章節 380: Chapter 380: The Results of the Alliance
"Forget it, let's not discuss this anymore. It's already so late; let's focus on the main issue tonight!" Old John shook his head slightly and said, regaining his composure.
"Speak then. What is it that you called us here for tonight?"
Despite having some guesses before coming and discussing with the other two, Norman Sheehaw still asked out loud.
Old John did not immediately answer the question but began to explain: "You should all know that with the economic development over the years, although we have expanded and strengthened through capital and the convenience provided by the Hong Kong government, Chinese capital has also grown rapidly. Despite the fact that individual Chinese capital entities may not be as strong as us, their overall scale is now capable of competing with us."
"Now, they are no longer satisfied with the current market distribution. Although their target is my Jardine Matheson, in reality, they are targeting the entire British capital!"
"Although Jardine Matheson is the strongest, as the saying goes, 'a pack of wolves can devour a tiger.' I have to prepare for the worst. No one can predict how things will develop. Suppose in the worst-case scenario, Jardine Matheson is defeated by them. Do you think Chinese capital will see all British capital as easy targets and launch further attacks on your companies?"
Upon hearing these words, the faces of Norman Sheehaw and the others changed slightly, clearly affected by what was said.
The reality is indeed like this!
Originally, high-barrier industries such as aviation and utilities were controlled by British capital due to exclusive licenses granted by the Hong Kong government. Chinese capital, not to mention its strength, could not even obtain entry licenses.
However, with the changing world dynamics over the past few decades and Hong Kong being a gateway to the mainland, many outstanding Chinese capital figures have risen. Shipping, for instance, is a typical example where British capital could not suppress the growth.
There have also been significant contributions from the garment manufacturing and financial sectors to the accumulation of Chinese capital.
Later, the real estate industry emerged and was grasped by Chinese capital. What was once monopolized by British capital is now continuously being eroded by Chinese capital, with many real estate giants emerging. Even though British capital entities such as Swire Properties, Wharf Holdings, and Hutchison Whampoa still hold leading positions, they are on edge.
The speed and momentum of Chinese capital's rise are too startling!
They had sensed the restlessness of Chinese capital long ago but knew that due to the disparity in strength, Chinese capital did not dare to act rashly.
But now, with Chinese capital targeting Jardine Matheson with such a grand scale, it is a collective action by top Chinese capital leaders, not just an isolated event. They cannot afford to be complacent.
However, since there has been no direct threat to themselves, Norman Sheehaw and John Madden are reluctant to get involved and escalate the conflict.
They understand that once they get involved, it is easy to start but difficult to extricate oneself!
They have not yet suffered any losses, so why should they actively jump in to support Jardine Matheson? Although John Keck's words are alarming, they do not believe Jardine Matheson will collapse immediately. As long as Jardine Matheson can hold on, they will definitely intervene if the situation worsens.
It is not yet time for them to abandon all and come to the aid of Jardine Matheson.
Because of this mentality, the few of them remained silent. Although they were cautious, they did not pick up on John Keck's hint.
Norman Sheehaw's reaction made Old John anxious. He raised his voice again: "You should understand that if I fail, Chinese capital will definitely take advantage. If they gain momentum, you will also become their targets!"
"We are the established beneficiaries, and they are newly emerging capitalists, naturally on opposing sides. None of us can stay out of it!"
Norman Sheehaw frowned slightly, displeased with John Keck's threat, and countered: "Keck, competition is always present, just like the competition between us. Essentially, it depends on one's own strength. You are being targeted now because of the adverse consequences of Jardine Matheson's previous aggressive expansion. The Swire Group is not like you."
"They want to use the same method to deal with Swire, but it won't work at all!"
Norman Sheehaw said confidently.
Under his control, the Swire Group's positioning is more precise than Jardine Matheson's. Although it has expanded, it did not expand as rapidly as Jardine Matheson, so its control over its subsidiaries is very strong. It would be very difficult for someone like Summer Yu to attack the Swire Group from the financial market, so he is not worried.
Moreover, Jardine Matheson and the Swire Group are close in strength, being the first and second largest British capital groups respectively. They compete in many areas, such as shipping, shipping services, beverages, real estate, trade, and aviation, so their relationship is not particularly good.
It can be said that in Hong Kong, the group that competes most with the Swire Group is not Chinese capital but rather Jardine Matheson.
Relying on British capital's advantages and its own capital advantages, Norman Sheehaw is not afraid of Chinese capital. Instead, he finds Jardine Matheson, which has similar advantages, more difficult to deal with.
"Keck, just be straightforward. What is your real intention?"
Norman Sheehaw asked directly.
Seeing that Norman Sheehaw was not swayed, Old John felt a pang of disappointment and instinctively looked towards John Madden and Pridwen, hoping to open a door through them.
However, both of them ignored Old John's gaze with blank expressions, and it was unclear what they were thinking.
"Alright, I'll be straightforward. I hope everyone can help me as much as possible to protect these companies and repel Chinese capital's attack.
If you ever face a similar situation one day, I will definitely help you first!"
Old John said solemnly, making a promise.
The three fell into deep thought, and the atmosphere became tense. After a long time, Pridwen spoke first: "Keck, it's not that I don't want to help, but we are all preoccupied with our own problems."
Pridwen then shrugged helplessly.
This is what Pridwen truly thought. Seeing Jardine Matheson's current predicament, Pridwen was not once relieved that Chinese capital was not targeting Hutchison Whampoa.
Because Hutchison Whampoa was indeed in a dire situation!
Around 1965, Hutchison had only about fifty subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
However, by 1975, just ten years later, Hutchison International had over 360 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, reflecting the ferocity of its expansion.
But with the adverse effects of this expansion and the impact of the broader environment, Hutchison International suffered severe losses. Under the drastic reforms of the so-called "genius manager" Wai Li, Hutchison International divested many non-performing assets. By 1976, in less than a year, 107 companies were either dissolved or sold, and further reforms and divestitures continued.
Then, in early January of this year, Hutchison International merged with Whampoa Dock, becoming Hutchison Whampoa, which allowed it to breathe a little easier.
However, the situation is still not optimistic, and the sluggish stock price of Hutchison Whampoa is a testament to this.
So, why would Pridwen want to attract fire for Jardine Matheson? That would be inviting trouble!
He is already full of holes. It would be a disaster if he were to provoke more problems. He would prefer if Summer Yu and others ignored Hutchison Whampoa!
Unfortunately, Pridwen will be disappointed. Little does he know that Hutchison Whampoa has already been targeted. After Jardine Matheson suffers, Hutchison Whampoa will be next!
He might end up being furious when that time comes!
"Indeed, Keck, it's fortunate that they are not causing us trouble. As for what's happening with Kadoorie, you are also aware. We really can't help with this!"
John Madden said apologetically.
Among the four major British capital groups, Kadoorie is the youngest and weakest. He doesn't want to actively seek trouble and be a burden to Jardine Matheson.
Compared to Jardine Matheson and Swire, which have been around for one or two hundred years, Kadoorie is very young, having been established in 1925. John Madden had several times considered selling the company, with the most recent involving Jardine Matheson.
In October 1976, Kadoorie sought to sell itself, and Jardine Matheson intervened, preparing to acquire Kadoorie. By December, Kadoorie and Jardine Matheson had decided that if no agreement was reached within ten days, the acquisition plan would be canceled. Unfortunately, this acquisition battle ultimately failed amid competition from several companies.
Then, with the economic recovery in recent years and the resurgence of the real estate industry, Kadoorie revived, and John Madden's ambitions were reignited. He no longer considered selling the company.
Recently, with the ship king Bao Yu just leaving the ship, Kadoorie is interested in purchasing Bao Yu's large fleet of ships, and negotiations are currently underway. For John Madden to go against Bao Yu, that would be self-destructive!
What if it affects Kadoorie's strategic expansion in the shipping market?
He would rather not harm himself to benefit others!
Furthermore, Kadoorie's main assets are in shipping, warehousing, and real estate, with fewer listed companies, so there is no real concern about being targeted.
Moreover, although he is the chairman of Kadoorie, there is
also a Chinese force within Kadoorie, the Zhang family, which has been a significant distraction for him.
With internal troubles, if he attracts external problems, he might easily lose control of Kadoorie, which is too risky.
Therefore, among the three people invited by Old John, he is the most unwilling to get involved. No matter how much Old John tries to persuade him, he remains clear-headed!
If he wants help, there isn't even a window, let alone a door!
The four people had different thoughts and were not in a position to cooperate!
Thus, the negotiations that Old John had high hopes for ended in failure. The only consolation for Old John was that Norman Sheehaw from the Swire Group left with a heavy heart, clearly affected by the conversation.
As long as an opportunity arises, there might still be a chance to get him to help.
Old John's main target is indeed the Swire Group. After all, he is aware of the situation with Hutchison Whampoa and Kadoorie, and they are truly preoccupied with their own problems.
Tonight, he invited them all just to see if there was a chance. If it worked out, that would be great; if not, he would not be too disappointed.
Watching the three leave, Old John stood at the door for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh.
"Alas…"
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