章節 356: Chapter 356: Preparing for a Counterattack
With the Jardine Matheson Group trying to find ways to counteract, Xia Yu naturally wasn't just standing by. He knew that the Keswick family would definitely go all out to acquire shares.
If they were to succeed in approaching or achieving absolute control, it would be detrimental to him.
How would he then acquire shares of the Jardine Insurance Consulting Group? How could he successfully acquire the Wharf Holdings Limited?
There was also the risk of failure causing a ripple effect, allowing the Jardine Matheson Group to recover and potentially mount a strong counterattack, which would be disastrous.
So the only solution was to prevent the Keswick family from achieving absolute control over the Jardine Matheson Group, forcing them to buy shares from him instead.
"Wang Qi, what's the situation?"
In the office of Jiuding Securities Company, Xia Yu asked Wang Qi.
"Boss, I've sent senior personnel to acquire shares from those six companies. However, as you expected, Goldman Sachs, Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, and Temasek Holdings are all asking exorbitant prices. As for Cummins Inc., they have a firm stance, saying that holding shares involves company strategy and refusing to sell."
"Finally, there's the Bank of China in Hong Kong. Their attitude is relatively soft, and they have suggested deepening other business cooperation. If we want to acquire shares, it shouldn't be a big problem."
Wang Qi reported the situation honestly.
"Is that so…"
Xia Yu nodded slightly and said in a low voice, his brows furrowed in thought.
"As for the Bank of China in Hong Kong, negotiate with them. If the price is right, acquire the shares. We are certainly open to other business cooperation. You can decide on pure business cooperation directly, but if it involves sensitive matters, report back to me."
Xia Yu pondered for a moment.
Often, business and politics are intertwined, especially for the mainland.
The Bank of China in Hong Kong has a special position, and Xia Yu's status is also special. Now that there's a chance to strengthen ties with Xia Yu, the Bank of China would certainly not make things difficult for him.
This is actually to his advantage. Even if the Bank of China doesn't hold shares in the Jardine Matheson Group, Xia Yu is very welcoming to their cooperation intentions.
"Understood!"
Wang Qi responded respectfully, then quietly waited for further instructions.
"As for the other five companies, send people to create trouble and delay. The longer we delay, the more beneficial it will be for us."
"Of course, if you can acquire shares at a lower price, that's best. If not, drive up the price as much as possible to keep these five companies hanging and prevent them from selling shares to the Keswick family. Got it?"
Xia Yu continued, his face very serious. The execution of this plan is crucial for subsequent actions.
As long as they maintain their pressure, it will only further ignite the greed of these companies, leading them to form erroneous judgments and repeatedly raise their expectations, making it harder for the Jardine Matheson Group to acquire shares.
Xia Yu's main goal is to buy time and exhaust the patience of the Keswick family. When Li Zhao-ji and others are ready, he will deliver a fatal blow. By then, the Keswick family will be in a panic, and it will be time to present the replacement conditions.
To quickly secure the Jardine Matheson Group, the Keswick family will be too preoccupied to negotiate with Nomura Securities and other companies and will have to settle for the shares held by the Galaxy Fund.
"Rest assured, Boss. I will do my utmost to create trouble and hold them up!"
Wang Qi said solemnly, making a firm promise.
"Go ahead, that will be all for now. Quickly make arrangements!"
Xia Yu waved his hand, dismissing Wang Qi.
"The real show has just begun!"
…
After a long silence, Xia Yu's soft laughter broke the tranquility of the office.
Aside from the Keswick family, everyone else wanted the Jardine Matheson Group's stock price to rise. With the joint efforts of numerous institutions, the stock price naturally climbed steadily.
35.8 HKD per share!
36.2 HKD per share!
…
38.4 HKD per share!
The stock price was soaring rapidly, but the trading volume was pitifully low, almost nonexistent.
The more this was the case, the more confidence investors and institutions had, and the stock price's momentum became even stronger.
By the end of trading at 4:30 PM that day, the stock price had settled at 47.9 HKD, 20.4 HKD higher than the 27.5 HKD per share before the sniper battle had even begun. This was only after one day, showing just how crazy the stock price surge was!
Fortunately, the trading rules for Hong Kong stocks are similar to those in Europe and the U.S., with no restrictions on price limits. Otherwise, if it were like the mainland's A-shares, with a 10% limit on price fluctuations, it would take at least six trading days for the stock price to rise from 27.5 HKD to 47.9 HKD.
Adding the fact that trading is suspended on Saturdays and Sundays, it would take even longer. For a takeover battle, the longer it takes, the greater the uncertainties, which is disadvantageous for the acquirer.
As the sunset on the sea slowly disappeared, the night gradually fell, and the dazzling lights began to illuminate.
From the peak of Victoria Peak, the view was a riot of colors.
Old John stood on the balcony, his aged hand resting on the railing. He stared blankly at the city below, the gentle breeze blowing his silver hair continuously.
Henry Keswick had unknowingly joined him on the balcony. After observing his father standing motionless like a stone pillar, he understood that his father was under immense pressure. He felt some concern and gently reminded, "Father, don't catch a cold. Let's go inside."
Old John withdrew his thoughts and looked back at Henry Keswick. He then turned to look at the city below and asked slowly, "Do you feel it?"
Henry Keswick was puzzled by his father's inexplicable question. After thinking for a few seconds and still not understanding what his father meant, he approached his father and asked, "Father, forgive my ignorance. What are you referring to?"
Old John maintained his stance, as if explaining or speaking to himself, "The wind tonight is quite strong, and it makes me feel somewhat oppressed inside."
Henry Keswick was silent for a long time, then comforted, "Father, don't worry. Victory will definitely be ours."
"It's hard to say…"
Old John shook his head with a slight frown.
Although the evening breeze was cool, it made him even calmer and more reflective.
Years of experience in business had honed his sharp intuition. This time, he felt uneasy. His intuition told him that the cunning Xia Yu must have some backup plan.
Moreover, Old John had reviewed everything from beginning to end and realized that they had lost the initiative. They were being passively managed and led by Xia Yu.
If this continued, they would only sink deeper and deeper, falling into the traps set by Xia Yu and ultimately facing failure.
"We can't let things continue like this. Acquiring enough shares is too difficult."
"Moreover, years of continuous mergers have made the consortium bloated and disorganized, with a tight cash flow and high risk."
"Even if we manage to keep the Jardine Matheson Group this time, the Galaxy Fund could cash out and strengthen its position, making it even harder to deal with. If they launch another attack, it will be even worse, leading to a vicious cycle."
"The situation is too dire, and it's hard to turn it around in the short term. We must find other ways to break the deadlock and regain the initiative!"
Thinking this, Old John's murky eyes became sharp.
"If you intend to defeat me through business, then I will let you know that business strength is only a part of a consortium's power!"
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