Chapter 436 Compensation from the Securities Commission
After hanging up on Shen Bi, Lin Haoran received several more calls from heavyweights in Hong Kong's business and political circles.
Some calls were purely congratulatory, others full of flattery, some expressed intentions for future cooperation, and a few contained veiled probes testing his intentions.
After handling all the calls, Lin Haoran was finally able to take a breather.
Even though his vision was already set on a global scale, Hong Kong would always remain his foundation.
Without a solid base, how could one aspire to dominate the world?
Managing his home turf well was always a critical part of his grand strategy.
Setting down the receiver, Lin Haoran turned and fixed his gaze on Ma Shimin, who had been quietly seated nearby.
"Boss, now that the news is public, I think it's time we move forward with taking control of Hong Kong Telephone Company.
Half an hour ago, I made initial contact with Chairman David of Hong Kong Telephone Company to discuss the handover.
David expressed that before the formal takeover, he hopes to have a thorough discussion about the company's future development," Ma Shimin reported.
Lin Haoran nodded slightly and asked, "How capable is this David? And what are your plans for the existing senior management at Hong Kong Telephone Company?"
While he didn't intend to micromanage, Lin Haoran naturally cared about these matters.
After all, Hong Kong Telephone Company, with a market value close to HK$3 billion, was far too important to be neglected.
"Boss, David is indeed very capable.
He's a seasoned expert in telecommunications and has managed the company very effectively.
As for whether he stays, it depends on his performance.
If he fully commits to integrating with Jardines Matheson, I have no objections to letting him continue leading the company.
But if he merely pays lip service or acts disloyally, then we'll have to replace him," Ma Shimin said with a smile.
"Good, proceed as you see fit.
Also, the takeover of Hong Kong Telephone Company must be completed swiftly.
As you know, I've already reached a cooperation agreement with Motorola.
We plan to build a cellular mobile network in Hong Kong, potentially making it the world's first city to commercialize mobile phones—an opportunity of critical importance.
Motorola will be sending a team of experts and negotiators to Hong Kong within two weeks to finalize the collaboration.
Securing Hong Kong Telephone Company now ensures we have a solid telecom foundation to build on.
Moreover, I've heard Hong Kong Telephone Company already has several top international telecom experts.
Once we take control, we'll use Hong Kong Telephone Company as our official partner with Motorola, which should make everything proceed even more smoothly," Lin Haoran said.
"Boss, you're absolutely right.
Hong Kong Telephone Company currently employs three top-tier international telecom experts, along with dozens of skilled engineers.
Chairman David himself was once Chief Engineer of Telecommunications at Siemens Germany, before being recruited to Hong Kong Telephone Company with a high salary.
Later, due to his excellent performance, he transitioned into management and ultimately became chairman," Ma Shimin elaborated.
Lin Haoran's interest was visibly piqued.
A top technical expert and outstanding manager—such talent was invaluable.
Pacing over to the window, Lin Haoran gazed out at Hong Kong's dazzling cityscape.
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke steadily:
"From what you've said, David's abilities are undeniable.
However, for Hong Kong Telephone Company's future, loyalty and execution are even more important than competence.
If he fully supports us, we'll give him a platform to showcase his talents.
But if he harbors doubts or disloyalty, we must act decisively."
Ma Shimin nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry, Boss. I'll keep a close watch on David's behavior.
He requested today's meeting likely to gauge our attitude toward him.
I've also drafted an initial plan for the handover.
If all goes smoothly, we can gather Hong Kong Telephone Company's senior management tomorrow morning and officially announce Jardines Matheson's takeover.
And once Motorola's team arrives, we'll immediately begin cooperation talks."
Lin Haoran nodded approvingly.
"Mr. Ma, your efficiency has always been reliable.
However, taking over Hong Kong Telephone Company isn't just a matter of changing management—it's about winning over hearts and minds.
Especially among the technical core and senior management—their attitude will directly impact our future development speed."
Turning back to Ma Shimin, he added:
"Even though David is impressive, we can't put all our hopes on one person.
You mentioned there are two other top telecom experts within the company—we must win them over too.
They're not just technical pillars; they'll also be key to our collaboration with Motorola."
Ma Shimin smiled confidently.
"Boss, you really don't need to worry.
Jardines Matheson's prestige in Hong Kong is immense.
Acquiring and controlling Hong Kong Telephone Company won't be difficult for us.
Before the formal handover, I'll personally meet with these key experts to understand their concerns and needs.
If they're willing to stay, we'll fully support them.
If they have doubts, we'll address them.
Moreover, even after taking over, we'll ensure their independence is respected.
As a non-specialist, I will defer to their professional judgment and avoid interfering unnecessarily."
"Good, in that case, I can rest easy," Lin Haoran said.
"Boss, there's another piece of good news," Ma Shimin added after a moment's thought.
"Chairman Mac of the Securities Commission personally called just now.
Since we agreed not to privatize Hong Kong Telephone Company, we are no longer required to buy out shares at the highest price within the past six months.
They'll soon send a formal letter confirming this."
Last Friday, Hong Kong Telephone Company's stock had surged to HK$35 per share.
Under Hong Kong's acquisition rules, a company launching a takeover was normally required to offer to buy outstanding shares at the highest price within the previous six months.
But now, since Jardines Matheson abandoned the privatization plan, the Securities Commission was offering this as a form of "compensation."
Without price restrictions, Jardines Matheson could buy shares at market value—potentially saving hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars.
Given that they already held over 40% of the shares, there was no longer any threat from competitors.
If it were a British conglomerate attempting to privatize Hong Kong Telephone Company, the Securities Commission might have taken a softer stance.
But with Lin Haoran, a Chinese entrepreneur, leading Jardines Matheson, heightened scrutiny was inevitable.
There was no such thing as perfection.
"Good, that's certainly welcome news.
Global Investment Company will fully support your ongoing acquisition efforts," Lin Haoran nodded.
Without a price floor, they could manipulate the stock price freely.
Otherwise, they would have been forced to buy at HK$35 per share.
Now, even if they suppressed the price to HK$25, it wouldn't be a problem.
Considering the amounts involved, it represented savings in the hundreds of millions.
"Boss, if there's nothing else, I plan to head over to Hong Kong Telephone Company to meet David and discuss the takeover," Ma Shimin said, glancing at his watch.
"Go ahead!" Lin Haoran said, waving him off cheerfully.
It was already past 5 PM, and the sunset was casting brilliant hues across the glass windows of Kang Lok Building.
Feeling sentimental, Lin Haoran picked up the phone and called his parents' home.
"Dad, I'm back in Hong Kong.
I'm planning to come over soon.
Let's have dinner together tonight," Lin Haoran said warmly when Lin Wanan answered.
"You're back! Wonderful! I'll have the kitchen prepare something special. Come home early!" Lin Wanan said, his voice filled with joy.
"Don't worry, Dad. I promise I'll be home before seven," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
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