Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing controversies surrounding Wahaha Group under the leadership of Zong Fuli, particularly focusing on the allegations of asset hollowing and the control of the company's profits by the Zong family through various shadow companies [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Analysis - As of the end of 2022, the total assets of the domestic "Wahaha system" (including external companies) amounted to 37.047 billion yuan, with an operating income of 51.202 billion yuan, operating profit of 6.148 billion yuan, and net profit of 4.767 billion yuan [1]. - In contrast, Wahaha Group (and its 16 directly invested subsidiaries) had total assets of 5.807 billion yuan, with an operating income of 1.403 billion yuan, operating profit of 73.078 million yuan, and net profit of 18.7128 million yuan [1]. - The state-owned assets in Wahaha Group accounted for only 15.67% of the total assets of the "Wahaha system," with operating income and net profit contributions of merely 2.74% and 0.39%, respectively [1]. Group 2: Ownership Structure - The ownership structure of Wahaha Group is clear, with Hangzhou Shangcheng Wen Shang Lv Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. (state-owned) holding 46%, Zong Fuli inheriting 29.4%, and the employee shareholding meeting holding 24.6% [2]. - The state-owned entity has reported zero investment returns from Wahaha Group from 2021 to 2023, with a book value of only 242 million yuan [2]. Group 3: Corporate Governance and Control - Zong Fuli controls most of the subsidiaries under the "Wahaha system," which are the primary sources of profit for the brand, while Wahaha Group itself has limited influence over the broader commercial empire [1][2]. - The complex ownership structure of the subsidiaries, such as Hong'an Wahaha Beverage Co., Ltd., indicates that Zong Fuli has significant control over these entities, which are crucial for Wahaha's product lines [4][5]. Group 4: Brand and Asset Management - The control of the "Wahaha" brand assets, which includes 387 trademarks, remains with Wahaha Group, but there are ongoing efforts to transfer these trademarks, potentially consolidating Zong Fuli's control over the brand [19][21]. - The estimated value of the "Wahaha" brand is approximately 91.187 billion yuan, highlighting its significance in the company's overall valuation [19]. Group 5: Future Prospects - Zong Fuli's consolidation of power and control over Wahaha may be aimed at preparing the company for a potential public listing, a shift from her father's previous stance against going public [24][25]. - The challenges Zong Fuli faces include modernizing the company's management structure and addressing internal and external pressures, particularly in light of changing consumer preferences and market dynamics [28].

Core Viewpoint - The key issue is the resolution of the control rights of Wahaha Group amidst a family inheritance dispute following the death of its founder, Zong Qinghou [1][10]. Group 1: Inheritance Dispute - Zong Qinghou's daughter, Zong Fuli, is being sued by three alleged half-siblings for control over assets and a $2.1 billion trust promised by their father [5][19]. - The three claimants are Zong Jichang, Zong Jieli, and Zong Jisheng, with allegations that their mother is a former senior employee of Wahaha [6][10]. - The inheritance battle has revealed complexities in Zong Qinghou's family structure, including non-marital children and potential asset mismanagement [4][9]. Group 2: Trust and Asset Management - Zong Qinghou established three independent trusts at HSBC, each worth $700 million, for his overseas children, which complicates the inheritance claims [17][35]. - As of May, the HSBC account reportedly holds $1.8 billion, down from the promised $2.1 billion, raising concerns about asset management by Zong Fuli [19][35]. - Legal disputes are centered around the validity of Zong Qinghou's wills and the management rights of the trusts, with potential implications for Wahaha's corporate governance [33][36]. Group 3: Corporate Governance and Future Outlook - The ongoing disputes have led to operational challenges for Wahaha, including factory shutdowns and management restructuring [10][28]. - Zong Fuli's leadership is questioned, with reports suggesting her father had reservations about her management capabilities [28][39]. - The resolution of these disputes is critical for Wahaha's stability and future, as unresolved control issues may deter business operations and investor confidence [36][39].