Following.

In front of the media, Richman led a group of investors to redeem the unfinished Canary Wharf project from major creditor banks for £1.5 billion.

Of course, what the media cares about the most is that the Hong Kong-funded 'New Era Group' has invested 60% of the equity in the entire project.

For a time, European and American reporters were in an uproar, and Chinese reporters were greatly encouraged.

As the new richest man in the world, he was also chased by reporters for interviews.

The Times: "Mr. Lin, this is the second time you have bought commercial real estate in London after you have bought eight office buildings in Manhattan, New York. In the context of the economic malaise in Europe and the United States, what made you make such a decision? ”

Lin Zuhui: "I have an investment philosophy, that is, I am greedy when the market panics, and I panic when the market is greedy. Therefore, in the case of the decline of the European and American economies for several consecutive years, I personally believe that there will be a turnaround soon, and the European and American economies will have a bottoming out. Of course, for the Canary Wharf project, it is worth investing at any time, and I have reason to believe that this will be another commercial CBD in London. ”

The New York Post, which has always been fond of digging pits, also asked questions.

"Mr. Lin is worried about his large investment in European and American industries?"

"At present, European and American investment only accounts for about 15% of our company, which is a reasonable arrangement."

He quickly declined to continue the interview, allowing the reporter to interview Richman, a 'Canadian reckless'. Lin Zuhui is the most popular with reporters wherever he goes, and the most important factor is that he is too young, which makes people feel very legendary. And now, as a Chinese, he started from a very small city and became the richest man in the world, which is naturally called a 'legend of legends'.

For this investment in the 'Canary Wharf' project, New Era Group needs to invest 900 million pounds, about 10.5 billion Hong Kong dollars.

With so much money, it's impossible not to take out loans, and HSBC and Citi have promised to provide loans totaling HK$3 billion.

And Lin Zuhui plans to borrow 5.5 billion, so the remaining 2.5 billion will let Liang Zhenxun go back to Hong Kong to talk to various banks, I believe that there is no big problem.

What's more, New Era Group actually has a cash flow of nearly 10 billion Hong Kong dollars on its accounts, which has just paid nearly 4 billion Hong Kong dollars for the 'Diamond Mountain King'.

As a result, the debt of New Era Group has reached 21 billion Hong Kong dollars, not counting bonds (convertible bonds will basically be exchanged for shares in the end, so they will not accrue interest regardless of debt).

The annual interest is about 2 billion Hong Kong dollars, which is quite heart-wrenching.

However, the profits of New Era Group have risen sharply this year, and if the rental income of Fuli Real Estate is included, Lin Zuhui once again gave an 'overestimate' of 15 billion Hong Kong dollars.

As for the Canary Wharf project, don't think about getting it back before the 21st century.

At present, the eight office buildings (600,000 square meters) that have been built have only 40% occupancy rate, and the prices are relatively low. Even if there is revenue, it will be used to relaunch the project and support the government's infrastructure.

According to Lin Zuhui's idea, it will be listed in 1999 when the rent collection rate reaches 99%, and the funds raised will be used to repay debts and continue investment.

After that, you can pay dividends every year. Dividends are secondary, and Lin Zuhui can take advantage of the opportunity of listing, and then strengthen his control over the group (increase his shareholding).

This is followed by the continued development of Canary Wharf and surrounding projects.

Lin Zuhui's every move in London soon spread to the world through the media here, he has just been promoted to the world's richest man, and now known as Canary Wharf's largest investor, which immediately caused a great response around the world.

Many media outlets use the exaggerated tactic of 'the world's richest man bought New York and London' to attract people's attention.

And the local area of Xiangjiang is even more shocked, no less than dropping a depth charge on the calm water, stirring up a monstrous wave.

Of course, it is still rave reviews, and more is Chinese pride.

London, division of the LEIT Group.

In the conference room, Lin Zuhui was having a meeting with some senior executives of LEIT Group, including Chen Shiwen, CEO of LEIT Group, Ian Ian, Vice President of LEIT Group, and Joseph, CEO of Harvey Nix Department Store.

LEIT Group is now international, with a large number of foreign designers and some foreign executives, because this is conducive to the internationalization of the company.

Of course, 90% of LEIT Group's business is in Asia, which is the result of Lin Zuhui's insistence on developing in Asia. Perhaps after the millennium, Lin Zuhui will let the fast-moving brand 'Jeanswest' open a flagship store on Fifth Avenue, not to make money, but to increase its value, and to receive and release trends as soon as possible.

Lin Zuhui asked, "How is the situation at Harvey Department Store?" ”

Joseph reported seriously: "The business is very ideal, and the turnover has now ranked second among the three major boutique department stores in the United Kingdom, with an annual profit of 8 million pounds."

It cost 52 million pounds to buy, and it looks like a 7-year return on investment, which is still very good. If bank interest is taken into account, it may take longer to pay for the principal.

However, we also have to consider that the economic boom in Europe and the United States will lead to an increase in consumption levels, and profits will increase.

With such impressive results, it is natural that the department store has changed its business strategy, otherwise it will be at a loss.

Lin Zuhui nodded and said: "The situation is very good, continue to optimize the business, improve the service, and strive to achieve better results." ”

"Okay, BOSS!"

Expecting normal profits to recoup investment is not Lin Zuhui's style.

Wait another three or four years, take advantage of the strong economy in Europe and the United States, list it, and then cash out part of it is the right way.

In the 21st century, it is inevitable that the department store industry will be completely replaced by shopping malls.

Then, Lin Zuhui asked: "How is the acquisition of 'Château Latour' going?" ”

Yes, Lin Zuhui is in the process of acquiring 93% of Château Latour from the British company 'Unideon Group'.

Château Latour is one of the five premier wineries in France. In 1855, France selected a classified winery, divided into five grades, even if it is a fifth-class winery, it is also a national treasure of France, regarded as French culture, and rarely sold to foreigners.

There are only 65 wineries that can be selected as classified wineries, while there are 7,000 red wine estates in the entire Bordeaux region of France, which shows the rarity of classified wineries.

So how did Château Latour end up in the hands of the British?

In 1962, Pearson acquired a 53% stake in Latour, becoming the largest shareholder of the family-owned winery. In addition, HAWE Hydraulik Group has acquired a 25% stake. At that time, it caused a huge sensation in France, and the media and the public used the term 'traitor' to describe the seller.

Shortly thereafter, HAWE Hydraulik was acquired by Unidelijk Group. In 1989, Unideon continued to acquire a 93% stake in Château Latour, owned by Pearson, while the descendants of Siegel (the French family) had only 7% of the shares.

In 1989, the Unicorn Group won the equity of Pearson Group at the "Latour total price" of 200 million US dollars, and it is said that the unit price of the winery per hectare at that time was 14 million francs (1 US dollar is equal to 5.8 francs), which is converted to 1800 francs per vine, which can be called the world's most valuable winery, and it is a well-deserved national treasure winery in France.

After buying all the Château Latour, the economic downturn in Europe and the United States followed, red wine was originally a luxury product, and the Bordeaux red winery was an industry with a very poor rate of return, so the Unicorn Group is now very stinging for Latour in its hands.

Historically, probably this year, Unideon Group sold Latour to François Pinault, the founder of the French luxury giant Kering, for only $125 million.

In fact, Château Latour had a British stake hundreds of years ago, because the area where it was located was a buffer against the Anglo-French war.

Ian, vice president of LEIT Group, said: "We offered $125 million, and Unicorn Group was hesitant, probably for fear of offending the French. But it can be seen that they are very willing to sell. ”

Understood, disgusted with less money!

Lin Zuhui nodded and said, "Make an appointment with their CEO for me, I want to talk about it in person!" ”

Ian immediately said, "Okay, I'll arrange it right away!" ”

At this time, Chen Shiwen became worried, he knew the boss's style, that is, in order to achieve the goal, he generally did not care whether it was expensive or not.

Therefore, Chen Shiwen reminded: "Boss, $125 million is already a lot of pressure on the company's finances. Last year, although we made a profit of more than $125 million, we have been buying stores and expanding our business, so we don't have a lot of money. It's half the price, and it's a bit stressful. ”

Lin Zuhui said with a smile: "Château Latour, I plan to let Harvey Department Store and I personally cooperate to buy it." Ian, you'll also need to continue your search for the right château in the Bordeaux region, preferably a classified château, but also a large château. ”

Everyone was taken aback, but quickly reacted that their boss was the richest man in the world, so what was it to buy a winery; As for the so-called cooperation, it is just a disguise, and Harvey Department Store does not have a high shareholding, but it can be at the front.

"Okay."

Unideon Group, formerly a large state-owned group of the London government, mainly produces military equipment for the defense of the London military and European countries. With the continuous changes in the economic and political situation and the infiltration of capital from various countries, the structure and business of the country have also changed. In the nineties of the twentieth century, with the approval of the London government, it was officially renamed as the British Leon International Investment Group, and now except for a small number of products controlled by the government, most of the business is for industrial investment and related securities industries in the global field.

Château Latour is undoubtedly a loss-making transaction made by Unicorn Group.

Unideon Group, London headquarters.

President Ram met with the Wertheimer brothers, the owners behind Chanel (Chanel), and he couldn't help but sigh that the French would really pick the opportunity to come to the door at this time to inquire about the sale of 'Château Latour', undoubtedly to take it back at a low price.

Unideone Group does want to sell the asset, and although it will result in a large loss, it may lose even more if it is not sold in time.

Ram said: "Don't hide it from the two Wertheimer gentlemen, the British high-end department store 'Harvey' is also negotiating with us at the moment, and they said $125 million, but we didn't agree. Do you know why? ”

Gerard Wertheimer said, "Why? ”

Ram thought that he took care of the feelings of his French brothers, so he said proudly: "Because considering that the owner of this department store is already a Chinese, and Château Latour is a first-class red wine estate in France, it should not fall into the hands of Chinese." Therefore, we also attach great importance to the relationship between the two countries. With that, he looked at the Wertheimer brothers, hoping to hear words of thanks.

Unfortunately, the Wertheimer brothers were businessmen, and they didn't believe Ram's words when they saw each other.

They believe that the reason why Ram said this is nothing more than to get the brothers to pay a higher price and kill the two of them.

So, Gerard Wertheimer said, "Really? We still think $125 million is too expensive, and Mr. Ram should know that the European and American economies have been sluggish for many years, and the sales of Château Latour are not optimistic, and the cost is still increasing, so we want to buy it for $115 million. ”

Ram was dumbfounded, and couldn't help but curse in his heart, he deserved the French to lose Château Latour.

"In that case, then this deal can't be reached for the time being, if the two of you figure it out, let's talk about it!"

"If the price is reasonable, we can close the deal at any time."

"Please!"

Ram can't wait to kick out the Wertheimer brothers, it's too ignorant!

After a while, Ram's assistant walked in and said, "President Ram, Mr. Lin Zuhui, the owner of Harvey Department Store and the richest man in the world, would like to meet with you to discuss the matter of Château Latour. ”

Ram was stunned, he actually wanted to continue to sell the Latour Hotel to the French, of course, the price must be $125 million, although this price is a lot of losses, but at least for the time being, it is more reasonable.

As for the sale to 'Harvey', Ram was still very worried about causing protests from the French, so he did not agree.

However, Lin Zuhui is the richest man in the world, and he has just invested 900 million pounds in London, and he is in the limelight; Therefore, he had to agree to the meeting no matter what.

"You schedule a time, I'll be free at any time."

"Okay"

Lin Zuhui came to Unicorn Group, hoping to cut through the mess quickly and take over Château Latour.

The reason is very simple, it must be taken down before the French react.

As for how things will develop later, how the French will make a fuss, he has already got it, why be afraid!

Occupying the commanding heights of the rules, Lin Zuhui has a greater initiative. The French can't afford to rob it openly, after all, it is about the reputation of a country.

Of course, maybe it didn't go so well, when the Japanese bought a third-class winery, Liguan Winery, they talked about it for two years; However, at that time, the Japanese had purchased it from France, so it was difficult.

"Hello, Mr. Lin!"

"Hello, Mr. Ram!"

As soon as the two sides met, they seemed very enthusiastic, and Ram was also more annoyed by the arrogance of the French, and decided to support Harvey's department store to receive Château Latour, of course, the price was higher.

After the two sides sat down, Lin Zuhui made his intentions clear: "Mr. Ram, we are very sincere in our intention to acquire the shares of Château Latour in your hands!" ”

Ram pretended to hesitate, and then said: "Mr. Lin, you may not know what Château Latour means to the French, so we were also more difficult back then!" ”

Lin Zuhui said calmly: "It's all commodities, there are not so many rules and regulations, and the Japanese didn't buy classified wineries back then." So, we are willing to bid $135 million for the purchase, and I believe that at this price, the French will not give it to you. ”

The joy on Ram's face flashed, and he quickly bargained with Lin Zuhui again.

As a result, the two sides reached a preliminary negotiation, and Harvey Department Store won it at a sky-high price of 140 million US dollars. Of course, this is only a verbal agreement between the two sides, and the next step is to go to Bordeaux, France.

This is also the news that Lin Zuhui learned from Lahm, he originally thought that he could sign a contract directly in London, but Ram told him that he had to register with the Bordeaux Land Commission so that he could successfully take over Château Latour.

Otherwise, even if the contract is successful in London, it will be difficult to get the deal done if there is a strong reaction from there.

(End of chapter)