The Tyrant Billionaire

"I think everyone knows that whoever secures these orders first will make a fortune. This is a pie worth over 22 billion dollars."

"For example, Crocker corporation, being the largest agricultural company in the West, deals in grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and fodder—all urgently needed in Europe. Think about the size of the orders at a national procurement level."

The chairman of Crocker nodded enthusiastically.

Those would undoubtedly be massive orders.

Hardy then turned to Giannini and the chairman of Northwest Bank. "Take our banks, for instance—Bank of America, Northwest Bank, Wells Fargo. We can provide national level loans to other countries. Those European nations are in desperate need of money. World War II devastated their countries and emptied their treasures. Now, post war, they want to rebuild but lack the funds.

I'm sure they'll be thrilled if we go over."

Giannini and the others nodded.

They knew those countries needed money, but they couldn't lend recklessly before. Now, with government backing, they could lend without hesitation. Banks made money from lending, and as long as there was security, they could lend as much as they wanted.

"Additionally, industries like building materials, steel, cement, and timber are needed to rebuild homes that were bombed to rubble. These materials will be imported in large quantities. And then there are cars, oil, and various other supplies."

"And, if needed, we can also explore arms deals and secure orders for the consortium's weapons companies."

"After World War II, we have excess production capacity that the domestic market can't absorb, leading to layoffs. The government's actions are meant to address the surplus of domestic goods perhaps there are political reasons too, but we don't have to worry about those. For us, it's undoubtedly a golden opportunity to make money."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Hardy's perspective.

"The first trip to Europe will see, apart from the Economic Cooperation Committee bringing government aid, President Johnson forming three private investment teams to accompany the committee. They'll handle national level interactions while we'll focus on private sector exchanges."

"It's said those countries have prepared investment lists, and once we get there, we can select companies suitable for investment. Such opportunities are incredibly rare."

"President Johnson has given me one of the team slots, and the first group I thought of was our consortium's companies. If anyone wants to join, they can sign up, and if I find them suitable, I'll include them. Of course, if no one is interested, I'll find other partners."

How could they not be interested? Such a lucrative opportunity couldn't be missed.

They were all seasoned businessmen.

They could read between the lines of Hardy's words that he was inviting them to make an offer.

Giannini smiled and said, "Hardy, we've discussed it among ourselves, and considering your current capabilities, you are more than qualified to enter the core management of Bank of America. We are prepared to offer you a 12% stake. Are you interested?"

Hardy felt a surge of excitement.

Of course, he was interested. This was exactly what he had aimed for.

With shares in Bank of America, Hardy would officially enter the inner circle. The California Consortium originally had eight major players; his joining would make him the ninth.

Entering the core would grant Hardy more power, especially over other companies. Many of these companies held some shares in Bank of America, a requirement for joining the California Consortium.

Currently, the California Consortium, with over $3 billion in capital, controls companies worth over $30 billion.

This wasn't the $30 billion of later years.

In later years, the top 100 U.S. companies each had assets exceeding this figure, and that was just for one company.

"I'm definitely interested. The Hardy Group is eager to advance, develop, and profit together with everyone," Hardy said with a smile.

The others smiled too. Hardy's agreement meant the deal was sealed.

"12% of Bank of America shares what's that worth?" Hardy asked.

"I've had it calculated, it's a total of $380 million," Giannini replied.

Hardy looked at the big shots, smiling broadly, and asked, "I don't have that much cash on hand. Can I take out a loan from Bank of America to cover this?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Borrowing money from Bank of America to buy its shares? This guy was playing the same game again.

Why 'again'? Because Hardy had done the same with Wells Fargo last time. He still owed Bank of America over a hundred million dollars.

Giannini and the other seven exchanged glances.

"Sure, we can lend it to you," Giannini agreed.

After all, the money would still stay with them. This loan wouldn't reduce their funds or affect their upcoming investments. The only difference was that Hardy was using his reputation to secure a 12% stake in Bank of America.

Of course, Hardy would have to pay interest on this $380 million loan.

...

Andy flew in from Los Angeles with his team. Within two days, the shares were sorted out.

Wells Fargo purchased a 12% stake in Bank of America, becoming its fourth largest shareholder. At the same time, Wells Fargo borrowed $380 million from Bank of America to finance the acquisition.

Since Wells Fargo was now wholly owned by Hardy, it effectively meant Hardy owned 12% of Bank of America.

After the acquisition was completed, The Global Times reported this major transaction, surprising many people.

Weren't these two at odds before?

The California Consortium had previously talked about kicking the Hardy Group out. Yet, suddenly, the Hardy Group had acquired shares in Bank of America and entered the core of the California Consortium.

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The change was swift and unexpected.

However, some keen observers understood the situation. With Johnson's strong momentum and Hardy's investment in him, a victory would inevitably bring substantial benefits to the consortium. The California Consortium was mending its relations.

And given Hardy's current capabilities, he indeed had the qualifications to join the core of the consortium even without President Jonson's support. Hardy has already amassed enough wealth and industries to make him a strong player in California.