章節 514: Chapter 514: The Intent to Acquire
"Rolls-Royce... Bentley... this is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Xia Yu stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing slightly, as he muttered to himself.
After leaving the Rolls-Royce dealership, he found himself increasingly interested in acquiring Rolls-Royce.
If he could acquire Rolls-Royce, it would be a huge boost to his influence, finances, and connections, as well as his overall power and future prospects.
Moreover, now is the perfect time to buy—Rolls-Royce is at a low point, making it ideal for bottom-fishing. If he missed this chance, acquiring it later would be ten times more expensive.
Since the 1970s, the British economy had been in decline, especially after the first oil crisis, which plunged the global economy into a recession.
In particular, in December 1976, the once proud John Bull had no choice but to bow its head and borrow £2.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund. However, the price was a series of required economic reforms in the UK.
Affected by the overall economic environment, both the manufacturing and service sectors in Britain were struggling, and Rolls-Royce was no exception, suffering severe losses.
However, Rolls-Royce was crucial to the UK's defense and security, so the British Defence Equipment Group took over Rolls-Royce and began extensive reforms.
Yet, the reforms were targeted, with major efforts and resources not focused on the automotive division.
This brings us to Rolls-Royce.
The Rolls-Royce Company, known in English as Rolls-Royce, can be translated in two ways: the first being Rolls-Royce, a symbol in the automotive field.
The second translation is equally renowned—Rolls-Royce, the famous Rolls-Royce company.
Rolls-Royce is a famous British aerospace engine company and Europe's largest aircraft engine manufacturer, with its engines widely used in both civilian and military aircraft around the world.
Rolls-Royce is the second-largest civilian engine company in the world and the second-largest military engine company, one of the top three aircraft engine manufacturers globally.
Additionally, Rolls-Royce is involved in the UK defense, shipping, and energy sectors, holding significant positions in all these fields.
The automotive division is just one part of the company.
As a Hong Kong native, acquiring Rolls-Royce would be nearly impossible for Xia Yu unless an extraordinary opportunity arose in seven or eight years, and he had climbed to the top ranks in the UK.
But for now, that's not a realistic option.
However, Xia Yu was aware of his limitations. While an overall acquisition might be beyond his reach, acquiring just the Rolls-Royce automotive division was still feasible.
Last year, the British Defence Equipment Group intervened and split Rolls-Royce, separating the automotive division into a standalone Rolls-Royce Automotive Company, which now operates under the Rolls-Royce Group.
Despite over a year of reforms, Rolls-Royce's development remained challenging.
Nowadays, whether due to the requirements of the International Monetary Fund, the voices of the British public, or the behind-the-scenes push from British capitalists, the call for economic reform in the UK was growing louder.
With Iron Lady Thatcher waving the privatization flag and her increasing support, the Conservative Party was fully backing her.
So, Xia Yu was quietly calculating.
Capital and politics have always been intertwined, and the stronger the capital, the closer its ties to politics.
Attempting to acquire the sensitive Rolls-Royce at this juncture, especially as a colonial subject and an Asian, would face significant obstacles. Xia Yu would need to leverage politics and connections.
Of course, if acquiring Rolls-Royce proved impossible, he would at least aim to acquire Bentley.
Bentley is the only other brand under Rolls-Royce besides the Rolls-Royce brand itself.
Founded by Walter Owen Bentley in 1919, Bentley Motors was known for its pursuit of speed, specializing in high-end sports cars and racing cars.
"To build a fast car, a good car, the most outstanding car in its class." This was Walter Owen Bentley's initial pursuit of excellence in car manufacturing.
From 1919 to 1929, Bentley's most glorious period was marked by numerous victories in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race.
Bentley was even known as the "Royal Athlete" in the automotive world due to its luxury and speed.
Unfortunately, by 1931, the poorly managed Bentley Motors was acquired by Rolls-Royce for £125,000. The car production line and engine R&D center were relocated to Crewe, UK, causing Bentley to lose its identity and become a badge-engineered product and market supplement for Rolls-Royce.
Nevertheless, despite being under Rolls-Royce for many years, Rolls-Royce had indeed made an effort. Over the decades, Bentley's luxury car philosophy had become deeply ingrained.
The deeply ingrained philosophy is the hardest to build, requiring years of accumulation—essentially, it is all about the legacy.
Many automotive giants on the mainland have spent vast sums trying to create a luxury car brand, but they have failed, highlighting the difficulty. Brand building is the toughest part; having money alone is not enough; time and accumulation are needed.
So, even if acquiring Rolls-Royce is not feasible, acquiring Bentley is still a goal.
Decades ago, Rolls-Royce acquired the struggling Bentley Motors. Decades later, the struggling Rolls-Royce could similarly sell Bentley Motors to save itself.
Anything is possible!
"To acquire, the prerequisite is to establish an investment company in the UK, preferably with some disguise to reduce acquisition resistance."
"For now, let's decide on this. First, we need to find a point of entry."
Xia Yu muttered to himself.
"Xia Yu, what's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Li Qian, leaning against Xia Yu, heard his muttering and looked up, blinking her big, watery eyes, softly inquiring.
Xia Yu smiled slightly, gently stroking Li Qian's pretty face, and shook his head, "It's nothing, just thinking about some things. You'll find out later."
"Hmm hmm!"
Li Qian lightly nodded, smiling sweetly in agreement.
A row of black Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows moving down the street attracted the attention of many British people.
The drivers were arranged by the Rolls-Royce dealership to bring the cars to the designated location.
Soon, the cars arrived at the base of the Galaxy Fund. Xia Yu left three cars for Liu Xiao and the others, while keeping his original two cars for their use.
Then, Xia Yu and the others drove the three new cars to their destination—the Hua Shang Bank.
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