The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Midea Building, the headquarters of the Hong Kong Real Estate Association.

Originally, the establishment office of the Hong Kong Real Estate Chamber of Commerce was located in the Global Building, but Lin Zhichao was worried that Hong Kong government spies would follow him, so he set up the headquarters in an office building in the Midea Building. In this way, at least it will not affect Lin Zhichao's mood of working in the two companies in Universal Building.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao knew that the Mainland was eager to establish contact with real estate developers after six or seven years, so he left a loophole for such a possibility - entrusting the affairs of the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce to Airship Tai so that he could Holding real power in the real estate chamber of commerce is beneficial for future contacts.

As for Lin Zhichao, he was entrusted by the Hong Kong government to serve as the chairman of the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, so he simply put on a show. To put it simply, Lin Zhichao doesn't want to offend anyone, and he has both ways.

Now the Hong Kong government believes that the presidents of the Hong Kong Real Estate Chamber of Commerce are Lin Chi-chao and Sir Lam, and they are a little relieved. In fact, Lin Chi-chao has handed over the rights to Airship Tai, which will allow the mainland to contact Guo Desheng, Lee Shau-kee, and others through Airship Tai in the future. Feng Jingxi, Wang Dehui and others may have Li Jiacheng.

As for Lin Zhichao, it doesn't matter if he meets the representatives in Hong Kong. But they must meet at Tai's house on the airship, so that it can at least show that they are not meeting on their own initiative.

In fact, there are two "own people" in the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce on the opposite side - Wang Kuancheng and Liang Shen, but neither of them has much influence in the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce; Wang Kuancheng is the president of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, which is clearly a pro-internal group, but he In the Hong Kong Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, he is only a director, not even a standing director, and has little influence; Liang Shen is only an alternate director, and has even less influence.

Generally speaking, it is expected that starting from the late 1960s, mainland officials will have to try to contact Hong Kong real estate developers, because the influence of this chamber of commerce is too great, and many people in it are the targets of monopoly.

As the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Lin Zhichao needs to maintain a good balance. Of course, he also knew that in the beginning, everyone was just chatting, not about politics; but in the end, they had to talk about it.

25 directors gathered together and were having a meeting.

Lin Zhichao held in his hand the ‘Memorandum from the Chamber of Commerce to the Government’ prepared by Airship Tai, and he began to discuss one by one:

"Whenever a chamber of commerce member encounters a problem during construction at a construction site and requests permission to postpone the start of construction, he or she will be exempted from fines if the government approves a one-year extension. This is very good. The recent market situation has affected many people. If this happens, fines will only make people feel uncomfortable. It’s even more difficult for real estate developers.”

"Urge the government to change the method of opening public land for sale and suspend the opening of housing land for sale in order to adjust the real estate market. There is no problem with this suggestion. The biggest problem in the market now is the imbalance of supply and demand and oversupply, which needs time to be digested."

"According to the opinions, the Hong Kong government is required to improve the property sales system and improve building management. This is not bad. From a customer perspective, it is important to eliminate our worries and improve various systems and building management."

"Vice President Huo, the opinions you have formulated are all very good. I am taking advantage of everyone!"

Airship Tai said with a smile: "This is our responsibility. As our chairman, Mr. Lin has a very important task to communicate with the Hong Kong government!"

The two were friends, Lin Zhichao delegated power to him, and Airship Tai himself was very happy.

Lin Zhichao was no longer modest, but continued: "Although I have been abroad for a while, I have also considered two suggestions. Let's discuss them together: The first one is that the Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong government jointly initiate and hold a building model exhibition to introduce Hong Kong to the public. The real estate development situation in recent years has been active and stimulated the dull real estate market. Article 2: The Chamber of Commerce assists the Hong Kong Housing Loan Company to launch a low-interest loan housing construction plan for the purpose of taking care of Hong Kong's white-collar workers."

It seems that since he became the president of the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, he has not made much contribution, and he has not even started development sites under his banner; but in fact, by winning the bid for the Navy Dockyard project, Hong Kong real estate has had a stabilizing effect, which is equivalent to his real estate development. The president of the Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about the prospects of Hong Kong real estate.

Therefore, his influence as president is very great at this time.

Now the opinions he put forward were no weaker than the previous opinions, and he was immediately respected by all the board members.

Many opinions were compiled into a memorandum by the staff of the Chamber of Commerce, which was later passed to the relevant departments of the Hong Kong government by Lin Zhichao on behalf of the Hong Kong Real Estate Chamber of Commerce; this was the first ‘appearance’ of the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, so it was naturally very important.

"President Lin, your investment in the naval dockyard is probably very huge, right?" After the meeting, Hu Hanhui stepped forward to communicate.

In fact, Hu Hanhui's real estate company is not big. The reason why he became a standing director is his influence in the gold and silver trading market.

Others also came up curiously and inquired about this project.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It is obvious that the investment is large. I can only plan and build in phases, and do it slowly! Hong Kong is currently in a state of digesting inventory, so I just invest the funds in commercial real estate."

Seeing this, everyone began to think deeply. The real estate situation seemed to be still unstable. Even this person was not opening a real estate project!

"It's hard to sell real estate now. Everyone is waiting to see whether construction will start!" Zhong Minghui said worriedly.

As the president of the Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, Lin Zhichao can only say: "If the real estate is not easy to sell, we must work hard to package and promote it. If there is a certain profit, sell it as soon as possible! Whether you can start construction depends on your own strength. In real estate, it pays attention to the quality of goods. Rotation, but with too much debt, can still be considered.”

"You've learned a lesson, Lin Sheng!"

"Be taught, be taught!"

Everyone immediately cupped their hands and said with conviction.

Lin Zhichao was not wrong. Low price does not mean no profit, because the land is also low, so it can only be said to have a small profit; in fact, before May 1967, there was always a rigid demand to digest the inventory, so handing over could still be done.

As for after May 1967, it was an emergency, and Lin Zhichao could not predict it, so everyone will not be wrong.

After some exchanges, everyone separated.

Lin Zhichao's work is quite simple, and it doesn't take much time to hold meetings and communicate with relevant departments of the Hong Kong government.

In the evening, the family has dinner together.

"Xin'er, how is your talk with Lin Benfeng going?" Lin Zhichao was concerned about his sister's marriage.

He couldn't really let his sister die alone. Naturally, he was paying attention or introducing her to her. Currently, Lin Xiner is in a relationship with a young man who works at HSBC. The other party also studied abroad, but his family could only be considered a middle-class family. What Lin Zhichao appreciated was that he was motivated.

Lin Xiner is no longer as youthful as she was before. After all, she is already 32 years old and has experienced seven years of working life, and has begun to take on the aura of a strong woman. Naturally, her appearance has also changed a lot. It is far less youthful and beautiful than her two sisters-in-law. It is time for her to get married.

She raised her head and said: "He still has to be tested. Brother, you don't know. I am five years older than him. Who knows what he is thinking!"

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "What you said, everyone has their own secrets. Don't tell me you can see through everything after getting along for a long time. Since you both have a good impression now and have been talking for another year, I think hurry up Done! You can rest assured, I will always be your backing, what are you afraid of!"

Lin Xiner said dissatisfiedly: "Brother, it's not our turn to take the initiative in this matter! He hasn't even proposed to me, so why should I take the initiative to marry him? Then you won't be able to afford to lose this person!"

Lin Zhichao was a little embarrassed, and said, "That makes sense! What's the matter with this kid, even if he's afraid of you, he's not even embarrassed to mention the matter of marriage!"

Lin Xiner suddenly felt a little embarrassed and said, "Brother, why am I so scary! It's obvious that he is cowardly!"

Lin Zhichao shook his head helplessly. Others performed very well in the bank. They were motivated, diligent, and flexible. In short, he inquired very clearly.

But after thinking about it, Sir Lin's younger sister, who is also an executive of the Miramar Hotel, is really domineering enough. Lin Benfeng is a low-level bank manager with four years of work experience.

"Let's do this! You move to the bungalow in the middle of the mountain that I gave you, give others some hints, and try to get married and have a child in the next two years."

There is no need to worry, this sister is getting older and wants to create people to gossip with.

Lin Xiner changed the topic and said, "Brother, I heard that you are going to invest in a five-star hotel in Xingdao?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Yes! This hotel brand will become our family's hotel group in the future and will be separated from the real estate comprehensive group."

Lin Xiner immediately said: "Then I will go to Xingdao to participate in the preparations. I have been working for so many years!" After speaking, there was a hint of desire.

Lin Zhichao immediately vetoed it: "No! You don't have to think about it these few years, get married and have children honestly, and work at the Miramar Hotel. After the family hotel brand is established in the future, you will be given a management position."

Lin Xiner has some abilities. After all, she studied abroad and was trained by Lin Zhichao.

Shangri-La Hotel Group will be the hotel group of the Lin family in the future. Even if it acquires other five-star brands, it will be under this group. However, Lin Zhichao doesn't want to go public, so even if he wants to give his sister shares, it will be in the future.

He was not unkind to his sister. He had given her a lot of properties over the seven years he had worked there, including a bungalow in Mid-Levels, a mansion in Causeway Bay, a shop in Causeway Bay, and about seven or eight properties. A lot of cash is also given, with 500,000 Hong Kong dollars in cash given out every year.

But it would be completely unreasonable to say that this sister helped him in any way. After all, although she had worked for Lin Zhichao for seven years, she was just an indispensable member of the management team.

Generally speaking, after Lin Zhichao had two daughters, he didn't value his younger sister so much. In the future, she will have to rely on her ability to win the shares of the hotel group, and it must be very small, no more than 5%. After all, the group's investment itself is very large.

Lin Xiner could only say: "Oh! Brother, didn't you say that before?"

Lin Zhichao said calmly: "This is the same as being a father. When your daughter is young, you have to be on guard; when your daughter is older, you have to push her; if your daughter is a little older, do you understand that the father has to be anxious? Anyway, I won’t harm you.”

Lin Xiner suddenly had mixed feelings, and she didn't know how to express her emotions at this time.

Xu Caiying immediately said: "Eat, eat!"

Wu Wenying on the other side did not express any opinions. She was older. Although she was worried about her daughter's affairs, the head of the family was her son; the eldest brother is like the father, and the son has always been in charge of these things.

The next day, Lin Zhichao convened the board of directors of Asia Shipping.

At this time, Universal Group had two listed companies under it - Asia Shipping and Longfeng Investment, holding 52% and 43% of the shares respectively. Almost all of the increased shares were cashed out by Wheelock, although it was in 1964 During the peak period, Lin Zhichao still continued to eat.

After all, this is equivalent to Wheelock Group voluntarily withdrawing from these two companies, which is a cash-out; at this time, Global Shipping increased its shares, which is considered dignified.

In the conference room, there were a total of four directors sent by Universal Group. On the contrary, only Xiao Maden was left as a director of Wheelock Group.

Lin Zhichao said: "What is the debt situation of Asian shipping?"

Today's Asian shipping already has a load capacity of 500,000 tons, of which 300,000 tons are oil tankers (3 ships). It is developing rapidly.

"The total amount of bank debt and bonds issued is HK$72 million, and the cash flow is HK$3.6 million!" Finance Suihui reported.

Lin Zhichao said: "The current annual profit of Asia Shipping can be paid off in almost two years. However, I plan to continue building ships, so there is insufficient funds. I suggest issuing 20% ​​of new shares to raise funds for development!"

52% of the shares is not enough, it needs to be increased to 60~70%.

Because of the upcoming eight-year shipping season, it’s natural to eat more.

Little Madden said at this time: "Is it the Global Shipping Group's subscription, or is it the public issuance of new shares!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Release to Universal Group!"

Xiao Maden nodded, and there was no surprise. Investors did not buy into the issuance of new shares at this time. Although it was more cost-effective for Universal Group to issue new shares at this time, there was nothing wrong with doing so. After all, it was the only way to raise funds.

General Manager Norbert will naturally not object. He has now recognized Lin Zhichao as the boss and Universal Group as the parent company.

Immediately everyone agreed.

As a result, Universal Group will increase to 60.8% of the equity.

As for the price, the market value of Asia Shipping reached 260 million last year, and now the market value is only 200 million. Therefore, it takes less than 40 million Hong Kong dollars to subscribe for 20% of the new shares.

This money, of course, is to build a new ship, a new ship with a capacity of 150,000 tons. Asia Shipping originally operated oil tankers as the main ships in the future, so since Lin Zhichao joined the board of directors, he has always adhered to this policy.

Today, Japan's shipbuilding costs have risen a lot. A 150,000-ton oil tanker costs more than 15 million US dollars.

In fact, the amount of money raised is not enough, but Lin Zhichao can naturally make loans through Japanese banks and the like.

After the meeting, Xiao Ma Deng found Lin Zhichao: "Sir Lin, do you still need the stocks invested by Longfeng? I intend to transfer 10%?"

During this period, Little Madden didn't like to invest in shipping. Although there were two companies that cooperated with Global and HSBC, as far as Lin Zhichao knew, Little Madden didn't pay at all, and it was all loans from HSBC.

At the same time, throughout the 1960s, Wheelock has been investing in trade, retail, real estate, etc., and often lacked funds, so it cashed out shipping assets to embezzle them.

And Lin Zhichao became his "receiver man". Last year, he cashed out 10% of the Asian shipping, and he asked Lin Zhichao for 25 million Hong Kong dollars.

Fortunately, the stock market has fallen this year, and now 10% of the shares invested by Longfeng are worth about 12 million.

Because of Longfeng's investment, there is no development at present, and Lin Zhichao has no energy to take care of it.

Even if you don't have the energy to develop, the listed company in your hand will definitely be of great use in the future.

"Yes! Mr. Madden also knows that Universal Group does not have a listed company, and plans to cultivate two good listed companies. Thanks to you, we have already planned to develop Asia Shipping and Longfeng Investment."

Now it is difficult for the Chinese to go public, unlike a British-funded company, it will be able to go public soon after messing around with its subsidiaries.

Therefore, it is completely correct to say that the Chinese are discriminated against in the securities market. Because the Hong Kong Society is the stronghold of British capital.

"Okay, these two companies are developed by Mr. Lin, and the prospects must be great. I am very happy to transfer them." Little Madden said with a smile.

In each company, Wheelock keeps a small share, about 8-10%. If it develops in the future, the remaining shares of Wheelock will also increase.

The important thing is that these two companies have really developed because of Lin Zhichao's connections, otherwise everything would be impossible.

back to the company.

In the office of Global Shipping, Lin Zhichao is still thinking about how the Global Group will develop.

Universal Group, the parent company;

Global Shipping, Universal Shipping, Asia Shipping, Huaxing Shipping, and Longfeng Investment are subsidiaries;

There are also many sub-companies, almost every ship is a company, there are hundreds of sub-companies. The largest airline company is, of course, Hong Kong Airlines.

Among the five subsidiaries:

Global Shipping is 100% owned by the group, and it also has the largest shipping capacity, a little more than twice that of Universal Shipping. This company will not be listed and can hide its wealth.

Huanyu Shipping is a joint venture with HSBC. The group holds 60% of the shares, and its shipping capacity is a little more than 30% of that of "Global + Huanyu". It will not be listed.

Asia Shipping will be the flagship listed company of Universal Group, and Lin Zhichao will cultivate it with care.

Longfeng Investment, cultivated again in the 1970s, may be used as a surprise soldier in the acquisition of Wharf in the future.

Huaxing Shipping, currently operating the Victory Ship handed over by Global Shipping, plans to convert it into a container ship in the late 1960s; this company will specialize in the development of container transportation in the future, and will raise funds for listing in the early 1970s. Later, it will become the flagship listed company of Global Group's container transportation .

Soon, Lin Zhichao had a clue of development.

The eight years from 1967 to 1973 will be the peak period of shipping;

The two years from 1974 to 1975 were the trough period of shipping, because the oil in the Middle East was not sold to Western countries; during this period, Lin Zhichao must avoid these two years through long-term contracts, or sell some in advance without contracts. ship.

From 1975 to 1978, shipping conditions should have been okay and operations could continue;

After 1978, European oil extraction, especially British oil, could almost meet Europe's great demand. However, due to the oil crisis, Japan vigorously reserved oil and developed nuclear power plants, so its transportation capacity also weakened.

Therefore, starting from 1978, Lin Zhichao had to reduce the number of ships. In the early 1980s, the maximum number could not exceed 8 million tons.