The project of the Central Railway Station has just been settled, and the Hong Kong government has announced a public tender for the 'inland river terminal', and the major consortia have suddenly sharpened their knives!

At this time, Container Terminal 9 did not have a 'flower to be left behind', although the relationship between China and the UK has improved - everyone feels that it will be useless to continue arguing, which is not conducive to the subsequent development of Hong Kong; However, there are constant disputes over the ownership of the No. 9 container terminal, and even want to reallocate the berths of No. 1~9.

It is a matter of the interests of each family, not to mention the quarrel between China and the UK, Hong Kong businessmen, British businessmen, and Chinese capital have been involved in the confrontation at the Kwai Chung container terminal.

Lin Zhichao is not worried - the result of the matter is not good for him, to put it bluntly - he is the head snake in Hong Kong, and the influence of this head snake is very, very large, far exceeding that of Li Jiacheng in his previous life.

Since Container Terminal 9 did not go through the bidding method at the beginning, it attracted a crusade from Hong Kong public opinion, so this time the river terminal was through public bidding - to decide who will win?

Although, there is no progress at Container Terminal 9 for the time being; However, Lin Zhichao attached great importance to the bidding of the inland wharf, and decided to show his strength again and win it in one fell swoop.

The Inland Container Terminal handles containers destined for the Pearl River Basin (Inland Waterways). Containers travel to and from the Pearl River Delta, both by water and by land. The major water transport is the Chinese-funded China Transport Group, accounting for 1/9 of the inland container throughput, and the major land transport is the Global Sea-Land Intermodal Container Terminal Company, which accounts for 50% of the shares, and the company's inland river container share is about 1/4, and the rest are transported or carried by container trucks owned by each company.

According to the information released by the Hong Kong government in April 1995, the annual container throughput of Hong Kong in 1994 was 12.05 million TEUs, a net increase of 1.94 million TEUs over 1993, an increase of 20%.

Among the three major modes of operation, the throughput of Kwai Chung container terminal was 8.28 million, an annual increase of 25.5%, the mid-stream operation was 2.81 million, an annual increase of 1.6%, and the inland river transportation throughput was 960,000, an annual increase of 52.3%.

Among the three, inland waterway transport saw the largest increase, reflecting the strong economic development of the Pearl River Delta and the surge in demand for container transport.

Under these circumstances, the Hong Kong Government decided to construct the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal and award the contract by way of open tender.

Cheung Kong Group.

Guo Bingxiang and Simon Keswick came to visit, and Lin Zhichao and Lin Ruihuan met with them.

As the saying goes, in Hong Kong, only by pulling the 'superman's tail' can you make a lot of money, which is a popular saying in Hong Kong.

Chinese investors have stood firm in Hong Kong to list on the 'superman's tail', and CITIC Jingfeng has just been promoted to a blue-chip stock;

Last year, Lin Zhichao introduced him to buy the shares of "Modern Container" in the hands of two British investors, and became the major shareholder of "Modern Container" in one fell swoop, accounting for 30% of the shares.

Lee Shau-kee pulled the 'superman's tail', entered Hong Kong's Central last year, and sat on a 45% stake in the development rights above the Central Station of the Machine Railway.

At present, Modern Containers, the second largest container terminal company in Hong Kong, holds two berths in Kwai Chung Container Terminal 2, 3 and 5 and Container Terminal 8, with 30% equity in New World Development, 20% in Wharf, 20% in China Merchants and 17% in Swire, and the rest is owned by HSBC and Jebsen & Co.

Among them, the equity in the hands of New World Development, originally two British-funded companies - Musky and Tiehang were ready to be sold to Lin Zhichao, but Lin Zhichao was also worried that it would be said that it was too monopolistic of the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, and that Modern Container itself was a 'public enterprise', not a subsidiary of the Wharf Group, so there was no need to increase the holdings, and it was simply cheap Zheng Yutong, and even the loan was partially released by Hengfeng Bank.

In this way, Hyundai Container is actually a joint venture of multiple consortia, and no one is really in control.

And international containers can also compete for the No. 9 container terminal and inland river terminal without any scruples!

Guo Bingxiang said flatteringly: "Lin Sheng is still so young, and he looks much more energetic than our juniors!" ”

His age is one year younger than Lin Ruihuan, but Guo Desheng is 17 years older than Lin Zhi.

It can be seen that Lin Zhichao's family has achieved enviable results in inheritance.

Lin Zhichao said: "As long as you are in a good mood every day, you will live young!" ”

Guo Desheng and Simon Keswick suddenly felt a sudden burst in their hearts, there is something in this word!

For decades, Lin Zhichao's family has been unstoppable, killing British, Chinese, and foreign capital, of course, the mood has been very good!

"You're right!"

Guo Desheng's posture was very low, obviously wanting to pull the 'superman tail'.

Simon Keswick couldn't wait to say: "Lin Sheng, regarding this inland wharf bidding, our two companies are very much looking forward to cooperating with you!" ”

Lin Zhichao said happily: "No problem! Of course, if Mr. Simon could give me a reason, I would be happier! ”

Simon Keswick said with a smile: "Because if you form a consortium with you, you will have a better chance of winning!" Of course, we are British-owned, and we have a little effect! ”

Lin Zhichao said, and then jokingly said: "As far as I know, New World Development is taking the lead in forming another consortium, and with my understanding of Zheng Yutong, he is afraid that he feels that 97 is approaching, and the influence of British capital in Hong Kong is no longer worrying, so he has no intention of winning over Jardine Matheson." ”

Simon Keswick blushed, he really knew the reason, but he immediately adjusted his mood and said humorously: "I believe Mr. Lin will not think so!" ”

In terms of business, we may partner in business today and tomorrow.

This is the case in Hong Kong, everyone only thinks that you are strong enough, but not how 'bad' you are!

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Of course! What's more, I'm a very talkative person, and everyone has money to earn together! In this way, with our three consortia and one COSCO, we have raised three capitals in Hong Kong, China and the UK. For specific work, you will talk to Ruihuan later! ”

Guo Bingxiang said happily: "No problem! With Brother Huan in charge, our plan will definitely shine! ”

Ma P shot well, it seems that after suffering a few losses, he learned to be smart!

At first, the three Guo brothers were thinking about whether they could wrestle with Lin's wrists, but as a result, they put a stamp on the No. 9 Container Terminal and the Central Terminal of Jitie, and suddenly realized their status.

Especially at Container Terminal No. 9, I thought that Sun Hung Kai and Jardine Matheson had been in hand, but they spit out of their mouths. Although there is no decision on who will develop Container Terminal 9, it is clear that the berths of Hutchison Whampoa are indispensable, otherwise there would be no need to argue.

After Guo Bingxiang and Simon Keswick left, Lin Ruihuan came to his father's office.

Lin Zhichao told him: "This time you take the lead, you need to think about how to defeat the opponent!" ”

Lin Ruihuan nodded and said, "This time, Uncle Tong thinks that Jiuqi is approaching, and British capital is no longer important, so he didn't look for Jardine. As far as we are concerned, the Hong Kong government intends to reduce our monopoly position, so we need to win over British, Hong Kong, and Chinese capital, so that everyone can make a fortune together. So, I think it's reasonable for us to have 35~40% of the shares. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, it's very important for you to communicate with them and win-win cooperation!" ”

The implication is that the shares should not be set to death, and everyone will discuss it.

Lin Ruihuan said: "Okay, about this bidding, I think so, we need to do three things: the first is environmental protection, the second is transportation, and the third is the price. Environmental protection and transportation, these two issues, opponents are likely to ignore, we in Hong Kong mainly take water transport (tugboats, shuttle cargo ships), into the mainland to take more road traffic (more polluting), Guangdong Province in the field of less container terminals, more use of cargo ship transportation, the Hong Kong government will not be too concerned about the pollution problem in the mainland, probably only concerned about Hong Kong's environmental protection issues. As for the price, I think it is the least important, the Hong Kong government is about to hand over, and the Hong Kong government officials will not care about the specific price."

Listening to his son's analysis, Lin Zhichao felt that it was very reasonable, and said with satisfaction: "You have done some work, not bad!" ”

"It's all the result of communicating with them!"

Lin Zhichao nodded, Lin Ruihuan has participated in the affairs of Hutchison Whampoa, serving as its vice chairman of the board of directors, and gradually succeeded.

It's a New Year in the Blink of an Eye (1996)

In early February, Lin Zhichao had just returned to Hong Kong from the mainland for official business when he heard a magnitude 7 earthquake in Khotan Province, and immediately joined four of its companies - Cheung Kong, Hutchison, HK Electric and Wharf to donate a total of 20 million Hong Kong dollars to show love and support.

In recent years, the companies owned by the Lin Zhichao family have moved to the mainland to invest, so if any disaster occurs, they will support it in the name of the enterprise.

As for the 'Lin Zhichao Foundation', it is more focused on education, medical care, agriculture and other charitable undertakings, and its nature is different. One is 'emergency relief', and the other is 'long-term charity'.

In the past four years, the companies under the Lin Zhichao family have gone to the mainland to invest heavily, while overseas investment has weakened, which is a very wise layout.

Therefore, it is natural that the relationship with the mainland authorities should be properly handled.

Wharf Group.

"Dad, our real estate investment in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia has basically completed the withdrawal, and a total of 15 billion Hong Kong dollars have been cashed out before and after, and there are nearly 4 billion Hong Kong dollars in assets in Thailand and Malaysia Last year (1995), the normal profit of the Wharf Group was 5.8 billion Hong Kong dollars, and the non-recurring profit was 10.2 billion Hong Kong dollars." Lin Ruihai's calm face couldn't help but show an excited smile.

Lin Ruihuan and Lin Ruihai have very calm personalities, but Lin Ruihuan may be more generous, and Lin Ruihai is more low-key. At the beginning, when he was so angry in Singapore - won Paragon, Singapore Land, etc., Lin Ruihai almost never gave an interview.

Maybe, only in front of Lin Zhichao, Lin Ruihai will let go of the caution in his heart and reveal the 'childishness' in his heart.

"How are you going to arrange it?" Lin Zhichao said kindly.

Although the Wharf Group has been completely handed over to Lin Ruihai (management rights), Lin Ruihai will still report to Lin Zhichao and ask for advice.

"The focus of investment is still in the mainland, but I plan to extend to Europe and the United States!" Lin Ruihai said very assertively.

At present, the Wharf Group has invested in a number of 'Times Squares' in the mainland, as well as the World Financial Center, the tallest building in Shanghai, and has also invested heavily in real estate development, which is not weaker than the offensive of Cheung Kong Group.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "According to my analysis of the economic trend and the situation of various countries over the years, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, Hong Kong and South Korea have quite large bubbles, so it is not suitable for investment. On the other hand, in Europe and the United States, the economy has already adjusted, so you are right to think so! ”

"Well, I see!"

What project to invest in depends on Lin Ruihai himself, of course, Lin Zhichao will also consult.

In this era, many projects are profitable, as long as you don't buy expensive ones.

A month later, the results of the tender for the inland river terminal came out:

At a land grant of HK$1,141.11 million, a tender was awarded to the River Trade Terminals Company (led by Cheung Kong) for the design, development and operation of an inland container terminal in Area 38, Tuen Mun. The land grant period is until 30 March 2047. The site is Lot 393 Tuen Mun and covers an area of about 65 hectares. The successful bidder is required to put the cargo handling facilities into operation in two phases, with an initial annual cargo handling capacity of not less than 2.1 million tonnes within 36 months from the date of land grant; In the following 18 months, it increased to no less than 8.5 million tonnes per year. The terminal design will include a 3,000-metre-long berth to handle the rapidly growing Chinese river freight.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWO TENDERS, ODELON LTD AND RIVER CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED. According to the requirements and provisions of the tender documents, the authorities considered that the tender documents of the consortium led by New World and Henderson failed to meet the requirements specified in several tender documents.

For a time, public opinion was in an uproar!

Because ODELON Ltd, a consortium headed by New World and Henderson, has a price tag of 2.3 billion Hong Kong dollars, which is twice that of the inland river freight terminal company; But it was the inland river terminal companies led by Cheung Kong and Sun Hung Kai (Cheung Kong 37%, Sun Hung Kai 37%, Jardine Matheson 15%, COSCO 11%).

In other words, ODELON LTD is a matter of unqualified bids, not the list price!

The Oriental Daily published an article the next day: "The high-profile battle for the Tuen Mun River Trade Container Terminal was led by SHKP and Hutchison yesterday

consortium, cleverly won at an ultra-low price of HK$1,141.11 million. It is much lower than the list price of HK$2.38 billion for a consortium led by the only competitors, New World and Henderson, which is as much as HK$1,299.9 million. Reflecting the success of SHKP and Hutchison's 'Food Bridge' in the current battle for the purchase of 30 sea shuttle cargo ships and 15 tugboats to form a marine transport fleet, although the system costs HK$285 million, it can meet the Hong Kong government's requirements for environmental protection and transportation: 'technical, with a price less than 1.2 billion yuan lower than the opponent's bid price. ”

Subsequent media on:

Lee Shau Kee, chairman of Henderson Land, was not convinced by the result, claiming that the consortium's bid price was not too high, and that if it was put up for public bidding, the entire scheme could be priced at more than HK$3 billion.

New World general manager Leung Che-kin looked unhappy and claimed that he was "unwilling to comment" on the unveiling results. Another key member of the company, who did not want to be named by the media, expressed confusion and disappointment about the incident.

New World Managing Director Henry Cheng Kar-shun was blunt about his assessment: "The Hong Kong government's announcement that the bid for the development rights of the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal will not be won by the highest bidder, which will undermine the confidence and interest of New World in future tenders, and the tendering system will also be affected in the future." ”

The media said: "Cheng Kar-shun recently told the Hong Kong government that in addition to the price tag, the bidding for the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal will still consider the requirements of the plan on environmental protection and transportation. He said that if New World failed to bid for the project at a high price this time, the group's interest in participating in the project in the form of tenders in the future would definitely be hit. He also criticized that if the Hong Kong government does not take the highest bidder as the criterion, the future bidding system will be affected. ”

Cheng Yu-tung is once again in semi-retirement, so Cheng Kar-chun's words represent both the New World and the Cheng family.

In the face of the complaints of Henderson and New World, Lin Ruihuan, president of Cheung Kong, also became the target of the interview.

He said: "There are three ways for the consortium led by SHKP and Hutchison to win, one is environmental protection, the second is transportation, and the third is pricing. ”

The reporter asked SHKP and Hutchison whether they were overpowering their competitors in environmental protection and transportation.

Lin Ruihuan replied in an affirmative tone:

"I don't want to criticize, but it's true."

With this achievement, Lin Ruihuan, the leader of the second-generation Lin family, was once again touted by the media as 'the successor of the Lin family'.

The media all know that Lin Zhichao is basically retired now, and it is possible to hand over the chairman of Cheung Kong in recent years.

Therefore, now that Lin Ruihuan is so powerful, the shareholders of Cheung Kong have also put their minds at ease.

On the contrary, NWD's share price began to fall;

It is rumored that the Chinese-funded company will organize a fleet, and after the return of Hong Kong, the Chinese-funded company can "eat to the end" of inland container transportation. (End of chapter)