Capítulo 266: Chapter 266: The Birth of a Shipping Giant
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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.
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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.
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