Chapter 274 The Great Era is Coming

On the same day, Whampoa Real Estate made another acquisition, buying the South China Morning Post Building for HK$4.2 million.

This is the second time that Whampoa Properties has purchased a property building in Quarry Bay after purchasing Toppan Building for HK$6.2 million last year.

For a time, people in the industry paid close attention.

The purchase of a rental property building worth just over HK$10 billion is itself an anti-market move.

Because since the real estate crash in 1989, Hong Kong's office market has never recovered.

In the first half of 1989, the highest rent of Exchange Square reached an all-time high of HK$85 per square foot per month.

But as of January 1992, the highest price there was only around 1 yuan per square foot (the highest level).

Office space in Central is currently priced at around HK$50 to HK$56 per square foot, which is less than the HK$60 per square foot before the crash.

In Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, the average price is around HK$40 per square foot, which is similar to the price before the crash.

The overall level of office space in Hong Kong is around HK$26 to HK$56 per square foot per month. What’s more important is that the vacancy rate is very high, generally around 12%.

Secondly, the sudden intrusion of Whampoa Group into Swire Properties’ old nest – Quarry Bay, also made people feel that something was wrong.

Quarry Bay has a special significance to the Swire Group. A century ago, Swire opened the Swire Sugar Refinery, which was famous in the Far East, at 28 Sugar Refinery Street, Quarry Bay.

Moreover, in the 80s, Swire Group had already actively acquired properties in Quarry Bay, which shows that it regarded this area as its "private land".

Everyone was speculating whether Liu Zhicheng had set his sights on the Swire Group. After all, he was also a "sniper" in the past.

However, the Swire Group is not so easy to deal with. The York family of the Swire Group has always insisted on developing in Hong Kong and Taiwan, just like the Kadoorie family.

But they are even more helpless than the Kadoorie family because Swire Properties is not listed. Although the Swire Group is listed, the Jock family holds a very large stake, making it impossible for anyone to take advantage of the situation.

In addition, Cathay Pacific would not have been able to go public if it had not considered the transition period of 97.

Most of Cathay Pacific's shares are still held by the Swire Group, leaving no loopholes for anyone to exploit.

As long as the major shareholder holds 35% of the shares, it is equivalent to occupying an advantageous position.

If you hold more than 40% of the shares, it will be almost impossible for someone to acquire you, unless you have no strength at all.

If you hold more than 45% of the shares, it is almost foolproof.

Swire Properties is a very conservative real estate company. It currently does not have the capabilities to develop land (it has no land) and is mainly engaged in managing rental properties.

The company's rental properties mainly include Pacific Place in Admiralty (500 million square feet), Cityplaza (300 million square feet), luxury residential properties, and some rental properties in Quarry Bay. Its strength is strong, second only to Whampoa Group.

Yadi Shi is the current head of the Swire Group. He is the son of York Shi.

He called in Swire Properties CEO James Keith and asked, "What do you think of Whampoa Group's acquisition of two buildings in Quarry Bay?"

Kan Kee-fu thought seriously and said, “We already own three buildings in Quarry Bay, and three buildings including the Telecommunications Building are currently owned by other people.

The behavior of the Whampoa Group is indeed abnormal. They have always only liked to acquire building properties in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

Now he has come to Quarry Bay and acquired two buildings in a row. This makes people suspicious. "

Shi Yadi said: "Some people say that a prosperous area is born in Hong Kong every 10 years. More than a hundred years ago, Sai Wan was extremely prosperous, followed by Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

So, does Whampoa Group think Quarry Bay is the next hotspot? "

Jian Jifu nodded seriously and said, "So, there is no malicious intent, it's just a normal investment!"

Shi Yadi said: "The office market is so bad, but Liu Zhicheng is still investing heavily in Quarry Bay. Does he think that the office market will be prosperous again? Let's wait and see!"

"Ok!"

At that time, the two men had not yet realized that if the buildings in Yuyong were rebuilt together, this place would really become a commercial center.

Of course, once the office market becomes prosperous, Swire Group will naturally realize it.

No wonder the two of them had to discuss Liu Zhicheng's intentions.

Since Liu Zhicheng grew stronger through acquisitions, it is no exaggeration to say that he is the originator of Hong Kong's 'sniper'. In his previous life, Liu could only be considered Little Liu.

Of course, Liu Zhicheng’s attack was not to blackmail the major shareholder, but a real acquisition.

Xiao Liu's sniping is aimed at making major shareholders pay money obediently, of course there are also real acquisitions.

As a result, some commentators divide Hong Kong's acquisition experts into three categories:
The first category: Shanghai-style acquisition method, represented by Baochuan Wang. Baochuan Wang's acquisition method has no skills, just spending money and relying on strength.

The second category: Li Chaoren's acquisition. This is also a "friendly acquisition" and is mostly negotiated with, but the best time for negotiation will be found.

The third category: Liu Zhicheng's acquisitions. He first secretly absorbed the company, and then suddenly launched an acquisition, catching the major shareholders off guard.

This type of acquisition method only emerged in the 80s, and people like Liu Luanxiong can be considered its offshoot.

The next day, Liu Zhicheng was interviewed by Japan's NHK TV station in his office in the Sailing Building.

Because he was the first person to develop satellite TV in Asia, he was awarded the title of "Tokyo Creative General" by the relevant Japanese agency and was also the first foreigner to receive this honor.

Although it was a small prize, Liu Zhicheng was a businessman after all, so he gladly accepted it.

What was unexpected was that Japan's NHK TV station sent a young girl who had probably just graduated to interview him. What's more important, she looked pretty good, which was a bit puzzling.

After all, Liu Zhicheng is the richest Chinese and his appeal in Hong Kong is unquestionable. How dare Japan's NHK TV station treat him so slowly?
Perhaps she was worried that she didn’t have enough experience, so the girl said in English as soon as they met: “Hello, Mr. Liu, my name is Jia Lunai!”

Galuna?
The name seemed familiar, and Liu Zhicheng quickly remembered that this was Li Zekai's girlfriend in his previous life!

Only then did he realize that he had become the first Asian to work in satellite TV. Originally, the award went to Li Zekai, so now it was given to himself.

NHK TV station plans to send out a "honey trap" to achieve better interview results.

Liu Zhicheng smiled and said, "I can speak Japanese. Since this is an interview with a Japanese TV station, you can speak Japanese to me!"

Jia Lunai's eyes lit up and he quickly said, "Thank you, Mr. Liu, do you know many languages?"

Liu Zhicheng said: "Because I have to do business in many countries, I have also learned some languages, hoping to increase mutual trust. What about you, can you briefly introduce yourself?"

Galunay suddenly became curious about Liu Zhicheng. Just because he wanted to do business with people from other countries, he learned a lot of languages.

Moreover, judging from the R language spoken by this richest Chinese man, he is really fluent.

He is a genius!

Galuna had done some research beforehand and found out that the parents of this richest Chinese man were just ordinary people and they had started from scratch.

Unbelievable.

"I graduated from the Department of Journalism at Columbia University in the United States. My parents are university professors."

Liu Zhicheng praised: "No wonder NHK TV asked you to interview me. It seems that you were born into a scholarly family and are also a very good reporter!"

After receiving Liu Zhicheng's praise, Galunay was no longer nervous and the atmosphere in the room became much better.

The interview officially begins.

R The NHK TV station must have set up a lot of questions in advance for Karuna to ask.

And it wasn't just questions about Asian Satellite TV, several questions were asked about Street Corner Publishing House as well.

Of course, Liu Zhicheng answered directly that he hopes to learn from Japan and then create good works, and expressed his admiration for Japan's comics industry.

"Mr. Liu, Asia TV's audience has exceeded 2500 million, which can be said to be quite successful. What do you think are the factors for its success?"

"Of course it's the content. When Asia TV was first established, my plan was to promote 'Hong Kong culture', not to make money.

Rather, we hope that more Asians can recognize our Hong Kong's "entertainment culture" and that through this cultural exchange, we can strengthen the connection between people from all over Asia and all regions."

"Mr. Liu, I'm a T fan. I heard that they are the first generation of 'Hong Kong idols'. Do they represent a new Hong Kong entertainment culture?" "Yes, their performances are indeed a new form of performance, including Lee Jung-hyun, and they are all innovative.

We Hong Kong people call it 'Hong Kong culture', which is a new genre that emerged after the Hong Kong entertainment industry matured."

Liu Zhicheng feels that he is about to become an ambassador for promoting Hong Kong culture, and he is working hard to promote the development of Hong Kong culture.

The interview was quite successful and both parties were quite satisfied!
But at the end, Liu Zhicheng saw a trace of embarrassment on Jia Lunai's face;
Then, I heard Jia Lunai say, "Mr. Liu, you seem to be very popular with girls?"

In fact, the question the company gave to Galuna was not this one, but rather: Mr. Liu, you seem to be very popular with women?

But for some reason, Garuna felt that the last question was too much, so he compromised.

Liu Zhicheng suddenly realized that he wanted to know about his private life!
"Can I ask you this question in return?" Liu Zhicheng said humorously.

Galunay's face immediately turned red. No matter whether he answered "yes" or "no", the young rich man easily avoided the question.

I am so stupid!

Galunay couldn't help but secretly sigh at Liu Zhicheng's cunningness.

"I think Mr. Liu is funny and gentlemanly, and he must be very popular with girls!"

"Thank you!"

That's all? Galunay was confused for a moment.

The interview was over, and Galuna prepared to leave reluctantly.

Liu Zhicheng said, "Miss Jialunai, how about we have lunch together? Let me play the role of host!"

Jia Lunai showed a hint of joy, and then said politely: "Then thank you Mr. Liu!"

At the Sailboat Hotel, Liu Zhicheng and Galuna were sitting in a corner of the restaurant eating.

During the dinner, Liu Zhicheng carefully observed Jia Lunai, who was capable yet gentle, and had a rather classical temperament.

After communicating so much with female stars, Liu Zhicheng suddenly wanted to try a different taste.

During the dinner, Liu Zhicheng spoke humorously, was a successful career man, and had an elegant temperament, which naturally attracted Galuna.

However, Galuna is not as easy to fool as ordinary stars.

"Mr. Liu, actually the last question I wanted to ask just now was: Are you popular with women? I don't know, but I'm not sure if you can answer this in private now. But don't worry, I won't make it public!"

Liu Zhicheng said generously: "I am so young and energetic, so it is inevitable that I have a few confidantes. It is okay for you to make this public. It is not a secret in Hong Kong."

Galunay was speechless for a moment. This guy took it for granted!

Nothing happened between Liu Zhicheng and Galuna when they met for the first time. Instead, Liu Zhicheng asked Galuna for her contact information and said they would have dinner together in Tokyo some other day.

In fact, Galuna also has a good impression of Liu Zhicheng, mainly because she admires such a strong man, but she cannot accept Liu Zhicheng's romantic nature at the first time.

In addition to liking Karuna's capable and gentle temperament, Liu Zhicheng actually thinks that she is like a more gentle version of Miyazawa Rie, and also a bit like Japanese Crown Princess Masako Owada.

As soon as "Autumn in My Heart" was broadcast, it caused a huge topic in Hong Kong, and after a quarter of the broadcast (the fifth episode).

The ratings in Hong Kong have reached 48%, which is comparable to "Justice Bao" and "Legend of the White Snake" back then.

What's important is that "Autumn in My Heart" is a completely new style of drama. When people in the industry think of the popularity of Lee Jung-hyun and T, they realize that ATV's "Hong Kong culture" is obviously different from everyone else's "Hong Kong culture".

Of course, ever since the slogan 'Hong Kong culture promotes Hong Kong' became popular in Hong Kong, the overall quality of Hong Kong's entertainment industry has improved a lot.

In short, with the broadcast of "Autumn in My Heart", the term "Hong Kong Wave" was once again mentioned by citizens and the media, and Hong Kong began to be proud of its "Hong Kong Wave".

Liu Zhicheng arrived at 81 Broadcast Avenue, and along the way the staff and artists looked at him with admiration.

ATV's potential is endless, which can never be compared with TVB.

Even European and American TV stations have come to purchase the copyrights of ATV's programs, and ATV's dramas are very popular in Asia.

And everyone has a premonition that this time, "Autumn Fairy Tale", the sequel to "Autumn in My Heart", will set off a "Hong Kong trend" in Asia.

Liu Zhicheng enjoyed the admiring looks from everyone, but he lamented that the office space of ATV was too small.

Fortunately, by the end of this year, the ATV Center in Tseung Kwan O will gradually be put into use.

By the end of the year, ATV was almost ready to move into the ATV Center in Tseung Kwan O, a 26-storey complex with an area of ​​78 square feet.

When he arrived at the office, Liu Zhicheng drank tea and was not in a hurry to work.

His job at ATV is very simple, which is to make suggestions and set the general direction.

As for YG Entertainment, after the three groups debut this year, Liu Zhicheng can let YG Entertainment play its own role in the future. He only needs to express his opinions from time to time;

In terms of TV series, he plans to launch "Autumn in My Heart", "Dae Jang Geum", and "Full House" one after another in the "Hong Kong Wave" TV series. This will almost establish the "Hong Kong Wave" style.

In addition, ATV will also shoot "Swordsman" version starring Louis Koo, "The Return of the Condor Heroes" version starring Louis Koo, "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" version starring Felix Wong, as well as "My Date with Spring" and "My Date with Vampires". It will mainly shoot dramas with "Hong Kong style" themes.

In terms of programs, in the 90s, the target of plagiarism was European and American variety shows, but in the late 90s, people could plagiarize Korean variety shows.

After a while, ATV's chief financial officer Li Baoan came to the office and handed Liu Zhicheng a document.

"Boss, I've compiled last year's financial briefing that you requested!"

Liu Zhicheng nodded, took a few glances and couldn't help but smile. The total profit was 7.5 million Hong Kong dollars, which was probably three times the profit of TVB!

The copyright income alone is 3.3 million Hong Kong dollars for the whole year.

"Is the company's expense in producing TV series particularly high?" Liu Zhicheng asked.

"Yes, we invested in 32 TV series last year, 12 more than TVB produced; moreover, the production costs of several of our TV series are around HK$1500 million.
The production cost of "Autumn in My Heart" is as high as 1900 million Hong Kong dollars." Li Baoan said seriously.

Liu Zhicheng was secretly amazed. The investment level of 1500 million Hong Kong dollars for the drama was equivalent to the investment level of "The Legend of the New White Snake", but Zhao Yazhi alone needed a salary of nearly 300 million Hong Kong dollars.

“All future Hong Kong-style dramas will require huge investments, and the requirements for scenes, costumes, etc. are very high.

However, these will be used as tools to export culture, so your finance department should not hold back on production costs."

How dare I block the "Hong Kong flow", Li Baoan said to himself. This is related to the boss's big plan, how could he not understand it.

"Okay, boss! It is precisely because of the copyright income that ATV has achieved what it has today. We will not hold up the production fees of Hong Kong-style works."

Liu Zhicheng nodded with satisfaction and said, "Generally, bosses want their financial managers to tighten their finances for them.

But I am not that kind of boss. Only with investment can there be returns. ATV is looking at the world, not Hong Kong.”

Li Baoan couldn't help but admire his boss. ATV's copyright revenue was getting higher every year, and the scope of advertising was also getting wider and wider.

…………

Monday, August 1992, 1.

The great era has arrived, and the mainland has begun to usher in a climax of reform and opening up.

Although the core of Liu Zhicheng's career is Hong Kong, Hong Kong and the mainland are closely connected and have a great influence.

Therefore, affected by this incident, a new round of increases will be set off in Hong Kong's real estate and securities.

Not only that, Liu Zhicheng's business itself has reached saturation in Hong Kong, and he urgently hopes that overseas and mainland markets can share the pressure of excess funds.

The Whampoa Group alone has a cash flow of HK$65 billion. With the real estate market soaring again, the Whampoa Group's profit this year may exceed HK$80 billion.

More than 70% of Hong Kong's development properties (for sale) have been monopolized by five major real estate developers: Whampoa Group, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Cheung Kong, Henderson Land Development and New World Development.

If we add Hang Lung, Great East and Sun Hung Kai Properties, the eight major real estate developers have already monopolized 95% of Hong Kong's residential market.

(End of this chapter)