In the past six months, as the market has gradually taken control of the two British giants Jardine Matheson Group and Land Group in Sioux City, the stock prices of the two giants Jardine Matheson Group and Land Group have also risen, and they have been hyped to staggering levels. Sky-high price.
The total value of their stock markets has exceeded the HK$30 billion mark, and has even begun to approach the market value of Hong Kong Electric Group. This sight has caused a huge sensation in the industry.
In the eyes of many people, Jardine Matheson Group and Land Group should have surpassed Hong Kong Electric Group in terms of strength due to their profound historical heritage and huge business territory.
However, today's Hong Kong Electric Group, under the careful helm of Sioux City, is no longer what it used to be.
Sioux City not only successfully brought HK Electric Group into a new stage of development, but also achieved a leap in corporate value through a series of far-sighted strategic layouts.
Therefore, it is no accident that HK Electric Group can distribute such a huge amount of funds at one time, but an intuitive reflection of its strong strength and good financial status.
This series of changes not only demonstrates how outstanding the companies under the leadership of Su Cheng are, but also once again proves the huge potential and attraction of high-quality companies in the capital market.
As Suzhou City further integrates and improves Jardine Matheson Group and Land Group, the future of these two giants will undoubtedly be more worth looking forward to.
Despite the difficulties faced, the Keswick family did not give up easily.
They once again united all the shareholders who could unite and decided to use the Xiangjiang Securities Regulatory Office as a third party and invite it to intervene, aiming to launch a negotiation with Suzhou City regarding the future destiny of the Jardine Matheson Group.
The core issue in this negotiation is mainly whether Sioux City is willing to give up its controlling position in Jardine Matheson Group.
The Keswick family understands that this request must be a small hope, but they still hold on to a glimmer of hope. They hope that through the efforts and communication of both parties, they can find a solution that is in line with the interests of Sioux City and can also benefit the Jardine Group. A win-win solution back in control of the Keswick family.
At this moment, the curtain of negotiations slowly opened in a solemn and elegant conference room in the Jardine Group Building.
With its spacious space, exquisite layout and good sound insulation effect, this conference room provides a formal yet flexible environment for the upcoming three-party talks.
In the conference room, representatives from the three parties sat on both sides of the long table, forming a delicate balance of opposition and cooperation.
On one side is the delegation from Sioux City. They are dressed in formal attire and look focused, representing local interests and expectations;
The other side is the representatives of the British consortium with the Keswick family as the core. Revealing profound heritage and confidence, it represents the power and wisdom of international capital.
Between the two is the neutral observation group headed by the Securities Regulatory Commission. Although it claims to be neutral in name, there is an unspeakable bias in the air.
After all, the cultural background of the same origin and the history of long-term cooperation have caused the CSRC to inadvertently tilt its position towards the British-funded consortium, as if laying an invisible balance for this negotiation, with one end of it not Consciously adding weight.
At the negotiation table, the atmosphere was tense and subtle, and every word and eye contact contained profound meaning.
Representatives from all parties are carefully constructing their arguments in an attempt to gain the upper hand in this confrontation between interests and wisdom.
The Sioux City delegation used its local advantages and long-term planning as weapons to strive for the conditions most conducive to its own development;
The British-funded consortium relied on its international vision and strong strength to propose A series of proposals that seem reasonable but actually contain clever ideas.
The Securities Regulatory Commission, as a "neutral person", mediates between the two and strives to maintain the order and balance of the negotiations, although the balance in their hearts may have quietly tilted, and they are more partial to the British consortium.
As the discussion progressed, the atmosphere in the conference room became increasingly tense, but it was this tension and subtlety that constituted the indispensable scenery on the negotiating table, heralding this battle involving interests and the future. , will be a wonderful showdown of wisdom and strategy.
"Mr. Su, if we need to discuss the possible equity transfer of Jardine Matheson Group, under what conditions do you think such an arrangement would be considered?" Mai Si, chairman of the Securities Regulatory Office, as a nominally neutral representative, proposed to Su Chengfang asked a question that was both prudent and direct.
This question is not only his personal curiosity, but also undoubtedly reflects the common concerns of the Keswick family and the British-funded consortium behind it.
Although the financial strength of the Keswick family alone may not be comparable to that of Sioux City, the British consortium's camp is far more than that.
In order to regain control of Jardine Matheson, the Keswick family carefully constructed a powerful alliance, gathering the power of many well-known British financial groups.
The combined financial strength of these consortiums is not only not inferior to Sioux City, but even surpasses Sioux City in some aspects. This is why the Keswick family is confident at the negotiation table. Full of confidence.
What is particularly worth mentioning is that the Keswick family has successfully won the full support of the British super consortium, the Rothschild family.
The Rothschild family is well-known for its global financial network and profound industry influence. Its joining has undoubtedly injected strong financial backing and strategic resources into this alliance.
The Rothschild family has made it clear that it will provide necessary support and assistance to the Keswick family and its alliance at the right time, which undoubtedly further enhances their confidence and strength in acquiring the Jardine Matheson Group.
Therefore, the Keswick family is very confident that as long as Sioux City relaxes its intention to sell Jardine Matheson Group, they can quickly mobilize resources and successfully realize the sale of Jardine Matheson Group with their strong financial resources and extensive network. Jardine Matheson’s acquisition plan.
"Mr. Max, I must make it clear that I have no intention of selling the controlling stake of Jardine Matheson Group. In my opinion, Jardine Matheson Group is not only an outstanding company, but also one that I have carefully selected and placed my trust in. A promising investment target.
I firmly believe that with its unique advantages and potential, Jardine Matheson Group is fully capable of becoming one of the world's top companies. In fact, I have formulated a detailed plan for the future development of Jardine Matheson Group for more than ten years. This emphasis And investment is something I can't give up easily.
Of course, the business world always has its flexibility. If there is indeed an irresistible cooperation opportunity, I am also willing to open the discussion. But then again, if we really want to talk about share transfer, I think a reasonable The price should be HK$30 billion. This is the basis on which I am willing to discuss the 49.99% of Jardine Matheson Group shares I hold.
Please understand that this proposal is not made randomly, but is based on my deep understanding of the current value and future potential of Jardine Matheson Group. ”
Su Cheng’s words reveal firmness and confidence. He naturally knows that the value of Jardine Matheson Group is much more than that. Although the current market value of Jardine Matheson Group has soared to more than 30 billion Hong Kong dollars, this Growth is the result of his forward-looking layout and precise investment.
Looking back at the time when he first got involved in Jardine and Land three years ago, the market environment was completely different, and the costs at that time were relatively low. Although the cost of the shares taken over by Land has increased, overall, his total investment in acquiring the 49.99% shares was only more than HK$5 billion.
Today, as the value of Jardine Matheson Group soars, his investment has undoubtedly received a handsome return.
Of course, this is also the price of a lion's mouth.
30 billion to buy 49.99% of the shares, doesn’t it mean that Jardine Matheson Group is now worth 60 billion? This is of course impossible.
"Mr. Su, your proposal really surprises me. Even based on the current market value estimate, the value of the shares you hold is only about 10 billion Hong Kong dollars, and the 30 billion you proposed Hong Kong dollars, this...seems a bit out of the ordinary." Simon Keswick tried to maintain his demeanor, but he could not hide his surprise and dissatisfaction. Su Cheng's words almost made him feel suffocated.
He knows well that this is not just a price issue, but also Suzhou City’s clear attitude towards the controlling stake of Jardine Matheson Group.
The "30 billion Hong Kong dollar" quotation is more like a carefully designed threshold, intended to make opponents retreat in spite of difficulties.
"Mr. Ximen, my position has always been clear. The price is here. Whether you accept it or not is entirely up to you. Moreover, I must emphasize that if you really intend to obtain a controlling stake in Jardine Matheson Group , then we must consider fully acquiring the shares in my hands. Otherwise, every share I retain may become an uncertain factor in future changes. After all, the business world is changing rapidly, and no one can predict what will happen in the future, including me. How do the shares in your hands affect the direction of the Jardine Group?" Su Cheng smiled, his words revealing unquestionable determination and confidence, as if everything was under control.
"Mr. Su, as the coordinator of this negotiation, I would venture to say that your offer does seem quite unkind, but perhaps we can be more pragmatic and discuss it together. A price that is more reasonable and acceptable to both parties.”
Mr. Mai Si intervened in a timely manner and put forward his opinions from a seemingly fair and objective but actually biased position, trying to build a bridge of communication between the two parties.
Subsequently, the atmosphere on the negotiating table became thicker and representatives of the three parties began a heated discussion.
Representatives of the Keswick family, with their deep family affection for Jardine Matheson Group and their long-term development vision, argued hard and elaborated on their determination and plan to revitalize Jardine Matheson Group.
Their words were full of nostalgia for the past and longing for the future, trying to impress Su Cheng.
Su Cheng, on the other hand, responded calmly with his usual calmness and wisdom.
He not only expressed his unique insights and firm confidence in the future development of Jardine Matheson Group, but also elaborated on why he believed Jardine Matheson Group has such high value.
The two sides came and went, and the exchanges were fierce, but they did not lose their grace and politeness.
For Su Cheng, the negotiations were carried out with an indifferent attitude.
It’s okay if he wants Jardine Group, or if he doesn’t want it.
The Land Group, the most important asset of Jardine Matheson Group, has been robbed by him. As for another important channel, it is not very important to him because he has a stronger channel himself.
So, if these British-funded consortiums really want to be taken advantage of, Su City is very willing to sell the Jardine Group back to them.
Of course, the premise is that the price offered by the other party can satisfy him.
Otherwise, Su City will definitely not sell it.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission is partial to British-funded consortiums, so what?
Sioux City is not afraid of the threats from the Securities Regulatory Commission at all. If pressed hard, he will withdraw part of his capital in the UK every minute to see how the other side dares to treat him.
For example, France will definitely welcome the move of Su Group's European headquarters from London to Paris.
Su Cheng has already stood at the pinnacle of capital and is really not afraid of these simple threats.
Unless European and American countries unite to reject him, how is this possible? He is a law-abiding citizen and is very popular in various countries.
As expected, the China Securities Regulatory Commission did not dare to push too hard. They knew that they did not have the strength to threaten Su City.
Otherwise, his final result will not be much better.
Although he wants to help his fellow villagers, Max is not willing to risk his future. It’s not worthwhile!
In the end, the negotiation broke up unhappily. In fact, Sioux City kept talking loudly. Even if their British-funded consortium had the participation of the Rothschild family, it did not mean that they would agree to any price.
After that, some time passed, and it seemed that peace had returned.
Even Su City thought these British consortiums had given up.
Soon, the time will enter May.
This month, a big event happened in Hong Kong, that is, the term of office of Hong Kong Governor MacLehose is about to end this month.
His replacement was the Governor of Hong Kong, Mr Youde.
So, Youde arrived in Xiangjiang early.
When Youde arrived in Xiangjiang, he specially invited Su Cheng, the world's richest man, to chat in private for a long time.
For Governor Mailihao, Su Cheng still had a somewhat complicated mood.
In any case, Maliho's contribution to Hong Kong has been deeply recognized by all parties. In addition to receiving many honors from the British court, he was also named a life peer this year. Lady Lihao Resort is also named after him in commemoration of his contribution.
May 20, 1982, was the day when MacLehose and Youde handed over.
On this day, Su Cheng, Shen Bi, Bao Yugang and others were invited to witness their handover ceremony in person.
This Governor of Hong Kong, Youde, is actually a very outstanding official.
His wife is a Chinese, so she can speak fluent Chinese.
You Dexiang is known for his love of Chinese literature and Chinese language. He reads several Chinese newspapers every day when he has breakfast.
Su Cheng also specifically inquired about some of his information through Xiao Ai.
What particularly impressed Sioux City about him was that he was the only Hong Kong Governor to die while in office. He would suffer a sudden death from a heart attack during his visit to the Mainland on December 5, 1986.
Looking at the energetic little old man in front of him, Su Cheng shook his head.
Who would have thought that this high-spirited Governor-General would die in 4 years!
After Youde took office for a while, nothing major happened.
However, on the first day of June, Su Cheng received another invitation from Youde, hoping that he could come to the Governor's Mansion and discuss something with him.
Although Su Cheng was a little confused about this, he still accepted the invitation.
After all, Youde is now the largest official in Xiangjiang. (End of this chapter)