Chapter 408 Available Funds Are Once Again Plentiful
"Good evening, Mr. Lin. It's quite unexpected to receive your call at this hour. Is there something urgent?" Shen Bi's voice carried a hint of surprise, but it remained polite and inquisitive.
In the business world, especially between British and Chinese financial groups, interests came first, and true friendships were rare.
Despite their previous conflicts over Jardines Matheson, after that matter was settled, Shen Bi naturally no longer held a grudge.
"Haha, Mr. Shen, you're as perceptive as ever. Indeed, I have a small matter I'd like to trouble you with," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Hearing this, Shen Bi's curiosity deepened, though he couldn't guess what Lin Haoran was planning.
"Oh? I'm all ears," Shen Bi responded.
"Mr. Shen, you must have heard by now about my investment in Apple and its successful IPO?" Lin Haoran asked deliberately.
"Of course. Your investment foresight is truly admirable. Apple's successful listing is a great testament to your vision," Shen Bi replied with genuine admiration, though inwardly he remained cautious, unsure what Lin Haoran was getting at.
"Given that, you probably also know I've heavily leveraged myself to fully privatize Land Holdings Group. I'm deeply in debt and in desperate need of liquidity.
Now that Apple's IPO has been such a success, my investment has yielded a significant return.
So I'm considering selling my Apple shares to ease my financial burden," Lin Haoran explained candidly.
He was preparing for two possibilities: although Citibank was already helping him look for buyers, there was no guarantee they would find one quickly, or at a satisfying price.
Meanwhile, among the British business groups in Hong Kong, there was growing interest in overseas investments.
Companies like Jardines Matheson, Swire Pacific, and Wheelock had all begun reducing their Hong Kong assets and investing abroad.
While these British conglomerates might lack massive individual resources, when they pooled together, their combined financial strength was formidable.
For example, the recent counter-offensive by Jardines Matheson had involved significant capital mobilization.
Moreover, British business groups had a keen interest in investing in the United States — the world's largest economy.
Some, like Jardines Matheson, had already spent billions investing in companies like Hawaii's Daiei Company.
HSBC itself was also seeking to acquire SeaFirst Bank in America.
In short, investing in high-potential American companies was a major focus for these British conglomerates.
With Apple newly listed and enjoying a strong reputation in the U.S., it was a highly attractive investment.
Given Apple's cutting-edge technology and vast growth potential, Lin Haoran's 10% stake was a rare and valuable opportunity.
"Mr. Lin, surely you're reluctant to part with such a promising asset?" Shen Bi asked with a touch of curiosity and regret.
The excitement surrounding Apple's IPO had already proven its potential.
Lin Haoran smiled wryly and replied,
"Mr. Shen, believe me, I have great faith in Apple's future.
The fact that I invested before its IPO should be enough to show that.
However, Land Holdings Group is my core business.
To fully privatize it, I had to take on significant debt.
No matter how much I believe in Apple, I must prioritize clearing my debts.
Besides, my loan from HSBC will mature in a few months.
When that happens, gathering such a large repayment will not be easy.
Selling my Apple shares is a painful but necessary decision."
Shen Bi nodded, expressing understanding.
"You're right, Mr. Lin. I'm sure many financial groups will show strong interest in acquiring your Apple shares.
Rest assured, it's a simple matter — I'll start spreading the word immediately.
By tomorrow, not only in Hong Kong but also in London, the news will be known," Shen Bi promised.
He added thoughtfully,
"However, finding the right buyer at a mutually satisfactory price might take some work."
Lin Haoran smiled and said,
"Mr. Shen, your reputation and HSBC's network are exactly why I sought your help.
As for negotiating a price — that can come later."
"You flatter me, Mr. Lin," Shen Bi replied.
"But since you've asked, I will certainly do my best.
Besides, you're a board member at HSBC.
Helping you is a natural part of our relationship."
Lin Haoran's decision to approach Shen Bi was calculated.
With Citibank helping him in the U.S. and HSBC spreading the word in Hong Kong and London, he would maximize his exposure to potential buyers.
He knew very well: the more people who knew about his offer, the more potential bidders would emerge.
And with competition, the price of his Apple shares could be pushed even higher.
"I'm relieved to hear that, Mr. Shen. Thank you very much.
It must be late in Hong Kong, so I won't take up more of your time," Lin Haoran said warmly.
"Goodnight, Mr. Lin," Shen Bi replied before they ended the call.
Lin Haoran left the office, while Su Zhixue was still busy inside.
After saying goodbye, Lin Haoran left Universal Investment Company's office.
Soon, the weekend passed, and it was already December 15th.
The stock market reopened today.
Over the weekend, discussions about Apple were everywhere — especially among investors.
Everyone was talking about Apple.
Yesterday, Lin Haoran had received a call from a major California investment group offering $200 million for his Apple shares.
Naturally, he declined.
The offer was below market value.
There was no way he would accept it.
He wasn't in a hurry — he could afford to wait.
Selling slowly on the open market was another option, but Lin Haoran preferred a bulk deal to avoid depressing Apple's stock price.
Meanwhile, the news that Lin Haoran was planning to sell his shares had already reached Apple's executives.
Although they regretted it, they understood.
After all, Lin Haoran's initial $10 million investment had been a lifeline for Apple.
Now, seeking a return was his legitimate right.
They respected his decision and hoped for future collaborations.
As for whether Apple's shareholders themselves could buy Lin Haoran's shares?
That was simply unrealistic.
None of Apple's individual shareholders had enough cash.
Even Jobs, without selling shares, only had a few million dollars available.
Despite becoming "billionaires" on paper, their wealth was tied up in stock.
In reality, none of them had enough liquidity to buy out Lin Haoran.
Even Apple itself, though it had raised over $100 million through its IPO, would soon allocate most of that cash to research and expansion.
Thus, Lin Haoran knew: within Apple, there was no one who could afford to buy his shares.
That morning, Lin Haoran went to Universal Investment Company.
As soon as he arrived, he received a call from Burton — bringing good news.
Wan'an Building had sold for 380 million Hong Kong dollars.
The new building in North Point had sold for 210 million.
Several parcels of land had also sold, bringing in 860 million Hong Kong dollars (some payments pending).
Jianning Group's purchase of International Plaza for 1.068 billion Hong Kong dollars had also closed.
In total, the sales from Qingzhou Cement and Wan'an Real Estate exceeded 3.6 billion Hong Kong dollars — most of which had already been received, with a few outstanding balances still to come.
Lin Haoran's available funds were now plentiful once again.
That rumor he had spread had truly paid off.
Not only had he successfully offloaded some problematic properties from Land Holdings Group, but he had also sold off nearly all of Wanching Group's stockpiled land and buildings in just over a week.
A true double victory.
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