Chapter 337 Jardines Matheson Becomes the Parent Company of Jardines Matheson!
Niu Bijian's words were already very straightforward.
He had surrendered and wanted to join Lin Haoran.
Clearly, he hoped Lin Haoran would allow him to stay on and continue serving as the head of Jardines Matheson.
At just around fifty years old, Niu Bijian was obviously unwilling to retire so soon.
Moreover, more than three-fifths of his life had been tied to Jardines Matheson.
To suddenly leave the company, he truly didn't know what he would do next.
Start his own business?
Although he had earned considerable wealth during his years at Jardines Matheson and possessed the experience to succeed, at his age, starting a small company from scratch would be challenging and exhausting.
As for switching to another company?
With his résumé as the head of Jardines Matheson, he could easily become a professional manager elsewhere.
But there were hardly any companies in Hong Kong or even Southeast Asia larger than Jardines Matheson, and he wouldn't be interested in smaller firms.
Thus, in Niu Bijian's view, continuing to serve as the head of Jardines Matheson was the best possible outcome.
At this point, he no longer cared whether the controlling shareholders were British or Chinese. To him, it made little difference.
For Lin Haoran, keeping Niu Bijian for now would certainly do more good than harm.
After all, under Niu Bijian's management, he was the person most familiar with Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson's internal operations.
It was just like Li Jiacheng, who, after successfully acquiring Hutchison Whampoa, didn't immediately drive away the previous head, John Marden.
Instead, he gradually inserted his own trusted aides into the upper management while keeping the original executives to maintain business stability, only moving against Marden once the team was fully familiar with the company's operations.
Even Li Jiacheng, such an experienced figure, dared not overhaul everything at once.
Similarly, Lin Haoran wasn't going to act rashly.
Niu Bijian's talents were indeed significant; otherwise, he couldn't have come up with the Jardines Matheson-Jardines Matheson mutual control plan, nor held his position for so long.
Of course, Lin Haoran still intended to eventually remove Niu Bijian—this man's thirst for power was too great.
But for now, it wasn't suitable to replace him within a year.
Even if Niu Bijian had wanted to leave, Lin Haoran would have persuaded him to stay.
Now that Niu Bijian had voluntarily sought to stay and switch allegiances, it was perfect for Lin Haoran.
"As for your position…" Lin Haoran was about to respond when Niu Bijian interrupted again.
"Mr. Lin, I have been with Jardines Matheson for over thirty years and am intimately familiar with both Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson.
Even the British consortium trusts my management abilities.
Thus, I sincerely request that after you take over Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson, you allow me to continue serving as their head.
In return, I will fully support and assist you in taking over both companies and becoming their true controlling figure.
Moreover, I will strive to further develop Jardines Matheson and create greater profits for the shareholders," Niu Bijian said solemnly.
He looked at Lin Haoran with anticipation.
He had long put aside the humiliation of apologizing publicly on TV.
Dignity?
Without his position at Jardines Matheson, he would be nothing.
After hearing Niu Bijian's words, Lin Haoran was a bit surprised.
So straightforward? So decisive?
What about the dignity of the British consortium?
Still, Niu Bijian's straightforwardness was excellent!
"Mr. Niu Bijian, keeping you on as the head isn't impossible, but after all, you're British, and I don't fully trust you yet. You understand, don't you?" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Mr. Lin, you want a pledge of loyalty, don't you?"
Niu Bijian immediately understood and adjusted his posture, looking more sincere and determined.
"Mr. Lin, I completely understand your concerns. In this ever-changing business world, trust is the most valuable asset.
To prove my loyalty, I am willing to immediately undertake several key tasks to demonstrate my commitment and capabilities.
First, I will optimize Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson's management structures, making decision-making more transparent and efficient, strengthening cost control, and improving profitability.
I will personally oversee several critical projects to ensure they align with long-term strategies while delivering short-term shareholder value.
Second, I will leverage my relationships to maintain smooth cooperation with the British consortium and ensure your takeover faces no unnecessary obstacles.
Lastly, to completely dispel your concerns, I am willing to accept a performance review and supervision mechanism.
If I fail to meet your expectations or betray your trust, I will unconditionally accept any consequences, including reassignment or dismissal," Niu Bijian said firmly.
He knew that every move he made now would determine his future.
And he was confident in his own abilities.
Even though Jardines Matheson had lost its dominance after losing control of Wharf Holdings to Bao Yugang, that wasn't entirely his fault.
If the British consortium had been willing to support Jardines Matheson in buying more shares of Wharf Holdings, they wouldn't have lost it.
Furthermore, even after losing Wharf Holdings, they gained significant funds, so it wasn't a total defeat.
Some media outlets still called Bao Yugang's acquisition a "pyrrhic victory."
After hearing this, Lin Haoran couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.
Niu Bijian's eagerness and determination were exactly what he needed.
After thinking for a moment, Lin Haoran decided to accept Niu Bijian's request.
"I agree to let you continue serving as head of Jardines Matheson.
However, regarding Jardines Matheson, I no longer intend for it to remain a subsidiary of Jardines Matheson.
Given the current shareholding structure, it's feasible to make Jardines Matheson the parent company.
Thus, I will personally assume the role of head of Jardines Matheson.
Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson will maintain a close relationship, but Jardines Matheson will become the subsidiary, not the controlling entity.
Of course, I won't interfere much with Jardines Matheson's operations—you'll still be in charge.
What do you think?
If you accept this arrangement, your position is secure," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
He had no intention of letting Niu Bijian meddle too much in Jardines Matheson.
As the largest real estate company in Hong Kong, Jardines Matheson had once been driven to near bankruptcy due to reckless expansion under Bofuda and Niu Bijian's management.
On the other hand, Jardines Matheson had been managed relatively well by Niu Bijian.
Thus, letting him continue running Jardines Matheson posed no problem for Lin Haoran.
As for who would lead Jardines Matheson, Lin Haoran already had a candidate in mind.
Bofuda, however, had to be removed.
After colluding with the British consortium members and betraying Niu Bijian during the board meeting, there was no use in keeping him.
Hearing Lin Haoran's plan, Niu Bijian was surprised.
After thinking it over carefully, he decided to accept it.
If he left Jardines Matheson, he would be nothing.
If he stayed, he would still be one of Hong Kong's top business leaders.
"Mr. Lin, I accept!" Niu Bijian said solemnly.
"Happy cooperation!" Lin Haoran smiled.
"Happy cooperation!" Niu Bijian echoed.
Both men smiled, having reached an agreement.
"Mr. Lin, rest assured.
I will do my utmost to assist you in taking over Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson.
With my support, the Keswick family and the British consortium won't be able to stir up any real trouble," Niu Bijian pledged.
"With your support, I feel much more assured," Lin Haoran said with a laugh.
Although his shareholding already guaranteed control, it would be a hassle if the Keswick family tried to cause trouble.
But with Niu Bijian's support, the situation was completely different.
"Go ahead and prepare for the board meeting. It's getting late," Lin Haoran said, glancing at the time—it was nearly noon—and prepared to get out of the car.
"I'll handle it.
There aren't many board members at Jardines Matheson, apart from a few British shareholders and some senior executives.
Those British shareholders all came with Henry Keswick and are currently in Hong Kong," Niu Bijian replied.
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