick served as Jardine’s chief executive for three years in the early 1970s and created the classic takeover battle of “Land Drinking Milk”.

Simon joined Jardine Matheson in 1962 and worked in overseas branches. At the beginning of 1982, Ximen was transferred back to Hong Kong and became the managing director in the same year. He persuaded other directors and frequently challenged New Bijian.

Simon got his wish and became the fifth person in the Keswick family to serve as the Taipan of Jardine.

Simon Keswick, who has passed his forties, is no longer the playboy he was when he was young. But is he capable of ruling the largest foreign bank in Hong Kong? Many people have raised this question.

Before Simon Keswick officially took office, the Hong Kong version of the English-language "Asia Wall Street Journal" reported on the top management changes and future of Jardine with the title "For Jardine's new taipan, the battle has just begun."

That's the truth!

Just a week after Simon Keswick took office, Lin Zhichao’s ‘special envoy’, lawyer Li Yeguang, had already arrived at his office.

Li Yeguang also said straight to the point: "Ximen Taipan, Cheung Kong Group hope to buy the Exchange Building project from Land, while Hutchison Whampoa hopes to buy the Hong Kong Electric Lighting Company, Wellcome Supermarket, and Dairy Company from Land."

Simon Keswick was not angry because he had known that Cheung Kong was eyeing Land's assets. At the same time, he secretly scolded Newbigan for being fooled by Lin Zhichao.

Judging from various circumstances, Changshi Group had anticipated the crisis before the negotiations and therefore sold off its assets. The subsequent deliberate exaggeration of Exchange Square's valuation is nothing more than hoping that Land will buy it at a high price, including Hong Kong Electric, which may not necessarily have the shadow of the CK Group.

Of course, this is not the case at all to outsiders. After all, Cheung Kong Group’s bid for the Exchange Square land was as high as HK$5.6 billion.

In any case, Simon Keswick remained calm and said: "Exchange Square, Dairy Farm International, and Wellcome Supermarket are not for sale. However, the Hong Kong Electric Lighting Company can negotiate."

Li Yeguang said with a smile: "Judging from Land's debt situation, just selling HK Electric will obviously not help! My employer means that at least it should be Exchange Square and Hong Kong Electric Company!"

Simon Keswick immediately choked and said, "Everyone says that Sir Lin is a gentleman and a benevolent businessman. Could it be that he is still planning to buy and sell by force?"

Li Yeguang immediately said: "What are you talking about, Ximen Taipan! Sir Lin is talking about business, and he is already very benevolent. In his words, if he doesn't worry, he will take over Land and Yihe!"

Simon Keswick was shocked. This was not a threat, but it was a real threat.

Newbigan's Land and Jardine Mutual Control, coupled with the debt-ridden debts of the two companies, and finally Lin Zhichao's deep pockets, once he acquires any company of Land or Jardine, it will be a 'buy one, get one free' deal.

Simon Keswick suddenly didn't know how to say it. If he was tough, he was worried that Lin Zhichao would really attack Land and Jardine, and he could still uphold the righteousness of the 'national spirit'.

When Li Yeguang saw this, he didn't push too hard. He was just a lawyer and consultant. He only needed to bring some oral messages. There was no need to be a negotiation expert.

But before leaving, he still said: "The Miramar Hotel project is a project in which Land Land has a shareholding and guarantee. We will follow the normal legal procedures and ask Land Land to compensate. This matter has nothing to do with other matters. Please also ask Ximen Taipan Forgive me!"

Simon Keswick said without confidence: "We can negotiate to deal with this matter!"

Li Yeguang said: "It's not impossible. According to the wishes of the board of directors of Cheung Kong Holdings, in addition to deducting HK$900 million from the order book for this project, Land also needs to compensate us for losses of HK$400 million. In the end, we will take back the land. These conditions, It is intended to compensate for the depreciation in value of the land during this period.”

Simon Keswick suddenly said angrily: "Then let's go through the legal process!"

He originally suspected that this project was also a trap set by Changshi Group for Bao Fuda, but now he is a little dissatisfied.

Li Yeguang nodded and said: "This is the best, to avoid hurting the harmony!"

This is also called 'avoiding hurting one's anger', which is simply a threat from above.

After Li Yeguang left.

Simon Keswick felt a little scared. He was afraid that Lin Zhichao would really take advantage of Land Jardine and carry out a comprehensive acquisition.

Lin Zhichao can definitely afford more than 10 billion Hong Kong dollars. I heard that Cheung Kong Group has such a large cash flow. Once any one of these businesses is lost, the Keswick family will completely lose the family business and can only use the money to retire in London.

He simply couldn't imagine how he would face the entire family once he lost these two businesses.

Although he was not the culprit, he still could not escape the blame.

Simon Keswick finally understood - the Hong Kong version of the English-language "Asia Wall Street Journal" reported that "For Jardine's new Taipan, the battle has just begun", maybe this is what it really means!