บท 229: Chapter 229: Acquisition of Marvel
The Jeep battle badge was crafted with the same copper alloy used for coins, each badge comprising about five one-cent coins. Its value was substantial, with each badge priced at $2.
The logistics department handled this business. Those wishing to purchase badges were instructed to mail their order and remit payment to an account set up by the logistics department. They would receive their package in approximately two weeks.
Verifying combat experience and processing certification letters were not within the logistics department's capabilities. However, they had a workaround. After receiving the letters, they forwarded them to the Pentagon Military Archives.
Major General Williams visited the Pentagon specifically to negotiate with Major General Cooley, who managed the archives. They agreed on a fee of one dollar per certification letter.
"What? You want us to do this for just one dollar? You're taking nine dollars without lifting a finger, Williams. You're the most shameless person I've ever met!" Major General Cooley protested.
"Do you have any idea how much work this involves? Each soldier's situation must be thoroughly checked. The files are piled high, and some are missing entirely. The workload is enormous. One dollar is insufficient," Cooley added.
The argument between the major generals drew the attention of office staff, who wondered if a fight might break out.
Williams was aware that Cooley was playing a part. He didn't refuse outright but rather rejected the low offer, aiming for a better deal.
As Major General, Williams shrugged and said, "I've already asked the person who opened the letters to provide clues. Many of them are quite clear. You just need to verify their authenticity."
"That still requires a lot of effort," Cooley retorted.
"How about $1.50? We can support a batch of envelopes and postcards with that," Williams proposed.
Cooley, confident in his exclusive position, knew that only their office could perform this task. He was wary of losing the opportunity, as the logistics department's business was very profitable.
Regarding the funds, they weren't intended for personal use. The money would be deposited into the Pentagon Archives' fund account, allowing for various legitimate expenditures, such as organizing team-building activities in Miami and Hawaii to enhance family bonds.
"That's still too little. At least $3," Cooley countered.
Williams was unwilling to agree. The two major generals continued to haggle over the price like vendors at a market, ultimately settling on $2 per letter.
Both men smiled and shook hands, signaling a happy cooperation. In reality, it was all a show aimed at extracting more benefits.
"Badges and certification letters—Williams, who came up with this brilliant idea? How did we miss it? If we had thought of it, the bulk of the business would have gone to our archives," Cooley said with admiration.
"This idea wasn't ours. It came from Jon Hardy, the head of the Hardy Group. He's currently assisting us with selling post-war supplies," Williams explained.
"Jon Hardy? I've heard of him. It took him only two or three years to build his current empire. It's truly impressive. No wonder he can come up with such ingenious ideas and make a fortune," Cooley remarked.
"I'd really like to meet Hardy if I get the chance."
Although this income might only amount to a few hundred thousand dollars, it was a significant boost for the archives office, enhancing the welfare of its staff.
Hardy was entitled to a share of the badge and certification letter transactions, even though he didn't directly participate. These deals were included in the sales contract, ensuring Hardy's share.
Hardy told Williams that this business could be sustained for a long time. With a base of ten million veterans, selling ten million badges would amount to a $20 million business. Similarly, issuing one million certification letters would also generate tens of millions of dollars.
After returning to the logistics headquarters, Major General Williams contacted Hardy to update him. Hardy then recalled one more thing.
"General, I'd like to meet Major General Cooley in person. Also, there's something I need him to assist with," Hardy said.
"What can he help with?" Williams asked, puzzled.
"The archives handle battle processes, battlefield details, and video materials. The ABC TV station wants to use these for war documentaries. I'd like to borrow some of those materials," Hardy explained.
"That falls within their domain. Alright, I'll arrange a meeting. We can discuss it in person," Williams agreed.
Hardy was adept at leveraging useful relationships, a testament to his skill in navigating social dynamics.
Military archives are generally housed in the National Archives, but they are still under military jurisdiction. The military appoints a senior representative to the National Archives, usually Major General Cooley, who also serves on the Archives Committee.
Cooley manages a vast amount of video materials essential for documentary production, including some texts and footage from the Japanese military. Hardy wanted to obtain these to create documentaries showcasing Japanese aggression and their numerous atrocities.
The next day, Hardy flew to Washington, marking his first visit to the nation's capital.
Upon meeting Major General Cooley at a private club, Hardy found them to be congenial and quickly established a rapport.
Regarding Hardy's request for materials, Cooley agreed but noted that some data was too sensitive to be released. He could only provide materials that could be publicly disclosed.
Satisfied with this arrangement, Hardy returned from Washington and instructed the ABC TV station to contact the National Archives to prepare additional documentaries.
---
At the Hardy Group headquarters, Andy reported to Hardy.
"Because of the Jeep incident, Willis's stock surged. I sold it at $46.50, earning a total profit of $9.62 million. Although their stock price has slowed recently, it had risen by over a dollar. We could have sold it earlier," Andy said.
Hardy smiled.
"It's impossible to predict the peak of a stock. As long as we meet our expectations, selling is the right move. You did a great job," Hardy said.
Andy continued with his report.
"The pharmaceutical company in Hong Kong has been registered as 'Hardy Group Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.' and Mersey Pharmaceuticals is installing the equipment."
"Wells Fargo has found suitable office locations in Hong Kong and Japan. In Hong Kong, we acquired a bank that was closed during the Japanese Occupation and reopened afterward but had seen no improvement. Wells Fargo managed to purchase all of its assets."
"In Japan, you previously mentioned buying some Japanese banks. After the war, many banks went bankrupt. One, Chiyo Bank, founded by the Chiyo family, was investigated and found to be in good condition."
"Chiyo Bank, headquartered in Tokyo with branches in major cities, was once the ninth largest bank in Japan. It played a significant role in funding the Japanese military industry. After Japan's defeat in 1945, its banking operations were severely restricted."
"With the Japanese people withdrawing cash and Chiyo Bank's inability to pay out, it is on the verge of bankruptcy. Wells Fargo found the bank eager to be acquired, with the Chiyo family retaining only a small stake and the rest sold to Wells Fargo."
Hardy narrowed his eyes and said, "They're being so accommodating because they want to offload their bad debts. Instead of merging, we should let Chiyo Bank go bankrupt and then buy their assets. We'll set up a bank with clean assets and avoid the hassle."
"The bank's bankruptcy means millions of savers won't get their money back. But that's not our concern," Hardy added.
"I understand, Boss. I'll inform John," Andy said.
Continuing with the report:
"The Global Times has made arrangements on both the Japanese and Hong Kong sides. The Hong Kong branch has sent reporters to China and North Korea. These reporters, who previously worked as war correspondents in Asia, are familiar with the region."
Hardy nodded.
While he couldn't change the world's general trends, he could ensure that people were informed about ongoing events, contributing his part.
"Andy, have ABC Broadcasting Company send teams to Hong Kong and Japan to investigate and prepare to establish radio and television stations there," Hardy instructed.
A strong media presence was crucial. The Hardy media empire needed to extend its reach across Asia.
"Got it, Boss," Andy said, noting down the instructions.
Once finished, Andy looked up and continued, "I've contacted the two comic companies you were interested in. 'Detective Comics' has no plans to sell. I investigated and found that 'Detective Comics' has four shareholders. The current president, Lebo Weitz, holds 22% of the shares."
"Warner holds the largest share, 47%. 'Detective Comics' is now the largest comic agency in the nation, with sales reaching tens of millions last year."
"'Detective Comics' is the precursor to what will become DC Comics. With a mature lineup of characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others, and with Warner backing it, they have no intention of selling."
"If they won't sell, then we'll leave it," Hardy said.
With the upcoming Paramount Act likely making things difficult for major film companies, there might be opportunities to negotiate with Warner later.
"Boss, we've contacted Marvel's Goodman. He's very interested in discussing an acquisition with us and has asked to meet," Andy reported.
"Meeting him is fine," Hardy smiled.
Marvel was a key target, and Hardy was eager to pursue the acquisition.
Two days later, Goodman and Stan Lee arrived at the Hardy Group headquarters.
Hardy welcomed them into his office. Goodman, appearing slightly thin in his thirties with black-rimmed glasses, was accompanied by Stan Lee, the young editor-in-chief of Marvel.
"Hello, Mr. Hardy. This is Goodman, and this is Stan Lee, our editor-in-chief," Goodman introduced.
Hardy noted that Stan Lee, the driving force behind Marvel, was the chief writer and art director at a remarkably young age.
Hardy shook hands with Goodman and Stan
Lee, then invited them to sit on the nearby sofa.
"Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?" Hardy offered.
The two men relaxed as they realized Hardy was approachable and friendly, contrary to their expectations of a distant billionaire.
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