Chapter 224: *Singapore Daily* Acquired

"My second purpose is to ask HSBC to assist me in acquiring shares of *South China Morning Post*."

With this, Xia Yu stated his second objective. This is also a business request, and involving the bank in the acquisition will require paying a commission, which Shen Bi would likely not refuse.

As expected, Shen Bi immediately agreed, saying, "No problem, HSBC can definitely handle that."

Since Xia Yu was bringing money to HSBC, Shen Bi had no hesitation in accepting the request. As for whether the acquisition would be difficult? Shen Bi could confidently say that if HSBC couldn't handle it in Hong Kong, others would find it even harder. This is the confidence of HSBC as Hong Kong's financial giant.

"Mr. Xia, apart from this, do you have any other needs?"

Seeing that Xia Yu seemed to have more to say, Shen Bi, in a good mood, took the initiative to ask if there were other business matters.

Since the bait had already been thrown to Shen Bi, the following matters would be easier to handle. With the loan in place, Shen Bi would be more willing to agree.

"There's one more thing. I heard HSBC holds 32% of the shares of *South China Morning Post*. I hope to buy them."

After saying this, Xia Yu looked intently at Shen Bi.

Upon hearing Xia Yu's words and seeing his earnest expression, Shen Bi's eyes flashed with a glint, and his smile gradually faded.

He had initially thought that the reason Xia Yu needed a loan was due to a lack of funds for the acquisition, and he wanted to leverage HSBC's influence to complete it.

But now it appeared that the true aim was to acquire the 32% of shares held by HSBC.

HSBC has a large number of investments, and Shen Bi couldn't remember them all, especially for a smaller company like *South China Morning Post*. So, he wasn't aware that HSBC held a 32% stake in the company.

However, since Xia Yu had mentioned it, it must be true, and Xia Yu must have investigated thoroughly.

Given that Xia Yu wanted to acquire *South China Morning Post*, HSBC was an unavoidable hurdle. If HSBC didn't sell, even if Xia Yu acquired the remaining 68% of shares, he would still be unable to force a delisting and privatize the company.

Realizing this, Shen Bi understood that Xia Yu's two initial requests were designed to make him agree to sell the 32% of shares held by HSBC.

From Shen Bi's perspective, if he didn't agree to sell the shares to Xia Yu, then the previously agreed-upon loan and other business would likely fall through.

Thinking this, Shen Bi inwardly smiled, recognizing that Xia Yu was quite resourceful in his efforts to acquire *South China Morning Post*.

Of course, since Shen Bi was not clear about the share composition of *South China Morning Post*, he didn't guess that Xia Yu's other intention was to use HSBC's help for the acquisition. Shen Bi thought that Xia Yu's request for HSBC's assistance was simply to make HSBC agree to sell the shares.

Even if Shen Bi had guessed Xia Yu's plan, he didn't want to push him for more. There was no need to offend Xia Yu over a smaller matter like *South China Morning Post*. Shen Bi didn't believe that not acquiring the newspaper would cause significant harm to Jiu Ding Media, so there was no reason to antagonize Xia Yu.

Moreover, having *South China Morning Post* in HSBC's hands was of little use, so it was better to do Xia Yu a favor.

With this in mind, Shen Bi looked at the determined Xia Yu and said with a smile, "No problem, I agree."

"Thank you, Mr. Shen!"

Xia Yu expressed his gratitude and extended his hand, which Shen Bi shook, indicating that they had reached a cooperative agreement.

"I should be the one thanking Mr. Xia for the business you've brought to HSBC, haha!"

Shen Bi said with a smile. Compliments are cost-free, and he was happy to say something positive.

"Mr. Shen, my company has other matters, so I won't keep you any longer. Later, I'll have Yan Wenhan, the General Manager of Jiu Ding Media, come over. Please arrange for one of your subordinates to discuss the details with him."

After speaking, Xia Yu finished his tea, stood up, and prepared to leave.

Shen Bi, understanding the importance of time and unfamiliar with the details of *South China Morning Post*, knew it was best to leave negotiations to their respective subordinates. As company leaders, they only needed to set the broad direction.

"Mr. Xia, I'll see you out!"

"Thank you!"

...

After leaving HSBC, Xia Yu immediately returned to Jiu Ding Media to brief Yan Wenhan, who had been waiting, on the situation and the negotiation details. Then he instructed Yan Wenhan to head to HSBC.

Xia Yu didn't stay long and drove to Jiu Ding Securities, where he needed to arrange for someone to acquire *South China Morning Post* shares in the stock market.

At Jiu Ding Securities, amid greetings from the staff, Xia Yu found Wang Qi, who was analyzing the stock market in the Securities Research Center.

"Boss, you're here!"

Wang Qi quickly ran over to Xia Yu, speaking respectfully.

Xia Yu nodded slightly and got straight to the point, "I have a task for you. Acquire shares of *South China Morning Post* in the stock market and then transfer them to Jiu Ding Media. The amount spent will be arranged by Yan Wenhan."

"Got it!"

Wang Qi responded immediately.

After receiving Xia Yu's order, Wang Qi quickly set to work.

As for Yan Wenhan, who was heading to HSBC for negotiations, since the cooperative intention had been established and he had received Xia Yu's instructions, he was allowed to offer a 20% premium for the shares held by HSBC.

Shen Bi, valuing the relationship with Xia Yu, also conveyed this to his subordinates, making the afternoon negotiations smooth. The deal was struck with a 20% premium, valuing the 32% stake at 3.9 million HKD.

The previously agreed-upon 20 million HKD loan was also released immediately after the negotiations. HSBC quickly arranged for someone to acquire the shares from other shareholders.

In addition to the acquisition of *South China Morning Post* being on track, Yan Wenhan also completed the acquisition of *Daily News* that evening.

After acquiring *Daily News*, Yan Wenhan assigned the subsequent restructuring and takeover tasks to a subordinate because he was scheduled to fly to Singapore the next day to negotiate the acquisition of *Singapore Daily*.

Three days later, Yan Wenhan returned to the company in high spirits. Upon seeing Xia Yu, his smile was broad and unmistakable.

"Boss, I'm back!"

Yan Wenhan said with a smile.

"Great job! You've worked hard!"

Xia Yu patted Yan Wenhan's hand, expressing his appreciation, which made Yan Wenhan's smile even brighter.

"Come, sit down, and tell me about the details."

"Sure, Boss. Here's how it went…"

After sitting down, Yan Wenhan began recounting the details, his excitement evident as he spoke.

Xia Yu nodded in approval, his admiration clear on his face.

Although Yan Wenhan had already briefed him on the general situation over the phone, hearing the specific details now gave Xia Yu a deeper understanding.

Yan Wenhan had indeed lived up to expectations.

After taking over *Nanyang Commercial News*, Yan Wenhan quickly threw himself into the acquisition of *Singapore Daily*.

Following a series of intense negotiations, he successfully completed the full acquisition of *Singapore Daily* for a total of 11 million HKD.

"By the way, Boss, the editors and the chief editors of *Nanyang Commercial News* and *Singapore Daily* have come to Hong Kong with me and are currently staying at the Kowloon Hotel. When would be a good time for you to meet them?"

After saying this, Yan Wenhan calmed down slightly and asked Xia Yu.

"Since I have time now, let's go and meet them."

Xia Yu said, raising an eyebrow and standing up.

"Alright, follow me!"

Yan Wenhan then led Xia Yu to the Kowloon Hotel.