Chapter 336 Niu Bijian Joins Lin Haoran
Lin Haoran did not insist on bringing dozens of people upstairs. Instead, he said to the security chief, "Please report to Mr. Bofuda for me and tell him that I have something important to discuss."
The security chief, a tall foreigner who looked quite skilled, spoke fluent Cantonese.
"Mr. Lin, with your status, there's no need for me to report. I'll arrange for someone to take you up right now, but I can't let too many people go up; otherwise, it will put me in a difficult position," the security chief said, glancing at the dozens behind Lin Haoran with some hesitation.
Just then, a slight commotion broke out near the lobby entrance.
Everyone turned to look and saw Niu Bijian, the head of Jardines Matheson, walking into the lobby.
Niu Bijian was not only the boss of Jardines Matheson but also of Jardines Matheson.
"Ah, Mr. Niu Bijian, you've come at just the right time!" Lin Haoran smiled and approached him.
Since Niu Bijian was present, there was no need to trouble the security chief anymore.
"Mr. Lin, what is your purpose in coming to Jardines Matheson today? Why did you gather so many reporters here?" Niu Bijian asked two questions in quick succession.
He still had no idea why Lin Haoran had come to Connaught Centre.
"Mr. Niu Bijian, I originally planned to find Mr. Bofuda, but since you are here, that's even better. Please convene an emergency board meeting for Jardines Matheson. I have something major to announce to the board," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Something major? Mr. Lin, could you be a little more specific?" Even Niu Bijian felt a foreboding sense of unease.
"I'll be straightforward. I now hold enough shares to control Jardines Matheson. I'm here today to formally take control of the company," Lin Haoran said quietly since no one was nearby.
At present, he held 47.3% of Jardines Matheson's shares, making him the undisputed largest shareholder.
Even though Jardines Matheson had recently increased its shareholding in Jardines Matheson from 20% to 30.2%, combined with about 12% held by other British shareholders, their total was still less than Lin Haoran's alone.
Thus, Lin Haoran was fully qualified to take control.
Currently, only about 10% of Jardines Matheson's shares were left in the secondary market. After heavy acquisition by him and Jardines Matheson, it was virtually impossible for others to accumulate more shares through the market.
The fewer shares available, the harder it became to acquire them.
"How is this possible?" Niu Bijian reacted strongly, raising his voice and drawing the attention of others.
He couldn't believe that Lin Haoran had managed to acquire enough shares to control Jardines Matheson.
After all, the shareholding structure of Jardines Matheson was quite transparent.
Jardines Matheson held 30.2%, and other British consortium shareholders held nearly 12%.
This meant the British consortium collectively controlled about 42% of Jardines Matheson.
Though these shares were spread among several parties, they could unite against any external forces.
Under these circumstances, Lin Haoran single-handedly surpassing 42% seemed almost impossible.
In Niu Bijian's view, it was simply absurd.
Given Jardines Matheson's current share price, over 42% of the shares would be worth billions of Hong Kong dollars.
Could Lin Haoran, who already owned 19% of Jardines Matheson, quietly mobilize so much money to acquire Jardines Matheson's shares?
Faced with Niu Bijian's shock and disbelief, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Mr. Niu Bijian, do you think I have any reason to lie to you? To tell you the truth, my investment companies now hold over 47% of Jardines Matheson. You should know what that means."
At this point, there was no need to hide anymore; it was time to announce it openly.
"Mr. Lin, do you have evidence to support your claim?" Niu Bijian asked seriously.
"Of course. I didn't bring so many people here just for fun. Among them are lawyers, finance staff, and I've even brought the share certificates for Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson.
Also, don't forget I am the largest private shareholder of Jardines Matheson, with 19% of its shares.
Adding Jardines Matheson's 30.1% holding in Jardines Matheson, it means I effectively control 49.1% of Jardines Matheson's shares.
In other words, I have successfully taken over Jardines Matheson. From now on, I will be leading this company," Lin Haoran said, no longer polite.
His words struck Niu Bijian like a thunderbolt.
No wonder Lin Haoran hadn't opposed the mutual control plan between Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson; he had even seemed to support it.
He had been quietly preparing, waiting for the plan to complete, so he could harvest the fruits and take over both giants effortlessly.
Holding over 47% of Jardines Matheson's shares, Lin Haoran had an absolute advantage that the British consortiums couldn't overcome, even if they united, including Huifeng Bank.
Faced with such a situation, Niu Bijian couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the British consortiums, especially the Keswick family, who had been trying to push him out.
As for himself, he was merely a professional manager.
Though he had long regarded the British consortium's honor as his own, the Keswick family's rejection of him had already caused him to reconsider his position.
Now, he had to reexamine his future.
"Mr. Lin, regarding the board meeting, I think we should hold off for now. I would like to have a private conversation with you first. Would that be acceptable?" Niu Bijian said seriously.
"Of course. You're familiar with the place; you can decide where we talk," Lin Haoran said calmly.
He was in no rush.
To smoothly take over Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson, he needed Niu Bijian's full cooperation.
If Niu Bijian cooperated, the process would be much smoother.
If he didn't, while the result wouldn't change, there would be unnecessary obstacles.
"I suggest we talk in my car," Niu Bijian said after thinking it over.
He didn't want their conversation to be overheard.
"This way is even better. My car is armored and soundproof," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Excellent!" Niu Bijian agreed.
Lin Haoran quickly instructed Burton to have everyone rest in the lobby.
"Mr. Anthony, please take them to the employee lounge," Niu Bijian instructed the security chief.
As the boss of Jardines Matheson, his authority was still considerable.
"Yes, Mr. Niu Bijian," the security chief answered respectfully.
"Mr. Burton, please go with them," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
After watching Burton and the others leave, Lin Haoran took Li Weidong and Li Weiguo with him and walked out to the parking lot.
The reporters tried to follow, but Lin Haoran politely but firmly stopped them.
None of the reporters dared to push too hard, fearing they might lose their chance for future interviews.
Li Weidong and Li Weiguo stayed outside to keep watch while Lin Haoran and Niu Bijian got into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.
This specially-made car had excellent security and soundproofing.
Once the doors were closed, the outside world's noise was completely shut out.
"Mr. Niu Bijian, please feel free to say what's on your mind. But you know my purpose here today. I don't intend to delay. I must take over Jardines Matheson today," Lin Haoran said.
"I want to know: once Mr. Lin succeeds in taking over Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson, what are your plans for me?" Niu Bijian asked seriously.
When he first heard Lin Haoran's words, he had been at a loss.
But upon reflection, he realized that Lin Haoran wasn't the type to micromanage companies.
Thus, he still had a chance to stay in charge of Jardines Matheson—and perhaps even Jardines Matheson.
As long as he remained, Lin Haoran's takeover might not impact him much.
As for the British consortium's honor?
Why should he care?
He was just an employee, a professional manager.
Knowing Lin Haoran's shareholding situation, Niu Bijian realized the British consortium had no chance of winning.
In the consortium, he only had the support of a few shareholders; most followed the Keswick family.
Fortunately, nearly 80% of Jardines Matheson's mid-to-senior managers were loyal to him, giving him some leverage in front of Lin Haoran.
Since the British consortium could no longer win, Niu Bijian decided to throw in his lot with Lin Haoran.
Perhaps he could maintain his position.
Hearing Niu Bijian's words, Lin Haoran smiled.
This boss of Jardines Matheson certainly knew how to read the situation!
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