Bab 265: Chapter 265: Stealing a Floating Life for Half a Day, No Intention to Buy a Candy Store
The other major companies in the inspection group were making substantial investments in heavy assets, which Hardy found tempting. However, he was acutely aware of his own limitations. Hardy Group's industry focus wasn't on such assets, and he couldn't afford to delve into heavy investments at this stage.
For instance, the Rockefeller Consortium, with its deep resources, was investing in Ajip Petroleum, Italy's largest oil company, which had top-notch oil technology and extensive financial backing. This was a project nearly impossible to secure for others.
Similarly, the Italian power grid, now a private industry, was likely to be nationalized eventually. Investing heavily in it now might mean losing control and uncertain future profits.
Hardy considered European manufacturing companies, but he preferred investing in American manufacturers. In the decades to come, American companies would survive and thrive in fierce competition with European firms. Investing in European manufacturing now would be risky given the unstable political situation.
Moreover, Hardy's own situation required caution. Despite Hardy Group's impressive appearance, its recent success and flashy operations didn't reflect a truly powerful organization. Compared to established conglomerates like Rockefeller and Morgan, Hardy Group was still in its infancy.
This was why Hardy aimed to join the core of the California consortium. Although the California consortium was emerging, it was still relatively young compared to the venerable Rockefeller and Morgan groups.
Hardy understood that it was prudent to focus on manageable investments—those with low initial costs and high returns. The future would present opportunities in electronics and other industries that might offer better returns.
Examining the investment list, Hardy identified five names that stood out. While their current scale was unknown, their continued existence into the future suggested they would be successful.
He contacted the Ministry of Commerce officials and asked, "Can you help me reach out to the heads of these companies? I'd like to meet with them."
The official agreed readily, recognizing the value of any investment.
The following days brought meetings with representatives of these luxury brands. First, Hardy met with the owner of Prada. Founded in 1913 and once a royal supplier, Prada had fallen on hard times after the war. Hardy invested $550,000 for a 35% stake, with the rest remaining in the founder's hands.
Next, Hardy met Guccio Gucci and Dominique de Sol of Gucci. Gucci had a solid reputation but was limited to Italy. Hardy proposed leveraging his media resources to promote Gucci in the U.S. The two agreed to sell 32% of their shares for $660,000, with Hardy facilitating their global expansion.
Hardy continued to meet with Bulgari, Fendi, and others, securing stakes in these brands without seeking majority ownership. His goal was to support and benefit from their growth rather than control them outright.
Zegna's boss, bringing two tailors, sought investment to rebuild their garment factory. Hardy suggested opening factories in both Italy and the U.S. to tap into the burgeoning American market. Zegna agreed, and Hardy's investment would include significant shares with some technological expertise.
After finalizing these investments, Hardy took some time to explore Rome and visit the Rome branch of the Global Times. He encouraged the staff and treated them to a lavish meal.
While wandering Rome, Hardy stopped at the Trevi Fountain, reminiscing about the film "Roman Holiday." Inspired, he instructed his assistant to find an actress named Audrey Hepburn for potential future projects.
During this stroll, Hardy was drawn to a candy store: Ferrero Candy. Intrigued, he entered and sampled their renowned "Hazelnut Wafer Chocolate," which reminded him of his past. The taste was exceptional, surpassing even later generations' versions.
He decided to meet with the store's owner, expressing interest in investing. The salesperson, initially skeptical, eventually arranged a meeting with the boss. Hardy saw potential in Ferrero and aimed to support its growth, envisioning its future success in the confectionery market.
The future of Ferrero, marked by its innovative approach to chocolate during the post-war period, caught Hardy's attention. He appreciated the chocolate's quality and saw it as a promising investment opportunity, setting the stage for future success.
Bab 266: Chapter 266: The Birth of a Shipping Giant
---
Pietro Ferrero, in his thirties, was taken aback when he learned that Hardy, a significant figure from the U.S., was interested in investing in his candy store.
"Hello, sir. I'm Pietro Ferrero, the owner of this candy store," he introduced himself, extending a hand.
"Hello, I'm Jon Hardy," Hardy replied with a smile.
Pietro Ferrero's surprise deepened. The newspapers had mentioned Jon Hardy as a billionaire and a major player in U.S. investments. The idea that such a wealthy individual was interested in his small candy store was astonishing.
Hardy picked up a golden ball of chocolate and remarked, "I really like this chocolate. The combination of hazelnuts, nut crumbs, and wafers not only saves on chocolate but also enhances the flavor. Was this your idea?"
Pietro Ferrero beamed with pride. "Yes, I developed it myself."
Ferrero's family had run a pastry shop, but Pietro saw more promise in chocolates and converted the shop into a chocolate confectionery. His move to Rome was a step toward growth, but his operations remained modest.
"Are you interested in expanding your business?" Hardy asked.
"Of course," Ferrero responded eagerly.
Hardy proposed a merger with his U.S. chocolate company, suggesting they could develop new candies together and market them globally. Ferrero, thrilled by the opportunity, eagerly agreed.
Hardy decided to invest $300,000 for an 80% stake in Ferrero's company, while Ferrero would retain the remaining 20%. Hardy's U.S. chocolate company would provide raw materials and support Ferrero's expansion.
Ferrero returned home, still in disbelief, and shared the news with his wife. "Mr. Hardy invested $300,000 just after trying a piece of chocolate! It's astonishing."
His wife smiled, "This is what you've dreamed of. With this investment and support, you'll become one of Italy's leading confectioners."
Ferrero was filled with determination and optimism.
After spending 12 days in Italy, Hardy's delegation moved on to France.
---
In October 1948, with the U.S. general election looming, political campaigns were in full swing. Johnson's approval ratings had edged ahead of Dewey's, but Johnson remained tirelessly on the campaign trail, wary of complacency.
The delegation arrived in Paris, where French Prime Minister Robert Schumann and President Panchamp Auriol warmly welcomed them. French Minister of Economy George Pidour would handle the details of the investment discussions.
France was in dire need of aid due to the devastation of World War II. The French economy had collapsed, the franc had depreciated, and the country was struggling with severe shortages. Despite suspicions about American motives, survival took precedence, leading many European nations to accept American aid.
The French provided a list of investable companies, including sectors such as petroleum, banking, steel, automobiles, and shipping. Hardy was particularly interested in acquiring stakes in French shipping companies to expand his global shipping empire.
He enlisted an official from the French Ministry of Commerce and placed an advertisement in French newspapers, seeking investment opportunities in the luxury goods sector. The response was swift.
Christian Dior, an emerging designer, approached Hardy. Dior, once a tailor who had survived the war by making clothes for the German army, was eager for investment to stabilize his business. Hardy invested $500,000 for a 65% stake in Dior's company, with Dior retaining 35% and managing operations in both France and the U.S.
Hardy also acquired a 15% stake in Lancome, which had struggled during and after the war, and reached out to L'Oreal and Chanel. For Chanel, Hardy sent a proposal to the owner, seeking to acquire shares and offer support.
In the shipping sector, Hardy negotiated with Vincent Bolloré, the owner of the Bolloré shipping company. After successful negotiations, Hardy acquired a 35% stake, investing nine freighters and leasing ten to Bolloré Shipping.
By the end of his 15-day visit to France, Hardy had solidified his position in the global shipping industry, becoming a dominant player.
As the delegation prepared to move on to Austria, Hardy chose to return to the U.S. in his private plane. With the general election approaching, he needed to ensure everything was in place back home.
Status Power Mingguan
200+ Peringkat
Power 
3 Power
stone Anda mungkin juga menyukai
Komentar Paragraf