Chapter 373 Appointing Ho Kin Ning as Negotiation Assistant
Lin Haoran was no fool; after Ho Kin Ning's detailed explanation, he naturally understood everything clearly.
Upon hearing Ho Kin Ning's analysis, Lin Haoran couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Indeed, he had overthought things earlier and fallen into a mental trap.
Just as Ho Kin Ning pointed out, once the privatization of the Land Group was successfully completed, there would be no other shareholders—Lin Haoran would be the sole owner.
In other words, the Land Group's money would simply become his money.
Currently, the Land Group had substantial cash reserves. Once he succeeded in privatization, he could deploy those funds however he wished.
Most importantly, if the mutual shareholdings between Jardines Matheson and the Land Group were successfully exchanged, the 30.2% of the Land Group held by Jardines Matheson would return to the Land Group itself.
Then, acting as an investor, Lin Haoran could purchase those shares. And the funds spent would go into the Land Group's own account.
After the privatization was complete, this money would still be in his control—effectively allowing him to acquire the shares for free.
The only shares he truly needed to purchase with real money were the remaining public shares on the secondary market and the approximately 10% held by the British consortiums.
Combined, these accounted for about 22.5% of the Land Group.
Even using the current market valuation, buying this 22.5% would cost just a little over 2 billion HKD.
Was 2 billion HKD a burden for him?
Absolutely not.
Not to mention, he already had 1.385 billion HKD in cash and 770 million HKD in available funds at the Land Group—together over 2.1 billion HKD.
With everything clearly laid out, Lin Haoran felt enlightened.
He realized he had truly worried too much before.
The idea of tens of billions in debt had weighed heavily on him, but Ho Kin Ning's clear analysis lifted that burden completely.
As his thoughts cleared, Lin Haoran's mood became lighter and more relaxed.
He realized that much of his previous anxiety stemmed from a partial and erroneous understanding of the situation.
Ho Kin Ning's meticulous and precise analysis was like a key unlocking the doubts that had plagued him.
"Kin Ning, I really must thank you. Your analysis has opened my eyes," Lin Haoran said sincerely.
Previously, his trust in Ho Kin Ning was based mostly on his knowledge of the man's reputation in his past life.
But at this moment, Lin Haoran genuinely felt the brilliance of Ho Kin Ning's talent and profound insight.
Every word and calculation from Ho Kin Ning cut to the heart of the matter and offered Lin Haoran a new perspective.
If such a talent had ended up under Li Ka Shing's wing, he would indeed have become a formidable force.
Fortunately, Lin Haoran had recognized his value early and brought him into his own team.
This foresight gave him immense satisfaction.
Thinking of this, a bright smile appeared on Lin Haoran's face—a smile full of confidence for the future and sincere appreciation for Ho Kin Ning's capabilities.
Because he knew that with a strategist like Ho Kin Ning by his side, his business empire would only become stronger and more stable.
"Boss, these were just some of my personal insights. It's what I should do," Ho Kin Ning replied humbly.
"Would you be interested in joining the Land Group? If you're willing, I can arrange for you to be Mr. Ma Shiming's assistant.
And in the future, when the time is right, it's not impossible for you to lead a subsidiary like Dairy Farm International," Lin Haoran suddenly proposed.
Becoming the assistant to the head of the Land Group meant entering the senior management ranks.
Ho Kin Ning's talent had won his deep approval.
In Lin Haoran's mind, Ho Kin Ning was already the ideal successor to Ma Shiming.
But Ho Kin Ning shook his head gently.
"Boss, I've only been at Hongkong Electric for less than a year. Frequent job changes and hopping from one company to another won't benefit my career development.
I've just gained a foothold at Hongkong Electric. Moving again so soon wouldn't be wise for me.
Although the Land Group is much larger, Hongkong Electric is also a major corporation, and I plan to deepen my experience here first. If I later wish to transfer, I'll discuss it with you," he said seriously.
Today, Hongkong Electric had a market value exceeding 30 billion HKD and was one of Hong Kong's top ten listed companies, steadily moving toward internationalization.
Thus, for Ho Kin Ning, staying at Hongkong Electric was a solid choice.
He needed to accumulate more management experience.
"Good. If you feel this is better for your development, I fully support you. Whenever you're ready to move to the Land Group, just let me know.
I have great confidence in your future," Lin Haoran smiled and said.
"Thank you, boss!" Ho Kin Ning said gratefully.
He knew very well that the boss treating him like this meant he was seen as a trusted aide—an invaluable recognition for someone not yet thirty years old.
"By the way, I'll soon be negotiating with the British consortiums. Chairman Chen mentioned that you've shown strong communication and negotiation skills, assisting him in securing several deals.
Since negotiation isn't exactly my strong suit—and this time I'll be facing some of the biggest British tycoons—I want you to assist me as my temporary negotiation assistant.
Help me fight for greater benefits. Naturally, you'll be well rewarded!" Lin Haoran said, suddenly proposing this new role.
"Of course, boss. Whenever you need me, just say the word.
But before the negotiations, I'll need detailed information about both sides, as well as your bottom-line expectations.
Only with full preparation can I assist you effectively," Ho Kin Ning responded seriously.
"Good. I'll arrange for a comprehensive dossier to be prepared immediately.
But remember, everything must be kept strictly confidential. No leaks—not even to your family," Lin Haoran said sternly.
For matters involving billions—even tens of billions—of dollars, Lin Haoran was extremely cautious.
"Rest assured, boss. I understand," Ho Kin Ning said solemnly.
Seeing his loyalty score still at a solid 96, Lin Haoran felt total confidence in him.
"Alright, you go ahead with your work. I'll return to prepare everything.
As for Hongkong Electric, I'll inform Chairman Chen so it won't create any problems for you.
Your department isn't facing any urgent deadlines right now, is it?" Lin Haoran asked with concern.
"Boss, I'm currently assisting the CFO. Even if I'm away briefly, it won't affect operations," Ho Kin Ning replied.
"Good. After work at 6 PM, come by the Concord Building. I'll hand over the materials to you personally.
And remember, absolute confidentiality!" Lin Haoran reminded again.
"Understood, boss!" Ho Kin Ning nodded firmly.
Since Chen Shoulin wasn't expected back at Hongkong Electric any time soon, Lin Haoran decided not to linger.
After a brief farewell, he left the building.
His trip to Hongkong Electric had been very satisfying.
Afterward, Lin Haoran returned to the Concord Building.
At Government House last night, he hadn't yet finalized the next negotiation date with the British consortiums.
Both sides needed time to reassess their positions and prepare their strategies.
Otherwise, if negotiations were rushed, the talks could collapse from lack of preparation.
Back at the Land Group's offices, Lin Haoran sought out Ma Shiming again and asked him to prepare detailed dossiers on both the Land Group and Jardines Matheson—including current cash balances, shareholder structures, and market valuations.
These documents were intended for Ho Kin Ning's preparation.
As for the bottom-line negotiation strategies, Lin Haoran would discuss them privately with Ho Kin Ning once the negotiation schedule was finalized.
For the rest of the afternoon, Lin Haoran stayed in his office, pondering over his own negotiating boundaries and conditions.
Sitting at his desk, he wrote and scribbled down scattered ideas.
He knew that only with thorough preparation could he secure the greatest benefits in the coming talks.
Otherwise, he might become an easy target for the British consortiums.
Time passed quietly as he worked.
Suddenly, the phone on his desk rang, breaking the silence.
Putting down his pen, Lin Haoran rubbed his brow and calmly answered the call:
"Hello, this is Lin Haoran."
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