The Tyrant Billionaire

During the flight, Hardy again reviewed the information on the California consortium.

The California consortium, with Bank of America at its core, included members such as Security Pacific Financial, Crock Agricultural Group, San Francisco Group, Wells Fargo, Lockheed Corporation, Litton Industries, Northrop Grumman, and more.

These companies, through cross holding and joint agreements, had total assets under the control of Bank of America Group amounting to approximately $8.5 billion.

Pre World War II consortia were mostly family based, like the Rockefeller, Morgan, DuPont, and Mellon families. Even the Cleveland, Chicago, and Boston consortia were developed around a few united families.

The California consortium was different. Rooted in California, it rapidly developed due to the war. The companies within it, primarily centered around Bank of America, were connected through cross holding, forming an alliance of interests.

Compared to other family based consortia, it was somewhat looser but expanded faster. This situation had its pros and cons.

now

It was like forming a group and adding powerful people to it to integrate resources and make money together.

The advantage was rapid development.

The downside was that when confronted by other large capital consortia, it was easily broken down and scattered.

After reading the materials, Hardy had a clear understanding and began to silently contemplate what Mr. Amadeo Giannini, the chairman of Bank of America, would discuss with him.

Andy, seeing Hardy in deep thought, picked up the materials and started reading. Andy also had his speculations about this upcoming meeting.

After a long while, Hardy opened his eyes and looked at Andy, "Andy, if someone wanted to acquire our industries, what do you think we could give up?"

Andy thought for a moment, "Apart from HD Security Company, ABC TV, and Hardy Grand Hotel, everything else can be let go."

Hardy smiled and shook his head, "I think the Hardy Grand Hotel should be replaced with Universal Times."

Andy was a bit surprised, "You're willing to let go of the casino business?"

"Any business just for making money can be let go, as long as it can be exchanged for more profitable ventures. Andy, what do you think we are lacking the most now?" Hardy asked again.

This time Andy did not hesitate, "We lack a bank. All consortiums have their core industries centered around one or several banks, with other industries as pillars. If the Hardy Group had its own bank, it would be like an eagle on its prime, soaring high."

Andy used to be a banker, a vice president of a bank, so he knew the role of banks and their benefits to enterprises.

Having their own bank would make things infinitely more convenient, such as investing in their own industries, stock trading, and shorting, investing in potential companies, financial settlements between companies, fund management, and so on.

"I think so too. Previously, I thought it was too early to bring up the bank matter. But now, maybe it's an opportunity," Hardy said.

"What are you planning?"

"Let's see. We don't yet know how Bank of America plans to cooperate with us. Everything is just a hypothesis for now," Hardy said.

The plane landed smoothly at San Francisco airport.

The head of San Francisco HD Security had already brought a motorcade waiting. Hardy and Andy got into the car, and Henry took charge of the security team. The motorcade headed towards Giannini's estate.

At the estate gate, a team was already waiting to greet them. The butler looked into the car respectfully, "Are you Mr. Hardy? The master asked us to greet you here. Please come in, Mr. Hardy.

The master is waiting in the hall."

The motorcade entered the estate.

Hardy got out of the car, and the servant opened the door. Inside the hall stood a vigorous old man. Hardy approached with a smile, "Mr. Giannini, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's an honor to visit you."

Hardy had reviewed the old man's profile. The old man was already 76 years old, but he looked very energetic and still managed the family business.

The old man reached out and shook Hardy's hand, smiling, "Although I knew you were only 26, seeing you in person is still surprising. A 26 year old who has achieved in two years what others can't in a lifetime."

"You're too kind," Hardy said modestly.

"Young man, let's sit down and talk. What would you like to drink?" Giannini asked with a smile.

"Coffee."

The old man nodded, "I like coffee too."

They sat down, and the people around them stood far away, including Andy, who could only sit at a distance.

"Hardy, I'm very interested in the Las Vegas casino project. No one has ever casually intervened in Las Vegas business before. Thank you for giving us this opportunity," Giannini said.

"I've always believed that only by investing and making money together can we grow the business," Hardy said with a smile.

"Your understanding is rare. I realized this only at forty, that unity brings more wealth."

"Hardy, do you have any opinions on the new casino investment?" the old man asked.

Hardy paused slightly and said, "My idea is to hold a 20% stake. If I manage it, I will also receive management dividends. If not, I will just take the share dividends."

These few words showed Hardy's non aggressive stance.

The old man looked at him.

Then he smiled and said, "I think it's best if you manage it. After all, you are the most familiar with this area. The Hardy Grand Hotel has been run very well before, and I trust your abilities."

"If I manage it, I have a condition," Hardy said.

"Go ahead."

"During my management period, I want full control without shareholder interference. Of course, we can stipulate in the agreement that if there are significant losses due to poor management, full control will be revoked and changed to shareholder decision making, and another president will be hired," Hardy said.

The companies investing in the new casino were either part of the California consortium or their friends. If Hardy managed it but did not have decision making power, the other party could use their voting rights to influence him at any time if they were dissatisfied.