Chapter 376 A Hardline Stance
"Yes, this condition is absolutely unacceptable to us!" Henry Keswick also stood up, directly voicing his opposition.
If the Keswick family were to regain control of Jardines Matheson, they would naturally claim the largest share of profits.
After all, as the new controllers, the rewards and risks would both fall on them. When profits soared, they would enjoy more benefits; but if Jardines Matheson suffered losses, their family would bear the greatest burden.
In short, Jardines Matheson's losses would directly translate to the Keswick family's losses—their real money was at stake.
The talk about not being able to explain to public shareholders was merely an excuse.
Given Jardines Matheson's current shareholding structure—with the Land Group and Lin Haoran jointly controlling 49.1% of shares, and the British consortiums holding close to 40%—if the British consortiums agreed, nearly 90% of the shares would support this share swap proposal.
Ordinary shareholders would have no real say.
Just like when HSBC sold Hutchison Whampoa shares to Li Ka Shing at a low price without consulting shareholders.
When absolute control was involved, shareholder opposition was meaningless.
Following Henry Keswick's statement, more British shareholders stood up one after another to express their firm opposition.
Even Shen Bi, with HSBC holding 6% of Jardines Matheson shares, opposed it, seeing the potential loss of HKD 50 million—equal to around HKD 30 million in lost dividends for HSBC.
One after another, voices of dissent filled the room.
Amos Rothschild remained silent, merely sitting at the conference table, observing the clash between Lin Haoran and the British consortiums.
After all, he wasn't yet a shareholder in Jardines Matheson and had no formal right to speak.
At that moment, Lin Haoran, who had remained silent so far, finally stood up.
All eyes immediately turned toward him, curious to see whether he would back down under such overwhelming opposition.
But they were destined to be disappointed.
Lin Haoran smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping across everyone present with a hint of sarcasm, and said:
"Gentlemen, my assistant Mr. Ho Kin Ning made it very clear earlier. The precondition for negotiations is that you must accept this term, otherwise, there is no point continuing.
You should think carefully. I hold the controlling stake in Jardines Matheson.
I agreed to these talks hoping for a reciprocal show of goodwill.
If even this small concession cannot be made, what's the point of negotiating further?
Let's all save ourselves the trouble and go home.
After all, I never intended to sell Jardines Matheson's control.
Were it not for the royal family's face and the presence of all of you today, I wouldn't have given you this chance to negotiate.
If you think doing business with me is charity work, or that you can bully me because there are so many of you, then clearly we have nothing further to discuss.
In that case, I will continue to hold Jardines Matheson's control, and you will remain shareholders—surely not a bad situation either?
I believe that under my management, Jardines Matheson will thrive, and when profits come, everyone will share the rewards. Isn't that a win-win for all?"
Even facing so many top British tycoons, so what?
Trying to bully him with numbers?
With his growing wealth and influence, Lin Haoran no longer feared anyone.
His message was crystal clear: either accept the condition or the negotiations end here.
In the past, he might have felt intimidated standing before people like Niu Bijian or Shen Bi.
Now, even if the entire British consortium joined forces against him, Lin Haoran remained unafraid.
Even the Rothschild family's involvement didn't shake him.
Of course, he didn't want things to turn too hostile—provided the negotiations were fair.
Since they wanted Jardines Matheson's control, compensating him reasonably was only natural.
Seeing Lin Haoran's firm stance, the British tycoons' faces grew visibly grim.
Sensing the rising tension, Ho Kin Ning knew it was time for him to step in and help ease the atmosphere.
He stood up slowly, smiling gently and speaking calmly and sincerely:
"Gentlemen, I fully understand your concerns.
While Mr. Lin's words were blunt, they clarified the foundation of this negotiation: both sides must show sincerity and seek mutual benefit.
Everyone here is an experienced business leader—you all know that any successful deal rests on fairness and mutual gain."
He paused briefly, scanning the room before continuing:
"Let's look at it differently. Jardines Matheson, despite its market value appearing lower than the Land Group's, holds immense intrinsic value.
Otherwise, why would you all value it so highly?
Even after Mr. Lin gained controlling shares, you are eager to reclaim it—proving its worth rivals, if not surpasses, the Land Group's.
Thus, our proposal is not unreasonable, right?"
Ho Kin Ning paused again, observing reactions.
Then he pressed on:
"Mr. Lin invested heavily over a long time to seize Jardines Matheson.
How could he just walk away empty-handed?
Would anyone here accept such an outcome if you were in his position?
Therefore, a fair deal that protects Mr. Lin's investment and maximizes all shareholders' benefits is the key to success."
He then softened his tone even further:
"Of course, such a major decision cannot be made hastily.
It's normal for you to hesitate.
Thus, we propose that you take some time internally to discuss and carefully consider your bottom lines and expectations.
Mr. Lin has made his stance clear and shown patience and sincerity.
He's willing to wait until you reach a consensus.
Please, don't rush to a rejection.
If you truly desire Jardines Matheson's control, it's time to show real sincerity.
Otherwise, as you know, further discussions would be meaningless."
Ho Kin Ning's words, softer and more rational than Lin Haoran's initial bluntness, gradually soothed the tense atmosphere.
Many shareholders' expressions began to relax, clearly reevaluating the situation.
The British consortium members exchanged glances among themselves.
Finally, Amos Rothschild spoke up:
"Mr. Ho makes a good point. Since Mr. Lin is so resolute, we should take time to deliberate further.
There's no point forcing the issue today without full agreement."
Amos Rothschild's statement effectively set the tone for everyone present.
Henry Keswick nodded and said, "Very well, today's negotiations with Mr. Lin will end here for now."
Lin Haoran stood up and smiled.
"In that case, we'll leave you to it.
Mr. Henry, once you've made your decision, let me know.
Frankly, I would prefer to keep Jardines Matheson.
Goodbye, gentlemen!"
With that, Lin Haoran and Ho Kin Ning turned and left, leaving the British consortium tycoons to continue their internal debate.
Since major interests were at stake, a final decision wouldn't come easily.
Now it remained to be seen whether they would choose to sacrifice some profits to reclaim Jardines Matheson—or simply give up control altogether.
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