The deal caught the Hong Kong investment community by surprise. Despite the fact that CITIC Pacific had relied on its own business skills, rather than Larry Yung's political ties, to build the company, a shift in the power base was nevertheless seen as harmful to CITIC Pacific's future. In response, the company stepped up its emphasis on its infrastructure portfolio, adding a purchase of 13 water treatment plants in mainland China for HK$1.26 billion in October 1996. But at the end of the year, Yung surprised the market again, when he led other members of CITIC Pacific management in buying up 15.5 percent--at a 28 percent discounted price--of the company from CITIC HK. Yung, who took most of the stock, increased his personal share of the company to 18.5 percent, making him the company's second largest shareholder. While some analysts suggested the deal was a way of rewarding Yung for acquiescing in the CNAC agreement, others pointed to the political situation on the mainland. Deng Xiaoping's death was announced in early 1997, suggesting that Yung's political allies were fading. Gaining tighter control of CITIC Pacific placed Yung in a stronger position to steer the company--especially after the imminent return of Hong