China Motors taken over by the Friedman Brothers: Ford and Shanghai Taxi Merger Negotiations extending over several weeks came to a_ conclusion last Friday afternoon between the Shanghai Hotels, Ld. and Messrs. Max and Leon Friedman, with the result that the latter have secured the entire interest of the former in the well known automobile establishment known as the China Motors, Ld., owing and operating the Star and Eastern Garages and the construction department in Thorburn Road, as well as the Yih Chang Garage in Peking previously belonging to Messrs. Andersen, Meyer & Ca. Virtually, the whole stock of the China Motors Company was owned by the hotel company, and Messrs. Friedman now become sole proprietors of China Motors. The Friedman brothers have been recognized for several years as exports in the motor trade. They have not only a first-class reputation with the motoring public of Shanghai, but, owing to their close connexion with the business of motor-racing and aviation enterprises in America, are also well known to the manufacturers of high grade cars in Europe and America, and contro] some of the leading agencies for cars and trucks, including the Standard, Hupmobile, Dodge, Chandler, Lexington, Leyland, Clydesdale, and others. Mr. Leon Friedman recently returned from a trip through Europe and the United States, where he interviewed many of the important leaders in the automobile industry. Since his return to China he has been chiefly concerning himself with the affairs of the Minerva Trading Corporation, of which he is general manager for the Far East, and in which he owns a one-third interest. Mr. Max Friedman will continue to act as the company's sales manager, while Mr. W. E. B. Holland will remain as manager of the Star Garage, and Mr. Colin Campbell as manager of the Eastern Garage.
The business taken over by the Friedman brothers was originally known as the Shanghai Garage, but upon incorporation in 1915 was given the name by which it is now known. The company has, from its inception on a small basis, expanded into this large and flourishing establishment. Reported estimates place the purchase price for the remainder of the stock at about $500,000. The China Motors will continue under the old name.
Another merger in the motor trade was also consummated during the week, when the Ford Hire Service took over the stock and equipment of the Shanghai Taxi Ca. Mr. Harry Janes acted for the creditors, Mr. Holcomb for the old company and Mr. Gold for the Ford Service. All cars, both open and closed, will be operated from the Route Vallon station, with rates the same as the old Ford Company. Their cars will now total 60,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.