Capítulo 604: Chapter 604: London's Real Estate
The City of London, HSBC Tower, as a property investment by Capet Real Estate, was co-acquired with the National Pension Service of Korea, but apart from Arsenal in the UK, this was Charles' largest asset.
In the HSBC Tower office, Jack Swank, who was responsible for managing Capet Real Estate investments, was suggesting to Charles to join in on the commercial real estate investment in London.
"Since March this year, the stock price of listed real estate groups has been rebounding, and London's status determines that it can attract global capital. Foreign capital loves investing in real estate, and the 2012 London Olympics will be a financial and real estate opportunity!"
Jack Swank's eyes were shining. As a member of Capet Capital Investment Advisors, he was mainly responsible for the real estate portfolio market. Charles leaned back in his chair, tapping on the table.
Certainly, Charles was aware of the development of the London real estate market, but he hoped to invest in public utilities and energy industries like water, electricity, natural gas, and oil resources.
However, these investments not only required large capital but also had slow returns and mostly involved dealings with the government.
"Charles, the UK's current fiscal deficit is the worst since World War II, and it's the first time since then they've had a coalition government.
Prime Minister David Cameron, the Conservative Party leader, and Deputy Prime Minister, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg are governing the UK together, and the most important task now is to revive the economy.
The UK won't join the Eurozone and will maintain the independence of the pound. Attracting foreign capital has always been a key method for London. The future of the London real estate market is certainly promising!"
Listening to Jack Swank's points, Charles found it hard to argue. Indeed, the London real estate industry would rapidly develop in the next ten years.
"Have you found the partners?" Charles asked.
"Carlyle Group and Blackstone; the commercial old street in the West End," Jack Swank quickly responded. "Shopping malls, shops, office buildings, and parking lots near Fleet Street..."
"I will have Lily Ying allocate 200 million pounds into real estate investment," Charles had around 500 million Euros in cash. 200 million pounds was roughly the same in Euros.
At noon, after leaving the HSBC Tower, Charles gave Lily Ying a call.
"London's real estate industry has always been attractive to foreign capital. The unique commercial environment makes the entire London like an offshore center. You know, my forte is financialization and hedge funds. If you have other investment needs, diversification is also good!"
Charles smiled, "The UK has colonized the world for over a century, it's deeply rooted."
Lily Ying laughed on the other end, "Haha, so now you can invest in industries you like in Europe. Didn't owning Arsenal in the Premier League bring you both fame and fortune? If someone offers 1 billion pounds, would you sell Arsenal and the Emirates Stadium?"
"Hmm, definitely not. I originally spent around 600 million pounds myself, and now Arsenal is a European giant, the profits are immense."
"By the way, recently, I've been preparing to acquire the Italian luxury brand Prada!"
"Prada? I heard Prada hasn't been doing well. Do you need my help?" Charles had made more money with Lily Ying's help than he could spend in a lifetime.
"No need for that. Recently, some capital sought out Guangying Capital for collaboration. You know I'm somewhat renowned in Europe," Lily Ying modestly said on the phone.
"Well, just let me know if you need money. Your name is quite well-known in international finance. You could completely take control of Prada." Charles suggested.
"Hmm, I'll consider it..."
Lily Ying seemed determined to prepare for the acquisition of Prada. Prada's situation wasn't good; they had sought out Carlyle Group in the US for a buyer last year.
...
In the evening in London, at the Isabella Club, Charles was chatting with John Henry from New England Sports Ventures.
"How's it going? Are there still obstacles to the acquisition of Liverpool?" Charles asked.
John Henry nodded, "Tom Hicks and George Gillett don't want to sell; they hope for more returns."
"But I heard Liverpool's financial situation isn't great, and the repayment period for loans from the Royal Bank of Scotland should be coming up soon. If they don't solve the problem, do they expect the league to take over Liverpool? Isn't the board afraid of relegation or penalties against Liverpool?" Charles said calmly.
"Of course they are. The board agreed to sell, but Tom Hicks and George Gillett appealed against the transaction. Once the court ruling comes out, it should be settled. I think the league doesn't want Liverpool to be dragged into a mess by Tom Hicks and George Gillett either!"
"I see," Charles hadn't really been following the Liverpool acquisition much, only noticing it since he came to London.
He didn't expect Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sue New England Sports Ventures and the Liverpool board over the transaction!
Then, Charles discreetly glanced at John Henry. Chelsea had been eyeing Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres; And Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez was Arsenal's captain. How would John Henry revive Liverpool after the acquisition?
Manchester United hadn't won anything in two years since their 2008 Champions League win. Looks like his American friends weren't having an easy time either!
*****
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