America 1919-Chapter 895 - 306, Krupp

Donnie was in no hurry to meet the other individuals Steve Cotting had investigated. Although those individuals currently held no prominent status, precisely because of that, Donnie personally meeting them might easily spark some unfavorable speculation.

Therefore, Donnie needed to wait for the right opportunity.

The next day, Donnie met Max Woerberg again. This time, their meeting revolved around business matters.

"Donnie, I know after you acquired Breton Bank, you merged the insurance operations with Mellon Bank. Are you interested in us jointly funding a new insurance business focused on covering cargo shipments between Germany and the United States?"

Max Woerberg proposed the idea to Donnie. If asked who the most powerful logistics companies operating between Europe and the United States were, there would be several answers. But if you asked which logistics company boasted the strongest firepower, the answer would undoubtedly be Donnie’s United States Logistics!

The seas were far from calm. Although the golden age of rampant piracy had passed, there were still many pirates active on the oceans.

United States Logistics had clashed with pirates numerous times. However, thanks to the formidable firepower aboard United States Logistics’ freighters, they always managed to heavily defeat the pirates.

Because of this, many shipping companies had approached United States Logistics, hoping to collaborate and fly the United States Logistics flag on their vessels.

This became an additional source of income for United States Logistics!

Donnie thought for a moment and did not dismiss Max Woerberg’s request for cooperation. Although Donnie was calculating against the Woerberg Family, and the Woerberg Family was also calculating against Donnie,

it did not prevent them from collaborating in certain business ventures.

"So, should I perhaps send more personnel from United States Logistics to join the maritime shipping ranks?"

A smile immediately appeared on Max Woerberg’s face. He knew Donnie had already understood his intentions.

The additional personnel on transatlantic shipping routes by United States Logistics were not intended to protect the insured fleets.

Rather, they were for dealing with the fleets that had not purchased insurance.

However, Donnie’s next words caused the smile on Max Woerberg’s face to fade.

"But, Mr. Woerberg, you should know that my investment in Florida real estate has already tied up most of Venus Bank’s cash. At this moment, I have very little cash left to fund the establishment of a new insurance company!"

Max Woerberg realized that Donnie intended for him to provide the initial capital for the venture, while Donnie himself contributed no funds.

"If that’s the case, then Venus Bank might have to take a smaller share in the new company’s equity!"

While Max Woerberg was dissatisfied with Donnie’s reluctance to invest, he understood that to turn this venture into a success and scale it up, Donnie’s maritime armed forces would be indispensable. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Still, as the financier, Max Woerberg naturally sought to secure a larger share of the equity in the venture.

Donnie, however, was not about to let Max Woerberg have his way. Smiling, he said, "Mr. Woerberg, although Venus Bank cannot provide cash at the moment, don’t forget that United States Logistics in itself is an investment. Furthermore, in this venture, I’ll also need to deploy more personnel and firepower— all of which require funding as well!"

Max Woerberg slightly frowned, displeased with Donnie’s stance. However, he quickly relaxed his expression, smiling as he said, "How about this — Warburg Company can inject a sum of cash as equity into United States Logistics. In return, Venus Bank will hold an equal share in the new insurance company as Warburg Company. Does that sound agreeable?"

It was now Donnie’s turn to frown. United States Logistics, though not flashy amongst Donnie’s ventures, had quietly grown in significance.

With Apollo’s expansion across the United States, coupled with Donnie’s existing illicit liquor trade, United States Logistics had already become the nation’s largest logistics company.

One could say that controlling United States Logistics was equivalent to holding the lifeline of America’s road transportation.

Now Max Woerberg wanted Warburg Company to acquire equity in United States Logistics— his motives were obvious.

Donnie shook his head with a smile and said, "Mr. Woerberg, even though we are family, this business proposal isn’t something I can agree to."

Max Woerberg raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Donnie, you should realize that United States Logistics is safe now only because of the Harding Administration’s support for you. With Harding gone, Coolidge may have assumed the role of President of the United States, but whether he will support you as Harding did is uncertain.

Moreover, even if you manage to gain Coolidge’s trust, there’s no guarantee he’ll secure re-election next year.

And, even if Coolidge were to be re-elected, he lacks the influence that Harding commanded."

While Harding was mediocre and heavily criticized during his tenure,

he had the backing of major American corporations— Cleveland Finance, the Oil Consortium, and others—which ensured his influence.

Coolidge, on the other hand, is a different story. While some conglomerates have donated to his political campaigns, his ties to these financial powers are far less entrenched than Harding’s... Hmm, this was Max Woerberg’s analysis!