The Tyrant Billionaire

Moreover, Hardy's new casino involved collaboration with 15 mafia families, indicating strong ties with half of the mafia's power. These families, spread across major cities, controlled local underground forces, potentially aiding the consortium's business interests.

Entering new markets often faces commercial attacks from competitors, which businessmen know how to handle. But mafia forces can disrupt market entry.

Today, a car is bombed.

Tomorrow, a warehouse is burned.

The day after, a group demands protection money, and without paying, they cause trouble, making business impossible.

Previously, the California consortium was purely a business entity. Discovering Hardy made them realize his unique traits, prompting their decision to recruit him.

Hardy didn't answer immediately.

He smoked his cigar slowly, walking alongside the old man, who patiently waited, stepping on the yellowing grass.

"Mr. Giannini, I have a few favors to ask," Hardy finally spoke.

"Oh, let's hear them."

Hardy took a deep breath and said, "I want you to help me acquire Wells Fargo, with American Bank handling the operation. Additionally, I currently lack funds and don't want to touch my other industries, so I hope you can lend me the money for the acquisition."

American Bank held a 12% stake in Wells Fargo, making it the second largest shareholder. Wells Fargo was a small regional bank, trailing behind the Bank of San Francisco and the Los Angeles City Bank, with only over thirty branches, primarily in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Its market value was around $200 million, with total assets, including savings, loans, and mortgages, approximately $1 billion.

The old man wasn't surprised Hardy wanted to acquire a bank. What surprised him was Hardy's request.

He wanted American Bank to help with the acquisition. And he wanted American Bank to lend him the money. Was this young man planning to acquire a bank without spending a dime? How shameless!

The old man finally understood how Hardy succeeded. His previously polite and calm demeanor was just a facade, underneath, he was more ruthless than any capitalist. However, the old man knew that only people like Hardy could succeed in this society.

"Acquiring Wells Fargo Bank is no small matter. Wells Fargo has assets exceeding $200 million. This is a huge deal."

"The Fargo family, the founders of Wells Fargo, currently holds 17% of the shares. Convincing them to give up Wells Fargo won't be easy, and there are dozens of other shareholders too."

Hardy smiled, "I believe if Bank of America steps in, it won't be too difficult. If they want cash, we can offer cash. If they don't want cash, I can exchange shares of my other industries, such as Hardy Grand Hotel shares."

The old man's eyes lit up.

"Exchanging casino shares?"

"Yes, but the price needs to be negotiated. The profitability of Hardy Grand Hotel is evident to everyone. If it goes public now, what do you think its market value would be?" Hardy said.

Hardy knew he couldn't just take advantage without giving anything in return. Giannini was a shrewd banker. Although he valued Hardy's chips, he wasn't yet willing to support Hardy with hundreds of millions.

After pondering for a moment, the old man looked at Hardy and said, "Hardy, I'll offer $60 million to acquire 30% of Hardy Grand Hotel shares."

This price valued the casino at $200 million.

"At the same time, I will help you complete the acquisition of Wells Fargo Bank. Bank of America will lend you the necessary funds."

Their casino collaboration had an uncertain future. Even if it met expectations, the profits wouldn't be visible for two or three years.

Hardy Grand Hotel was already a cash cow, generating significant profits. Giannini had long coveted the casino's revenue, and now he wouldn't miss the opportunity.

Hardy shook his head, "The casino now has an annual income of $40 million, and I believe it will be even more in the future. 30% for $100 million."

The old man thought this price was too high.

"$80 million is the most I can offer."

"$90 million, any less and I won't sell the casino shares. There are over 13,000 banks in the United States, I don't believe I can't buy one." Hardy said.

"Alright, deal!"

The old man compromised.

"By the way, you mentioned there were a few things you wanted my help with. What else is there?" Giannini asked.

"I heard you have shares in PepsiCo. I really like this drink. Would you be willing to sell me those shares?" Hardy asked.

Giannini was surprised that Hardy wanted to buy PepsiCo. To him, PepsiCo was just a beverage company, with Coca Cola being the market leader. PepsiCo only held about one tenth of Coca Cola's market share.

During World War II, Coca Cola was included in the U.S. military's logistics supply, causing its sales to skyrocket, while PepsiCo became marginalized and was once on the brink of bankruptcy.

Later, PepsiCo adopted a strategy of increasing quantity and reducing price, offering twice the amount of Coca Cola for the same price, thus maintaining its low end market.

Many African Americans drank PepsiCo for its affordability, hence the nickname "black cola."

"I hold 23% of PepsiCo shares. PepsiCo's current market value is around $16 million. Do you want these shares?" Giannini asked.

In recent years, PepsiCo hadn't been profitable, and its stock price was sluggish. Giannini didn't have much interest in holding on to it.

"Yes, I want it." Hardy said.

Hardy said he was buying it because he liked the drink, but Giannini thought that was nonsense. Nonetheless, PepsiCo was just a small beverage company, struggling under the shadow of Coca Cola, so selling it to Hardy wasn't a big deal.

"Alright, I'll sell it to you at market price." Giannini said.

Hardy nodded in thanks.

Both were pleased, having achieved their goals. Bank of America could further tap into the lucrative Las Vegas casino market, while Hardy secured the promise of acquiring Wells Fargo Bank and shares in PepsiCo.

Giannini invited Hardy for dinner, and they discussed many details until Hardy left around nine in the evening.