Chinese Tycoon in Waldorf Deal Says ‘Ni Hao’ at Harvard

Wu Xiaohui, the head of the Chinese firm buying New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, told Harvard University students of his friendship with Blackstone Group LP chief executive officer Steve Schwarzman, his plans for deals around the globe -- and the value of knowing how to say “ni hao.”

Little known before last year’s deal for the landmark property, Anbang Insurance Group Co. has transactions pending in Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, Chairman and Chief Executive Wu said in a question-and-answer session at a Jan. 31 Harvard recruitment event, according to a transcript posted on the People’s Daily website in China Wednesday. Staff members hunting for investments have “accumulated enough mileage to travel to the moon twice,” Wu said.