Chapter 384 They Offered Too Much; I'd Be a Fool Not to Agree!
Jardines Matheson was so eager to hold a press conference that it was obvious they couldn't wait to announce to the public that the British consortium had regained control of Jardines Matheson.
When Lin Haoran arrived at Jardine House, he immediately noticed a crowd of reporters in the lobby.
A large area of the spacious, three to four hundred square meters lobby had been cordoned off, where staff were busily setting up a stage, and the preparations seemed almost complete.
Behind the stage, a red cloth covered a temporary backdrop, faintly showing the words "Jardines Matheson Press Conference."
The recent saga involving Jardines Matheson and the Land Group had stirred up a frenzy across Hong Kong. It was like a grand theater production—captivating, with newspapers selling at record levels, and reporters earning higher commissions.
Now, with another major announcement about Jardines Matheson, the reporters were naturally thrilled.
Some sharp-eyed reporters quickly spotted Lin Haoran's arrival and rushed forward to interview him, but the building's security stopped them in time.
Meanwhile, Lin Haoran, accompanied by Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, disappeared into an elevator out of their view.
Upon reaching the Taipan's office, Lin Haoran found that many big figures were already gathered: Niu Bijian, Ma Shiming, Henry Keswick, Amos Rothschild, among others, sitting casually and chatting.
Seeing Lin Haoran, they all greeted him.
"Mr. Lin, originally we planned for Mr. Ma to represent the Land Group at this press conference, so we didn't specifically invite you. But now that you're here, even better," Henry Keswick said with a smile.
Yet Lin Haoran could tell that Henry didn't really want him to attend.
Had it not been for Ma Shiming mentioning it, Lin Haoran might not have known about the press conference at all.
Thinking about it, Lin Haoran quickly realized why.
They probably didn't want him present to avoid facing awkward questions about the actual terms under which Jardines Matheson's control was returned.
Although the British consortium appeared to have reclaimed Jardines Matheson, they did so only by signing a series of humiliating, unequal treaties.
If Lin Haoran revealed too much at the press conference, it would greatly tarnish their reputation.
"Mr. Henry, so festive today! Congratulations on reclaiming Jardines Matheson. Normally, Mr. Ma's attendance would be sufficient on behalf of the Land Group, but since I'm already privatizing the Land Group and have important announcements to make, I thought it better to take advantage of this press event," Lin Haoran said lightly, his tone casual and a little playful.
Hearing this, Henry Keswick immediately understood why Lin Haoran had shown up.
At that moment, Niu Bijian interjected, "Mr. Lin, the press conference will start in about 20 minutes. Please rest inside for a moment, and we'll head down together shortly."
Niu Bijian seemed to have regained his former swagger, thinking that his position within Jardines Matheson was now more secure.
After a brief wait, everyone took the elevator down to the lobby.
Now the crowd had doubled or tripled, with over two hundred reporters crammed into the space.
Jardines Matheson's influence was undeniable.
Lin Haoran noticed that eight seats had been arranged on the stage, with his and Ma Shiming's names placed at the far left—clearly marginalized.
Lin Haoran didn't mind. This wasn't his turf anymore, and he had no emotional attachment to Jardines Matheson.
The British consortiums had always been arrogant toward Chinese businessmen, even though Chinese firms were steadily surpassing them in Hong Kong.
In their minds, Hong Kong's economic rise was merely because they, the British, had voluntarily withdrawn—not because Chinese companies were truly capable.
As Lin Haoran and the others arrived, the room buzzed with excitement—finally, the main figures had appeared.
Niu Bijian, still the nominal Taipan of Jardines Matheson, stood at the center of the stage.
Once everyone was seated according to their nameplates, Niu Bijian confidently stood up, facing the hundreds of journalists eagerly awaiting big news.
"Everyone, I hereby officially announce that Jardines Matheson has returned to British ownership. Mr. Lin Haoran is no longer a shareholder of Jardines Matheson!" he declared.
The room instantly erupted.
No one had expected that Lin Haoran's tenure as Jardines Matheson's controlling shareholder would end so quickly.
Reporters clamored to ask questions; the room became chaotic.
Everyone knew the impact of such an announcement would be massive.
Was this a defeat for Chinese financial groups against the British consortiums?
Niu Bijian tapped his microphone to quiet the crowd, a pleased smirk playing on his lips.
After the noise subsided, he continued, "Yes, Jardines Matheson has completed a share structure adjustment, returning to its rightful place among the British consortiums.
This decision was reached after thorough negotiations led by Mr. Henry Keswick and Mr. Lin Haoran, with the goal of ensuring Jardines Matheson's long-term prosperity."
He paused, scanning the audience for reactions.
"Of course, we must sincerely thank Mr. Lin Haoran for his cooperation.
Although he briefly held control, we all recognize that Jardines Matheson, with its British heritage and long history, belongs with the British consortiums.
Returning it to its roots is the natural and correct choice. You may now ask questions, and we'll answer where we can," Niu Bijian finished and sat down.
Reporters buzzed with speculation.
Was Lin Haoran forced out?
What were the hidden details behind this?
"Mr. Henry, what price did you pay to reclaim Jardines Matheson's control?" a reporter from the crowd finally blurted out.
Henry Keswick took the microphone and smiled politely but spoke briefly:
"Our negotiations with Mr. Lin were conducted amicably and professionally.
As for specific details, they are confidential.
An official statement will be released later."
Clearly, Henry had no intention of revealing how much they had to sacrifice.
All he wanted the public to know was that Jardines Matheson was back under their control.
Reporters, though frustrated, had no choice but to look for other angles.
At this point, a reporter from the Oriental Daily pointed the microphone toward Lin Haoran.
"Mr. Lin, during your negotiations with the British consortium, did you face any unfair treatment?"
"Of course not," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
"As Mr. Niu emphasized, the negotiations were fair and transparent.
Furthermore, I'd like to announce that my personal stake in the Land Group now exceeds 50%.
As of today, I, along with Huanyu Investment Company, officially declare that we are initiating the privatization of the Land Group.
We have appointed Hotholly Company, under HSBC, to manage the privatization process.
Applications have already been submitted to the Securities and Futures Commission.
Details will be made public through Hotholly.
As for why I gave up control of Jardines Matheson—although it wasn't my original intention, the British consortiums simply offered too much.
If I didn't accept, I would have been a fool."
Lin Haoran's final remark caused a ripple among the crowd—and made the previously jubilant faces of Niu Bijian and Henry Keswick stiffen slightly.
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