Chapter 309 Lin Haoran Announces the Acquisition of Jardines Matheson, Land Development Corporation's Stock Price Plummets
After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran wasn't particularly concerned about the call from Hu Xuyong.
In his mind, the ordinary employee from Universal Investment Company had always been a pawn — an example to deter others.
Only through such measures could he minimize the chances of similar incidents happening again within Universal Investment Company.
At nine o'clock the next morning, Lin Haoran returned to Universal Investment Company.
Today, everyone once again found themselves shocked by the news.
Because at this moment, several major newspapers were all reporting something unexpected:
Lin Haoran's real target was not Land Development Corporation — but Jardines Matheson!
The source of this news wasn't Shen Bi leaking it to the media, nor Jardines Matheson itself — it was Lin Haoran who had deliberately arranged for the news to be spread!
Originally, Lin Haoran planned to leak the information only to the Oriental Daily, since it was considered his own paper after the Fortress Electric incident.
But thinking it over, he realized that if only the Oriental Daily had the scoop, it would be too obvious that he had planted the story.
Thus, he decided to leak it to multiple mainstream newspapers like the Sing Tao Daily, Ta Kung Pao, and South China Morning Post.
This way, no one could trace the leak back to him.
His goal was to lower the heat surrounding Land Development Corporation and quietly increase his holdings there — gaining a greater advantage.
After meeting Shen Bi yesterday and receiving no response by this morning, Lin Haoran knew he could forget about getting support from Huifeng Bank.
In other words, the probability of him successfully acquiring Jardines Matheson was nearly zero.
Now, he could only focus entirely on Land Development Corporation.
Although his actual control, including the 6% stake held by Hong Kong Electric, was close to 37%, Lin Haoran wanted to be absolutely sure — so he planned to acquire even more.
However, Land Development Corporation's stock price had been pushed too high.
Each additional 1% stake would now cost tens of millions more than before.
Thus, it was necessary to suppress the stock price.
And the easiest way to suppress it?
Make everyone believe his real target was Jardines Matheson, not Land Development Corporation!
Lin Haoran had only been in Su Zhixue's office for a short while when Burton called.
"Boss, the head of security just informed me that dozens of reporters are here — at least thirty or forty.
They're asking for an interview. Should I block them, or will you meet them?" Burton asked urgently.
"Reporters? Arrange for them to gather in an empty room.
I'll go down and speak with them," Lin Haoran said after a moment's thought.
It was no surprise to him that reporters had shown up.
With news this big, it would have been strange if they hadn't.
In fact, Lin Haoran guessed that the journalists had split into two groups: one at his building, the other at Jardines Matheson's headquarters.
After all, he and Jardines were the two main players in this drama.
"Yes, boss. There's an empty conference room on the 28th floor.
I'll get everything set up. You can head down in twenty minutes," Burton said.
"Thanks," Lin Haoran said, hanging up.
Twenty minutes later, Lin Haoran took the elevator to the 28th floor, accompanied by Li Weidong and Li Weiguo.
As soon as they stepped out, Burton greeted them.
Additional security guards — all from Universal Security Consulting Company — were stationed nearby.
"Boss, the reporters are in Room 2806. Let me take you there," Burton said.
Lin Haoran nodded slightly and entered the room.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the flashes of more than twenty cameras lit up like a starry sky.
The reporters surged forward, eager to surround him, but were kept at a safe distance by the well-trained security team.
Lin Haoran stepped forward, smiling, and said,
"Everyone, I understand why you're here.
Let me briefly address the matter:
The reports in the newspapers are accurate.
I am indeed interested in acquiring Jardines Matheson.
Since this has been exposed, there's no point in hiding it.
As early as the beginning of this year, I had already conceived the idea.
In my view, Jardines Matheson is an outstanding company.
Successfully acquiring it would have a profound impact on my career and life plan.
To be frank, I am now one of Jardines Matheson's major shareholders.
Soon, I will officially meet with the Jardines board to discuss the acquisition."
The room exploded with noise.
Hearing it confirmed from Lin Haoran himself, all the reporters realized that another earth-shattering corporate battle was about to engulf Hong Kong.
A reporter raised his hand and asked,
"Mr. Lin, how confident are you in this acquisition?"
Lin Haoran smiled confidently and said slowly,
"Confidence? I've always had plenty.
Just like when I acquired Hong Kong Electric, Kowloon Bus, and China Gas.
I'm fully confident this acquisition will also go smoothly.
Not only because I'm now the largest shareholder of Jardines Matheson,
but also because I have a clear blueprint for the company's future.
Jardines is a prestigious commercial giant in Hong Kong with immense brand value, business networks, and market influence.
With my team and my experience, I believe we can unleash its full potential, diversify its business, and raise it to new heights.
Of course, acquiring and integrating such a huge enterprise won't be easy.
But with determination and careful planning, I am certain we can overcome any challenge.
I look forward to working hand in hand with Jardines Matheson's colleagues to create new brilliance together."
The strength and determination in Lin Haoran's voice were palpable.
The reporters felt the conviction in his heart.
Flash after flash went off, capturing this historic moment.
Lin Haoran played his part perfectly.
His speech completely convinced the reporters that he truly aimed to acquire Jardines.
Yet no one realized his real target was still Land Development Corporation — Hong Kong's largest real estate group!
The reporters tried to ask more questions, but Lin Haoran cut them off.
"Everyone, I have many tasks to handle today,
and I have a meeting scheduled with Mr. Niu Bik Kin regarding Jardines' acquisition.
I've said all I needed to say — please go back."
With that, and under security escort, Lin Haoran left the conference room, leaving behind a flurry of excited reporters.
The impromptu press conference immediately became the hottest topic in Hong Kong's business and social circles.
Within minutes, the news spread to all four major stock exchanges.
When investors and funds — who had been aggressively buying Land Development Corporation shares — heard the confirmation, many were dumbfounded.
Wasn't Lin Haoran supposed to be acquiring Land Development Corporation?
How did it become Jardines Matheson?
Yesterday, Jardines' stock had surged almost 50%, reaching a terrifying market cap of over HKD 130 billion — close to Huifeng Bank's market cap!
Now, with the truth revealed, the shockwaves in the stock market were unimaginable.
Shortly after the market opened, Land Development Corporation's stock price began to plummet.
Everyone knew the stock price had been pushed too high based on false assumptions.
Now that Lin Haoran's real target appeared to be Jardines, Land Development Corporation's valuation collapsed.
Many investors panicked and sold off their shares, fearing even greater losses if they waited.
135 billion... 130 billion... 126 billion... 121 billion... 117 billion...
In just half an hour after opening, Land Development Corporation's market value fell back to around HKD 100 billion.
In contrast, Jardines Matheson's stock price kept rising.
Retail investors were quick to follow rumors — just as Lin Haoran had predicted.
Although what Lin Haoran was doing skirted dangerously close to stock price manipulation, no one could blame him.
After all, he really was now Jardines Matheson's largest shareholder, holding over 20%.
With that much equity, he had the right to declare acquisition intentions —
whether successful or not was another story.
Back in his office, a young man, escorted by the head of security, came to deliver something.
He was one of Hu Xuyong's men, carrying the evidence collected last night.
Hu Xuyong himself naturally couldn't appear —
his reputation in Hong Kong was too notorious.
Showing up personally would only raise unnecessary suspicion about his ties with Lin Haoran.
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