Chapter 466 Simon Almost Slammed the Door in Anger
"That's right, we do intend to sell. If Mr. Lin is interested in acquiring Jardines Securities, we are willing to sell it to you! You must know, Jardines Matheson holds about 40% of Jardines Securities' shares, making us the indisputable controlling shareholder.
If Mr. Lin successfully purchases our stake, you will directly become the new owner of Jardines Securities!" Simon Keswick wasted no time laying out the core offer, hoping to spark Lin Haoran's interest.
Lin Haoran tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, remaining silent for a long time.
Then he turned to Simon Keswick and asked bluntly,
"What's your asking price for Jardines Securities' shares?"
Ma Shimin wisely remained silent.
After all, the offer was made directly to Lin Haoran, not to Jardines Property Group.
"Eight hundred million Hong Kong dollars.
If Mr. Lin pays this amount, we will transfer all of our shares to you, allowing you to control a company currently valued at 1.5 billion Hong Kong dollars!"
Simon Keswick's tone suggested that it was a bargain.
If Jardines Securities had owned vast amounts of prime real estate, as a listed company it would have attracted plenty of investors.
However, based on its current situation, even five hundred million might have been an overvaluation in Lin Haoran's eyes.
Without Jardines Matheson's backing, Jardines Securities' future performance was highly uncertain.
The most valuable assets Jardines Securities still possessed were its brand reputation and its pool of experienced industry professionals.
Lin Haoran let out a cold chuckle and said,
"Mr. Simon, you must think I'm an easy fool.
It's not easy to make money these days. I don't have spare cash to throw around."
Simon Keswick's face darkened, barely able to hide his embarrassment.
Given Jardines Matheson's desperate situation and their eagerness to withdraw from Hong Kong, selling Jardines Securities seemed the best option.
After all, once stripped of Jardines Matheson's support, Jardines Securities' earnings and stock price would inevitably plummet.
Keeping it would only bring greater losses.
Simon Keswick took a deep breath to compose himself.
"Mr. Lin, I understand your concerns, but please believe me, Jardines Securities' true value is much greater.
We are willing to negotiate a mutually acceptable price."
"Then, Mr. Lin, what do you believe is a fair price?" he asked carefully.
Lin Haoran smiled lightly and responded with absolute calm:
"One hundred million Hong Kong dollars.
I'm willing to acquire your 40% stake for that amount.
In my view, that's already a generous offer."
Simon Keswick's expression changed dramatically.
He nearly leapt out of his chair and shouted,
"Mr. Lin, why don't you just rob us!"
Faced with Simon's angry reaction, Lin Haoran remained perfectly calm.
He slowly stood up, leaning both hands on his desk, and looked directly at Simon, speaking in an even tone,
"Mr. Simon, let's be clear.
My offer is neither reckless nor malicious.
It's based on a sober assessment of market realities and Jardines Securities' actual position.
As far as I know, Jardines Securities still rents office space in Jardine House—such a large firm doesn't even own its own headquarters.
Even my father's Wan On Group, worth far less, owned its own building."
Lin Haoran continued,
"Mr. Simon, where exactly does Jardines Securities' true value lie?
What justifies a 1.5 billion HKD valuation?
Clearly, the market has overvalued it.
Thus, my offer is fair."
"No, no, no, Mr. Lin, you may not be aware.
In the past few years, Jardines Securities has consistently delivered outstanding results.
Even looking just at the past two years, profits have exceeded 150 million HKD annually.
Going back further, it still made over 100 million HKD annually.
Given that, I believe its valuation is fully justified, and it may even be worth over 2 billion HKD!"
Simon Keswick explained earnestly, hoping to make Lin Haoran realize the true worth of the company.
But Lin Haoran only smiled slightly.
"Mr. Simon, my offer of one hundred million HKD is final.
If you accept, we have a deal.
If not, let's not waste each other's time.
Frankly, my interest in Jardines Securities is limited."
Simon Keswick's face turned ashen, feeling deeply insulted.
"Mr. Lin, your offer is an affront to Jardines Securities!
I see no point in continuing this conversation."
Still smiling, Lin Haoran responded with a hint of mockery,
"Mr. Simon, if that's how you feel, then I won't keep you any longer.
Take care."
Humiliated and furious, Simon Keswick could only leave hastily, practically fleeing the room.
Even Ma Shimin chuckled as he watched Simon storm out.
There was no sympathy left for his former employer.
After all, Ma Shimin's loyalty was now firmly with Lin Haoran.
"I can't believe they're trying to sell off Jardines Securities—their last major foothold in Hong Kong," Ma Shimin said, shaking his head.
"If they hadn't antagonized the Governor's Office, Jardines Securities would still thrive even if Jardines Matheson moved to London," Lin Haoran said with a chuckle.
"But they foolishly tried to manipulate public opinion and sabotage the real estate market, costing the government billions."
"Now that they've lost their backing, Jardines Securities' downfall is inevitable.
Other firms will pounce and eat away its market share.
They know it too—that's why they're desperate to sell while the price is still high."
"But I'm not going to be their fool."
"Boss, are you really not interested in Jardines Securities?
Sure, eight hundred million is overpriced, but if you could get it for five hundred million, it would be a worthwhile investment.
With your influence and Jardines Securities' brand strength and talent pool, you could easily drive it to new heights," Ma Shimin argued.
He had wanted to interrupt earlier, but seeing Lin Haoran's apparent disinterest, he held back.
Now that Simon had left, he couldn't help but voice his thoughts.
However, Lin Haoran smiled mysteriously and said,
"Mr. Ma, I have my own plans.
Don't worry—you'll soon see exactly what I intend to do."
After all, the government's fine had punished Jardines Matheson.
But Lin Haoran had yet to settle his own personal score.
Originally, he had considered targeting Jardines Matheson's overseas assets.
But now, with Simon Keswick coming to him voluntarily, an even better opportunity had presented itself.
When Simon revealed that they were willing to sell Jardines Securities, Lin Haoran's mind had started forming a plan.
He would take this chance to deal a heavy blow to Jardines Matheson.
He wouldn't just protect his interests—he would make them pay for daring to cross him.
Since Jardines Matheson was determined to flee Hong Kong, Lin Haoran was ready to strike hard before they escaped.
He would make sure everyone in Hong Kong understood:
Anyone who dared challenge Lin Haoran would pay a terrible price.
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