In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 1028 Bao Yugang is going to invest!

March 25th, 3 PM, Kai Tak International Airport.

Lin Haoran met Bao Yugang, who had arrived earlier, in the airport's VIP waiting room.

"Uncle Bao, you're here really early." Lin Haoran greeted him with a smile.

“I’m getting old and don’t need much sleep. Anyway, I couldn’t sleep, so I came early. I’ve been looking forward to your private jet for days, and today I finally get to experience it,” Bao Yugang said with a smile.

"Uncle Bao, don't worry, you won't be disappointed. We've prepared your favorite Longjing tea on the plane, as well as some Chinese snacks specially prepared by the chef," Lin Haoran said with a chuckle.

Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang exclaimed, "That would really trouble you."

“Uncle Bao is my elder, so it’s only right. Let’s go, let’s get on the plane first.” Lin Haoran made a “please” gesture, and Bao Yugang did not refuse. He nodded and walked towards the boarding gate first.

Lin Haoran followed beside him, and the two boarded the Hawker Beechcraft long-range luxury business jet together.

On this trip to the UK, in addition to Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, he also brought Liu Xiaoli, making a total of four people. This meant he had an assistant there to help him handle the trivial matters.

Bao Yugang brought his personal secretary and an assistant, making a total of seven people on both sides.

This Hawker Beechcraft long-range luxury business jet can accommodate more than a dozen people, with plenty of space.

The plane taxied slowly on the runway, then accelerated, lifted its head, and soared into the sky.

Kai Tak Airport outside the window gradually shrank in the view, and the surface of Victoria Harbour shimmered in the sunlight before disappearing under the clouds.

Bao Yugang leaned back on the comfortable sofa, looked at the sea of ​​clouds outside the porthole, was silent for a while, and then smiled and said, "Haoran, you're right. It's definitely more comfortable to fly on a private jet than on a commercial flight. This space, this furnishing, it's just like being in an office."

“I’ve seen Uncle Bao travel to various parts of the world frequently. With your status and position, you should really buy a private jet. That would make traveling more convenient, more comfortable, and better for your health!” Lin Haoran said, echoing Bao Yugang’s words.

For him, Paul Y. Gang was someone who frequently traveled the world. Although his Worldwide Shipping Group was reducing its business, his shipping business still spanned the globe, requiring him to frequently travel between various countries and ports.

In addition, Bao Yugang underwent major surgery two years ago and now needs to have a check-up every now and then. Although his physical condition has recovered well, he is getting old and can't withstand the rigors of long-distance flights.

Not only are the flight times inflexible, but the process of waiting at the airport, transferring, and going through security is exhausting even for young people, let alone a man in his sixties.

Although Lin Haoran's business is vast, most of his operations are managed by professional managers, and he travels far less frequently than Bao Yugang.

Therefore, Bao Yugang definitely needed a private jet more than he did.

Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "You're right. I used to think that private jets were too ostentatious, but now that I think about it, my health is indeed worse than before, and I can't take any more of this kind of travel. After I go back this time, I will seriously consider buying a private jet."

"By the way, Uncle Bao, are you familiar with the Leland Group?" Lin Haoran suddenly asked.

"Leyland Group? That British car group? Of course I know them. I visited their headquarters and several factories last year. The company's business situation is not very optimistic."

The factory's production lines were severely outdated, workers were inefficient, the unions were powerful, and the management lacked foresight. It can be said that the decline of the British automotive industry was fully reflected in the Leyland Group.

"Haoran, why did you suddenly bring up this group?" Bao Yugang asked, puzzled.

After listening, Lin Haoran gained a more intuitive understanding of the current situation of the Leland Group.

Bao Yugang had seen their factory with his own eyes, and his observations were more authentic than any report.

"Uncle Bao, do you think the brands under the Leland Group are still worth acquiring?" Lin Haoran asked.

Bao Yugang didn't rush to answer, but pondered for a moment before saying, "That depends on how you define value. From a financial perspective, Leland Group is a hot potato right now; whoever takes it over will be in trouble."

However, from a brand and technology perspective, brands like Rover, Austin, MG, Land Rover, and Jaguar still have their unique value. The key is how you plan to operate them after the acquisition.

I've also received information that the British government intends to break up Leyland Group and even wants to push for privatization, but the unions have been blocking it.

Unions are worried about massive layoffs after privatization, factory closures, and the complete demise of the British automotive industry.

Therefore, even if the Thatcher government intended to promote privatization, it faced enormous political resistance.

After listening, Lin Haoran had a clearer understanding of the situation of the Leland Group.

The British government wanted to sell, but the unions wouldn't allow it. The political maneuvering involved was far more complex than simple commercial negotiations.

If he wants to successfully acquire the brands under the Leyland Group, he will not only have to convince the government, but also appease the unions, or at least convince them that he will not lay off large numbers of employees.

"Haoran, why do you suddenly want to acquire a car brand?" Bao Yugang asked, puzzled.

Lin Haoran briefly explained his trip to the mainland to Bao Yugang, because he knew that Bao Yugang also had a deep affection for the mainland and hoped that it would develop.

In terms of character, Bao Yugang is absolutely impeccable.

Therefore, Lin Haoran had no reason to hide anything from him.

After listening to Lin Haoran's story, Bao Yugang remained silent for a moment, a complex expression in his eyes.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down before slowly saying, "So that's how it is. You want to lay the foundation for the mainland's automobile industry by acquiring international brands, while also increasing the mainland government's foreign exchange earnings and accelerating the reform of the mainland economy. This idea is even more ambitious than I imagined."

By the end, Bao Yugang's eyes even held a hint of admiration.

He knew he couldn't be that great. Although he had feelings for the mainland and was willing to invest there, his investments were always accompanied by a businessman's caution and calculation. He had to calculate every single thing: how much to invest, how to invest, and how much he could earn.

Lin Haoran is different; he truly treats the future of mainland China as his own career, rather than just seeing it as a market to make money.

Of course, Bao Yugang also donated a lot to his hometown, such as founding Ningbo University, setting up scholarships to help mainland students study abroad, and donating to many middle and primary schools.

"Haoran, to be honest, I can't achieve your level of vision."

Bao Yugang put down his teacup and said sincerely, "Although I am also optimistic about the development of the mainland, when I invest, I consider more about the rate of return, risk, and exit mechanism. You are different. You really take the future of the mainland as your mission and are pushing it forward."

"Uncle Bao, you flatter me. I'm not that great. I just feel that since I have the ability, I should do what I can. The development of the mainland will also benefit my business. It's a win-win situation."

"Besides, acquiring a car brand isn't charity. If it develops well, I can make money too!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

Bao Yugang nodded: "You're right. A win-win situation is the only long-term solution. However, while many people can achieve a win-win situation, few can also bring a sense of responsibility to it. I can learn from you in this respect."

"Uncle Bao is too modest," Lin Haoran said with a smile. "Your status and character in the Hong Kong business world have always been a role model for me." "Why didn't you say so earlier? You should have told me last time at the Kang Le Building," Bao Yugang suddenly said.

"Uncle Bao, what do you mean by this?" Lin Haoran asked, somewhat confused.

“I have a certain influence in the UK and maintain a very good relationship with the British government. If I were to lead the acquisition, it would definitely reduce a lot of political resistance.”

Bao Yugang's tone became serious: "After all, I am a British knight, a donor to the Conservative Party, and have a good personal relationship with Margaret Thatcher. If I am the one who leads this acquisition on the surface, the British government will be more likely to accept it."

So, if Haoran, you don't mind me getting involved, I'm perfectly willing to partner with you to acquire it.

Of course, Haoran, as you know, my wealth is far less than yours. Whether it was the acquisition of Wharf Holdings or Wheelock, I invested far too much. So even if I were to take a stake, I couldn't invest too much capital. I could only hold a small portion of the shares. I would mainly use my name and political and business connections to pave the way for you.

If you don't mind me taking a minority shareholder position, I'm willing to participate in this way.

Lin Haoran was quite surprised to hear this.

The other party is using their influence to help him!

Obviously, the other party was aware of his bad habit of wanting to acquire entire companies, so they didn't say they wanted to hold too many shares.

"Uncle Bao, aren't you afraid that after the acquisition, you might lose money due to poor management?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Bao Yugang waved his hand and laughed, "Losing money? With you here, I'm not afraid of losing money. When have you ever lost money in business? Besides, even if we do lose money, the amount I invested won't be a serious blow."

Don't forget, although I now hold a British passport, I am also a true Chinese, and I am happy to do something for the mainland.

Besides, I trust you with this collaboration.

After listening, Lin Haoran felt an indescribable surge of emotion.

Although Bao Yugang spoke these words lightly, they revealed his deep trust in himself and his sincere devotion to the mainland.

Although this senior figure was adept at navigating both the political and business circles in Britain, he never forgot that he was Chinese and that land.

Originally, he wasn't very confident about acquiring the car brand.

But now that Bao Yugang has joined the team, his confidence has increased significantly.

Bao Yugang's influence in British political and business circles cannot be bought with money; it is the reputation and network he has built up over decades, and the trust earned through countless collaborations and promises.

With him taking the lead, the potential political resistance and union opposition will be greatly reduced.

As for giving up a portion of the shares? He didn't care at all.

Although he used to seem to be a monopoly, holding 100% control of Qingzhou Yingni, Hong Kong Land Group, Wanqing Group, and Hengsheng Group, that was only because he found having multiple shareholders too troublesome.

In fact, he still holds only a portion of the shares in many of his companies, such as Hong Kong Electric Holdings, Hong Kong and China Gas, Kowloon Motor Bus, and Hong Kong Telephone. Although he has absolute control over these companies, they have not been completely privatized.

Lin Haoran understood that while absolute control could bring absolute power, it was not applicable in all situations.

Some industries need to bring in partners to share risks, expand resources, and enhance reputation, and the automotive industry is no exception.

The acquisition and operation of an international automotive brand involves not only capital and technology, but also multiple factors such as politics, labor unions, brand culture, and international markets.

Going it alone isn't impossible, but if you have a senior like Bao Yugang to work with, the road ahead will be much easier.

Moreover, the other party's purpose was clearly to help him, not to fight for controlling stake or to get a share of the profits.

Bao Yugang has been in the Hong Kong business world for decades. What kind of storms hasn't he weathered?

His willingness to participate stemmed more from his appreciation and support for Lin Haoran, as well as his deep affection for the mainland, than from the shares and profits he was after.

This friendship is more precious than any business contract.

"Uncle Bao, since you are willing to participate, we can discuss the shareholding details after the acquisition plan is finalized. But I can make it clear in advance that you don't need to invest too much capital; you can mainly contribute your political and business connections and brand reputation as shares."

As for the specific percentage, we'll determine it based on the actual contributions later. Is that alright with you?

Bao Yugang nodded: "There's no rush. Once we get to London, I'll first subtly inquire with the British government, then find an opportunity to contact the senior management of the Leyland Group to understand their attitude, and then adjust the plan accordingly."

"Okay!" Lin Haoran nodded.

With Bao Yugang involved, the chances of successfully acquiring the well-known British car brand are much higher.

Next, Lin Haoran took out all the materials and discussed in detail with Bao Yugang on the plane the current status and potential of the various brands under the Leyland Group.

Although Bao Yugang's research on the automotive industry is not as in-depth as Lin Haoran's, his decades of business experience and understanding of the British political and business environment allow him to offer valuable suggestions from different perspectives.

After a mid-journey resupply and nearly 17 hours of flight, the plane finally arrived over London.

Looking at the familiar city, Lin Haoran breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he was young, he didn't like the feeling of traveling long distances.

Even in the comfort of a private jet, a flight of more than ten hours can be tiring.

However, when he saw London unfolding in the afternoon sun, with the Thames winding through the city like a silver ribbon, most of his weariness dissipated.

The plane landed slowly on the runway at London Heathrow Airport. The tires made a slight vibration when they touched the ground, and then it taxied smoothly and decelerated.

Looking out the porthole at the ancient yet modern city, Lin Haoran felt a strange, indescribable feeling welling up inside him.

The last time he came here, he was just a rising Hong Kong businessman.

Now, he is a world-class tycoon with a vast business empire.

Looking down on London from the air, the city seems unchanged, yet he himself has changed drastically. (End of Chapter)