"Acquisition? The entire factory?!"
Huo Yingdong gasped. Even though he was used to seeing big things, he was stunned by this huge investment. "Huowang, this... the British are willing to sell? How much is that? An astronomical figure! Moreover... most of our current funds are tied up in the silver futures market. Where would we find the surplus to make such a large acquisition?"
Liao Gong frowned, his voice filled with the same doubts and caution, and said, "Comrade Lin Huowang, isn't this step too big? What are the chances of a direct acquisition of a British car factory? How will the funding gap be filled? This is no small matter."
Faced with their astonishment and doubt, Lin Huowang remained calm and explained clearly:
"First, why are the British unwilling to sell? What is the state of the domestic economy right now? High inflation, low growth, and constant strikes!"
Their automotive industry has long been defeated by Germany, Japan, and the United States, with its market share declining steadily and losses becoming severe.
Rover, MG, Land Rover – these once-glorious brands, aren't they all burdens now?
Within the UK, neoliberal economic thought advocated by Margaret Thatcher, who is currently a strong contender for the next prime minister, is gaining traction, with 'privatization' and 'shedding the burden of loss-making state-owned enterprises' being the mainstream voices.
Let alone these car factories, they're even willing to sell off vital industries like railways and hydropower in the future!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity! As for how to negotiate?
Governor Murray MacLehose, and the British Secretary of State for Business whom he can contact, are our bridge. I am confident that we can leverage them to make this happen.
Second, there's the issue of money. Mr. Huo is worried that our funds are tied up in the silver market. Indeed, that's our main battleground.
However, acquiring the British car manufacturer doesn't require immediately putting up all the cash. We can proceed in stages; negotiations themselves take time.
More importantly, money has never been a problem. HSBC is our biggest "money bag"!
I will talk to Shen Bi and use our assets and future profits as collateral to get another loan! It will be specifically for this acquisition!
"Pay back the loan?"
Hearing these words, Huo Yingdong was truly astonished and exclaimed, "Huowang, your courage... is truly audacious! However, your strategic planning and meticulous execution are truly impressive! I, Huo Yingdong, am impressed!"
If this can be accomplished, bringing back the advanced British automobile production lines and core technologies of the three major components, even if it's just bringing back one or two brands, would be a great blessing for the country!
"This is a monumental achievement! The Huo family will certainly give our full support. If you need our help in coordinating connections and resources, Huo Wang, just let us know!"
After Lin Huowang finished speaking, the solemn expression on Liao Gong's face was gradually replaced by excitement. He took a deep breath and said with certainty, "Comrade Lin Huowang, your idea... is so bold!"
If we can actually achieve this, even if it's just acquiring some core technologies, such as advanced engine production lines, it would be a huge bargaining chip for us in our negotiations with Volkswagen and Toyota!
They'd better think twice before trying to fool us with outdated technology again! Good! Good! I'll report your ideas and plans to the Central Committee immediately!
We're waiting for your good news! Tell us what kind of support you need from the national level, and I'll coordinate it!
The atmosphere in the tea room shifted from somber to an excited sense of challenge and hope.
The blueprint that Lin Huowang just outlined has truly opened a promising avenue for China's struggling automotive industry import program.
After seeing off Liao Gong and Huo Yingdong, it was already late at night.
Lin Huowang returned to Villa No. 3 in Repulse Bay. Under the warm lights, in the dining room, Liu Rumeng, Xiaolin Huizi, Lü Ruirong, and Qian Shuzhen were waiting for him to have dinner together.
The dishes on the table were exquisite, and the atmosphere was warm, a stark contrast to the somber mood in the teahouse just moments before.
Hehe! Now this feels like home!
Lin Huowang's heart is now filled with warmth and passion, completely different from the previous few months.
Now when I go home, there are women waiting for me, unlike before when they were so cold and distant. And... there's more than one woman!
He glanced at the four women; each one was stunningly beautiful and had her own unique charm. An ordinary person would be grateful to have even one of them, yet he could possess four at the same time… No! There were only three so far.
Lin Huowang's gaze lingered on Qian Shuzhen for a moment.
Lin Huowang was also very puzzled by Qian Shuzhen's sudden arrival in Hong Kong. Was it a coincidence, or did she... deliberately come to Hong Kong Island to find him?
Looking at those two long-lost great advantages, Lin Huowang smiled, not bothering to delve into the underlying reasons, because... it simply wasn't important.
"Awang, have Liao Gong and Huo Sheng finished their talk? Did things go smoothly?" Liu Rumeng asked with concern, serving him a bowl of soup.
"Yes, we've discussed the general direction, but we still need to refine it later."
Lin Huowang sat down, took the soup bowl, and glanced at the table before his gaze fell on Lü Ruirong. "Rong, how's Asia Television doing lately? Are the ratings for 'Supermarket Battle' and 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' still holding up?"
Upon hearing this, Lui Shui-yung's face immediately lit up, and she said with a hint of excitement, "Mr. Lin, that's fantastic! 'Supermarket Battle' is now a must-watch program for housewives and young people all over Hong Kong, and its ratings firmly surpass all other programs on TVB in the same time slot!"
Advertisers are scrambling to get their hands on the show, and advertising revenue has increased more than fivefold compared to before the broadcast started!
Needless to say, "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" drew huge crowds!
Based on Mr. Jin Yong's original work, and with our dedicated filming, the plot is being discussed everywhere, and the ratings have broken records! I heard that Run Run Shaw was furious.
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