The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

After New Year's Day.

In the office of Cheung Kong Holdings, Lin Zhichao welcomed an old friend, Xu Aizhou, who enthusiastically accompanied Xu Aizhou to sip tea on the sofa. The two met when Lin Zhichao was working in shipping, and Lin Zhichao took the initiative to ask for advice. At that time, Xu Aizhou did not put on airs because Lin Zhichao was a young man and a novice. Instead, he gave some help and guided Lin Zhichao on some issues.

After taking a sip of the best Pu'er tea, you will immediately feel sweet and refreshing.

The mainland held the first Canton Fair last year, and Pu'er tea was on the mainland's trade list. Therefore, Hong Kong's Pu'er tea has an additional major channel. The Canton Fair will be held as scheduled every year after that. As far as Lin Zhichao knows, in the previous life, it was held as scheduled even for those ten years, and it was regarded as the only trade channel. However, at that time, when Hong Kong businessmen went to the mainland to negotiate, the targets were no longer professional talents. It is a group of people holding notebooks. The important thing is that Hong Kong businessmen must also hold notebooks. They have to introduce wise words into the negotiations, so it is more difficult.

At present, the trade between Hong Kong and the mainland is about HK$1 billion to HK$1.2 billion, accounting for about 15% of the total; of which, imports account for more than 1 billion, and exports only account for more than 100 million. Obviously, raw materials from the mainland are needed by Hong Kong industry.

"Mr. Xu, you come to the Three Treasures Palace for nothing. Do you come to my company today because you want to return to your old business and get a share of the real estate industry?" Lin Zhichao said with a smile.

Xu Aizhou suddenly laughed and said: "Lin Sheng is indeed very smart. He knew the purpose of my visit before I even opened my mouth. No wonder you can build such a huge career."

Lin Zhichao said politely: "You have given me the award!"

He was a business veteran who could be regarded as Lin Zhichao's grandfather. He had lived in the Qing Dynasty for thirty years and had supported him back then. Therefore, Lin Zhichao respected Xu Aizhou very much.

Later, Xu Aizhou got to the point: "Recently, shipping prices have soared, and I am a bit older, which means that shipping is the world of your young people. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to go ashore and invest funds in real estate."

Lin Zhichao said: "This is a good thing! You have strong funds and you were also the real estate king in Kanjiang back then. If you enter the market, you will definitely become a leader in the industry."

When Xu Aizhou saw Lin Zhichao blindly praising him, she sighed in her heart that Lin Zhichao, a young man, was really a business wizard. Even though he was in a high position, he was still neither arrogant nor arrogant, and he had nothing to say in his dealings with others.

Being so young and so good at doing things, he, as the 'Hong Kong Chinese leader', is probably far more influential and has gone further than Ho Tung.

Upon seeing this, he immediately said: "I don't want to enter the development of residential real estate. After all, I am old and don't have the energy to do that. I want to enter the field of commercial buildings, buy commercial land, build commercial buildings, and collect rents in the long term. So, I I have united a few friends and plan to set up China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and I hope you will participate and give me your opinions."

Lin Zhichao was a little surprised. He thought Xu Aizhou just came to ask him for advice, but he didn't expect him to buy a stake in China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

Of course, he also understood that the investment was just a small shareholder, and Xu Aizhou must firmly control the absolute shares; and in doing so, he obviously wanted to be more stable.

At the same time, if you invest in this kind of shares, it will be easy to be washed out by major shareholders in the future.

"Who are there?" Lin Zhichao asked.

After all, Xu Aizhou had some support for him, and he was a business senior, so it was not impossible to use some funds as a show of support.

"Peng Guozhen, Guan Fenfa" Xu Aizhou named a few names.

Peng Guozhen was considered one of the "top ten real estate companies" at this time. In his previous life, when he was listed in 1972, his financing was higher than that of Cheung Kong Holdings, which shows his strength. However, after the stock market crash in 1973, Peng Guozhen actually went to Malaysia to invest, but he encountered the oil crisis again. , which led to the company's strategic mistakes; by the time Hong Kong's real estate industry picked up, he no longer had much strength. In addition, it was already the late 1970s. The results can be imagined. The Sino-British negotiations directly led to the bankruptcy of Jianian, and Peng Guozhen also died of illness.

Seeing that Xu Aizhou invited him enthusiastically, Lin Zhichao felt that it was not good to refuse, so he said: "Then I will participate in one share and invest 5%."

Xu Aizhou was immediately in a good mood. He invited Lin Zhichao because he wanted to give some advice on development, but he definitely didn't want Lin Zhichao to become a big player in China Construction. In fact, he had to bite the bullet and ask for cooperation, more or less allowing Lin Zhichao to repay the favor he had given him back then.

He had no choice but to invite this real estate wizard to join him as it related to the Xu family's landing.

"Okay! I just happened to find a piece of land in Queen's Road, and China Construction took this project as an opportunity."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Mr. Xu entered commercial real estate at this time, but he found a good time. As Hong Kong's local industrial products account for most of the exports and the re-export trade weakens, I believe that foreign companies and institutions will come to Hong Kong to establish Branches and offices.”

Xu Aizhou's eyes lit up. He invested in the commercial building purely with the intention of going ashore. Of course, it was also due to the rapid economic development of Hong Kong, but Lin Zhichao never saw it so clearly.

"That makes sense!"

In Lin Zhichao's view, Xu Aizhou is not a threat. After all, how many commercial buildings can he invest in?

Lin Zhichao does not intend to live alone, so the investment in commercial buildings will not be so exaggerated, and he will invest when there are suitable opportunities.

What's more, Lin Zhichao has already snatched the most expensive commercial building in Zhoujiazui, Xu Ai, and will not buy commercial land for the time being.

Later, Xu Aizhou made an appointment, and he invited everyone to get together.

"Lin Shengliubu"

Lin Zhichao sent Xu Aizhou out of the office.

after.

He called for deputy general manager Huang Changhong.

"We can also start planning the plans for the commercial project at No. 10 Ice House Street!"

Huang Changhong nodded and said excitedly: "Okay, I will arrange the design immediately. The plot ratio of this land given by the Hong Kong government is 12, which means that 108,000 square feet can be built. If it is based on the actual area of ​​the site, It is expected that only 14 floors can be built; if the boss feels that 14 floors are not good, then build 16 to 18 floors, which will increase the cost."

The plot ratio is approved by the Hong Kong government, so the height and floor area of ​​the building are not as high as the developer wants!

Huang Changhong's meaning is very simple. Building 14 floors can save construction costs, and building 16-18 floors will increase costs. Although the heights of the two are different, the floor area is actually the same.

Lin Zhichao doesn't know how to save money. These buildings will still collect rent sixty or seventy years later, so they must use good materials.

"Construction cost is not a problem. What I am pursuing is a Grade A office building, so all aspects need to meet high requirements."

"Um"

Then, Lin Zhichao continued: "I plan to integrate this building into my shopping mall concept. The first to third floors are shops, of which the first and second floors are clothing, watches and jewelry, etc., the third floor is tea rooms and restaurants, and the basement is also designed as shops. "

A small building with no more than ten shops on the first floor can attract enough brands; moreover, in recent years, it has been the embryonic period for European and American brands to enter Hong Kong. Take watches for example, Hong Kong has represented many European and American brands; Even crocodile shirts are preparing to represent European and American clothing brands and introduce them to Hong Kong for development.

Therefore, No. 10 Ice House Street can be designed in this way.

As for the shopping mall at the Miramar Hotel, there is no problem. After all, it will open in the 1960s, when Hong Kong's tourism and economy were booming.

Lin Zhichao is not worried that someone will imitate the "Miramar Model". After all, the huge investment is beyond the reach of Chinese capital; as for British capital, they are slow to respond to real estate, and it is impossible to imitate it.

In the previous life of the Ocean Terminal, Jardine received funding from the Hong Kong government and spent HK$60 million to build it. Its own strength is not sufficient because the proportion of overseas investment is too large.

Huang Changhong said: "It would be more reasonable to build 16 floors. This way, one floor can have an extra shop area, about 7,000 square feet."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Other aspects also require modernization. Let's find a cooperative architect first!"

Huang Changhong had an idea and said, "Then let's find several master buildings and select the best plan through bidding?"

Lin Zhichao's eyes lit up and he said: "Okay! I will sort out the requirements for you later, and then the bidding will be held."

This method is quite good!

At least, it's better than going directly to a well-known teacher's house.

After Huang Changhong left, Lin Zhichao stretched his legs. Now he has two commercial projects on the agenda, and the day when he becomes a rent collector is not far away.

Central.

Xu Aizhou, Lin Zhichao, Peng Guozhen and others came to No. 28, Queen's Road Central. They have formed China Construction Company. Xu Aizhou holds 70% of the shares, Peng Guozhen holds 15% of the shares, Lin Zhichao, Guan Fenfa and others hold 5% of the shares.

As Lin Zhichao, who holds 5% of the shares, anyone with a discerning eye can see that he only joined symbolically because of Xu Aizhou's favor. It can also be learned that Lin Zhichao generally does not engage in real estate partnership with others unless the other party is respectable enough.

"What do you think of Lin Sheng? These three properties cover an area of ​​15,000 square feet and are priced at HK$21 million." Xu Aizhou said enthusiastically.

Lin Zhichao looked at the three properties, then looked around, and said, "Good location! At the intersection of Queen's Road and Pedder Street, in the heart of Central. Although the price is a bit expensive, opportunities are rare. If it were me, I’m afraid I have to win even 25 million.”

This land is the future site of Zhonghui Building, but it currently only has 15,000 square feet. Apparently, it was merged in the 1990s, bringing the site area to 22,000 square feet.

This piece of land is diagonally opposite the 'Hong Kong Hotel' land in the hands of Lin Zhichao, which can be said to be a good piece of land in Central. If Lin Zhichao learns the news, he might not be able to help but strike first; of course, he is still restraining his desire, after all, he must understand the principle of "the big one has no friends".

Everyone looked at Lin Zhichao in surprise, as if to say, listen to everyone, Lin Zhichao only buys land when the land is cheap. When has the land been high?

Xu Aizhou said happily: "Compared with the Hong Kong Hotel site in Lin Sheng's hands, it is much smaller and the location is slightly inferior."

In fact, he was also interested in the Hong Kong Hotel site. However, he went to ask the Kadoorie family and found that the owner had become Lin Zhichao. He also asked about the purchase price, and Kadoorie smiled bitterly and said it was only more than 12 million Hong Kong dollars. In the end, Xu Aizhou understood that Lin Zhichao had bought the land a long time ago, and he had bought it at a price that was "sky-high at the time" and "cheap now".

admire!

Lin Zhichao said: "Wherever, it's almost the same! The key is to see how to plan and build it, so that it can be regarded as a first-class Grade A office building."

Xu Aizhou also said: "Lin Sheng is right! But I think we need to move quickly. The reconstruction of commercial buildings in Central has not yet begun. If we rebuild them as soon as possible, there will be less pressure on leasing."

Lin Zhichao could only say that he admired Xu Aizhou for being experienced. Of course, this was because everyone looked at the problem from a different perspective.

And No. 28 Queen's Road Central will have to be rebuilt after more than thirty years, so there is no need for high-standard construction. In this way, this building can be completed next year, and it will take 12 to 18 months from design to construction.

Next, everyone expressed their opinions and put forward some opinions on the design of the building; Lin Zhichao was no exception, but he did not use the second floor or above as a shop. After all, this is an internal secret of Cheung Kong Holdings and will not be released to the world for the time being.

Generally speaking, the first floor and basement are used as shops, and the second and upper floors are used as office buildings. However, in the future, the second and third floors can be converted into shops, and only need to be approved by the government department.

At No. 28 Queen's Road Central, Hui Aizhou plans to build a 15-storey "Asia Tower" with an area of ​​12,000 square feet per floor and a rentable area of ​​180,000 square feet. The construction cost is about six to seven million, with a total investment of nearly 30 million.

In fact, if it takes more than half a year, I am afraid that I can save 5 to 10 million Hong Kong dollars in land fees; the land prices have increased so much in the past few years, and it is expected that after the sharp decline this year and next, it may not be possible to recover in the early 1960s. return this price.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao also understood that this China Construction Enterprise seemed to be a joint venture, and the other shareholders would gradually withdraw in the future. The Xu family was just taking advantage of everyone.

For example, this Peng Guozhen seems to have 15% of the shares, but after he goes bankrupt, the Xu family will definitely take the opportunity to acquire his shares.

Therefore, Lin Zhichao did not take it seriously and expressed limited opinions.

He is a real estate tycoon in Hong Kong. Many people want to cooperate with him, including Zhou Xinian, the boss behind the Dongguan Chamber of Commerce. However, this cooperation is obviously profitable.

Tsuen Wan, Cheung Kong Industries Group.

Cheung Kong Industries Group has a marketing headquarters in Central, but Tsuen Wan is its headquarters.

However, after the commercial building at No. 10 Ice House Street is completed, Lam Chi-chao plans to move the headquarters of Cheung Kong Industries Group into Central. By then, Tsuen Wan Industrial Park will only be regarded as a production center.

In the conference room, the senior management of the group and the general managers of each subsidiary reported their work one after another.

Chen Linyuan, general manager of Changjiang Wigs, said: "Last year, Changjiang Wigs made a total profit of HK$5.1 million, a 25% decrease from the previous year. The main reason is the proliferation of wig factories in Hong Kong. Many family workshops have appeared. They can produce wigs by investing HK$30,000 to 50,000. ;At the same time, fierce competition has caused European and American wholesalers to further lower prices, and profits have been greatly reduced."

Hearing this, Lin Zhichao showed no surprise. To put it bluntly, the wig industry has brought him a profit of HK$18 million (three years), and he was very satisfied.

"How many wig factories are there in Hong Kong? How many workers?"

"Including family workshops, there are probably 300 wig factories. There are almost 6,000 workers included, and the number of uncounted workers is estimated to be 2,000 or 3,000."

Lin Zhichao nodded, and said, "It's pretty good to be able to make a profit of 5 million yuan. Next, do you have any ideas?"

Chen Linyuan knew that the boss was testing him. He is not worried about losing his job. After all, with his qualifications, even if the wig factory closes down, he can still take up positions in other subsidiaries or groups of the group.

However, as the general manager of a subsidiary, there is still an advantage, that is, the year-end bonus can be soft, which can reach 12 months' salary. For example, in the past two years, he received a year-end bonus of HK$30,000. With salary included, his annual salary has reached HK$60,000.

Chen Linyuan immediately said: "The Hong Kong wig industry is not declining, but the competition is fierce. I think it will take at least ten years for wigs to become popular in Europe and the United States. So, facing this situation, I think we should put more energy into it in the future. In terms of agency, we will gradually reduce production capacity. At the same time, we should pursue higher-end wig manufacturing to improve competitiveness."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Okay, let's develop according to your thinking."

Anyway, we have almost made enough, so it is time to slowly reduce production capacity, which can save costs; pursuing high-end craftsmanship for wigs can increase profit margins and competitiveness; as agents of Hong Kong wigs, they have natural advantages and on-site channels. To put it bluntly, let those wig factories work for them. After all, not all wig factories have sales channels.

Among the three "representative nouns" of the "Swinging Sixties" in the previous life, there were the Beatles, miniskirts, and Jaguar E-type; therefore, it is not wrong that wigs have a decade of glory.

Leave it to Chen Linyuan to do it, and it will generate three to five million profits for Lin Zhichao a year, which is also a lot of money in ten years. As for Chen Linyuan's salary, it will not be affected by the decline in performance, on the contrary, it will increase year by year. For example, his salary this year will exceed 70,000 Hong Kong dollars.

After all, Lin Zhichao no longer cares about the wig business anymore, and basically asks about it during group meetings.

Next, Tao Derong, the general manager of Changjiang Plastic Flower, made a work report.

"Last year, our production capacity increased by 50% and the number of workers reached 2,000, thus creating a profit of HK$15 million. The competition in Hong Kong's plastic flower industry has also become fierce. There are now nearly 300 plastic flower factories, but we still occupy the leading position. 25% of Hong Kong’s plastic flower exports, about 8% of which are produced by agent factories”

90-95% of the world's plastic flowers are produced in Hong Kong, and 17% of Hong Kong's plastic flowers are produced in Changjiang Plastic Factory. These statistics are not simple.

Of course and as a matter of course, Changjiang Plastic Factory is the founder of the invention, backed by huge funds, and immediately occupied the global market.

Li Jiacheng could earn tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars in his previous life, but Lin Zhichao must not earn more than 200 million to be considered reasonable.

These industries were introduced to Hong Kong by Lin Zhichao in advance. The benefits are not only superficial, but also that after Hong Kong obtains foreign exchange in advance, it can use the money to make money.

In fact, compared with the same period in the previous life, Hong Kong is estimated to be able to achieve "domestic products" accounting for 70% of total exports 1 to 2 years earlier, exceeding the proportion of re-exported goods. That is, by the end of 1957, this goal may be achieved, while in the previous life it was achieved by the end of 1959.

"How do you plan for subsequent development?" Lin Zhichao asked immediately after listening to the report.

The general managers of major subsidiaries have considerable independent power, which is also cultivating talents.

Tao Derong was naturally prepared, otherwise he would be looked down upon by his boss. He immediately said: "In the new year, we still need to expand production, to about 2,500 people. At the same time, we will continue to develop agents for other companies' products and support family workshops ( follow-up processes) to avoid incidents such as excessive investment and overcapacity.”

"Okay, the principle is almost the same, that is, mastering the channels and techniques is the most important." Lin Zhichao said with certainty.

In fact, Yangtze Plastic Factory seems to have a high market share, but it is respected by its peers; because it could have a higher production capacity, it still gives one-third to its peers and only charges an agency fee of about 15%.

In the eyes of other factory owners, this is like a living Buddha, praising Lin Zhichao for taking care of his fellow villagers and colleagues.

And last year, plastic granules rose by 50% in the second half of the year, and Changjiang Plastics Factory stood up again, supplying a large part of the Hong Kong market at a slightly profitable price (10% increase), because Cheung Kong has stocked up a lot of raw materials in advance, so it benefits There are hundreds of factories.

With the increase in raw materials, the price of plastic flowers has naturally increased slightly. Not only did we not lose money, but we also made a slight profit.

Wigs and plastic flowers, these two industries have been completely handed over to Chen Linyuan and Tao Derong. Lin Zhichao only needs to intervene occasionally. But to create a profit of 20 million Hong Kong dollars for Lin Zhichao a year is really just taking money while lying down.

Importantly, neither industry requires further investment.

Next, the general manager of Traveler Luggage and Doll Noodles reported his work one after another. These two industries are not big and can only be said to be profitable.

Shen Yunhao, general manager of Traveler Luggage, reported: "At present, there is a problem with the export of luggage, that is, it occupies a large area and the freight is high. At the same time, major luggage manufacturers in Europe and the United States recognize our patented technology and are willing to pay for patents. fee."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "This is a good thing! As for the export of 'traveler' suitcases, we can take our time. Our labor costs are low, and we can still open up the European and American markets. But we must beware of counterfeit factories in Hong Kong. This patent cannot No matter how free it is, it is not suitable for copycat factories in Hong Kong."

Shen Yunhao said: "Well. Europeans and Americans will not choose counterfeit factories when buying luggage. They value the brand very much, and they also value the quality. So we will continue to innovate in technology and quality in the future, and strive to become a global luggage brand."

Indeed, the ‘Traveler’ suitcase cannot become an instant hit and can only be gradually upgraded to become a brand.

To be honest, the materials and craftsmanship of suitcases are very complex.

Next, Ke Yanping, the general manager of Changjiang Toy Factory, also made a report: "Last year, we sold Barbie dolls all over the world, and our profits further expanded, reaching 12 million Hong Kong dollars."

If these things were told, it would shock the entire Hong Kong industrial circle.

No. 1 in Hong Kong's textile industry, it is impossible to make a profit of 5 million a year, at least it is not realistic at the moment. The leader of the garment industry, Oriental Garment Factory, only earns HK$5 million in profit a year.

Moreover, these two industries need to constantly update their machines, otherwise they will not be able to keep up with new technologies and will gradually decline.

To put it bluntly, although these two industries are huge, they are in a situation of vying for the throne, and there are still a large number of small warlords fighting for the throne; therefore, any subsidiary of Yangtze River Industry that is pulled out is a giant of Hong Kong industry.

However, the textile and clothing giants still have great potential, but Yangtze Wig has gone downhill.

In the end, the work report of the Changjiang Zipper Factory is the big head. Bao Chunlai reported: "Last year, Changjiang Zipper made a profit of 38 million yuan. In the new year, Changjiang Zipper needs to invest more funds."

Making money with zippers is making money, but it also requires investment. You need to continue investing 30 to 50% every year.

In the end, Lin Zhichao said: "There is no shortage of places that should be invested. The premise is that the industry prospects must be analyzed correctly. Zippers, suitcases, instant noodles, and toys can all be invested. Plastic flowers slow down investment, and wigs do not invest."

As the general manager of the group, Lin Zhichao quickly made arrangements, and everyone took notes with paper and pen.

Cheung Kong Industrial Group has created a profit of 70 million yuan. It is already the largest industrial group in Hong Kong, and even three of its subsidiaries rank in the top five.

Yangtze River Industrial has more than 60 million yuan in cash flow on its books, and it doesn't matter if Lin Zhichao can withdraw all of it. (End of chapter)