America 1919-Chapter 896 - 306, Krupp_2

"If Congress or someone from the Democratic Party raises concerns about United States Logistics being accused of monopoly, it could indeed become troublesome. So, Donnie, you need more allies at this time!"

Max Warburg gave Donnie a subtle reminder.

Donnie did not deny Max Warburg’s words, nor was he willing to reveal his relationship with Coolidge.

With the support of the Tarot Society, Coolidge effectively gained the backing of three major consortia: Morgan, Rockefeller, and the New Jersey Consortium. Such a person would undoubtedly hold the presidency steadily.

"Thank you, Mr. Warburg, for your reminder. Perhaps it’s because during Harding’s tenure, my company’s people became somewhat complacent. If this issue does arise, it might serve as a warning to my people. I actually see it as a good thing."

Max Warburg appeared helpless. From his correspondence with Paul Warburg, he already knew that Donnie was someone with an extremely strong desire for control. For his core enterprises, he insisted on absolute control.

Even when giving out shares, such as with the Surf Hotel and ABC, he would ensure control was firmly in his hands.

It seemed the same held true in this case.

"Donnie, you must understand that to grow your business, collaboration is the fastest and safest route!"

Max Warburg was unwilling to abandon the idea of investing in United States Logistics.

Although logistics and finance appeared to have little connection, Max Warburg perceived the link between United States Logistics and the Venus Consortium.

In his view, United States Logistics was crucial to the Venus Consortium, ranking in the top three in importance.

Second only to the finance and media industries.

It could be said that the operations of United States Logistics directly impacted Donnie’s bootlegging empire, retail industry, and shipbuilding ventures.

Donnie shook his head and said, "Mr. Warburg, I understand what you’re saying. But right now, United States Logistics is developing well and doesn’t need external capital. To put it bluntly, even if external funding were needed in the future, Warburg Company wouldn’t be on the priority list!"

Max Warburg was momentarily speechless.

Those words were indeed blunt!

Paul Warburg and Felix Warburg certainly carried immense influence in the United States and even controlled Kuhn, Loeb & Co., one of the biggest consortia. However, compared to the long-established American families, the Warburg Family’s time in the U.S. was still too short.

They were still somewhat behind those old-money families in the United States.

Especially since Kuhn, Loeb & Co. was already on a downward trajectory!

"If cash cannot satisfy your needs, Donnie, I believe the Warburg Family must have assets that align with your inner desires," Max Warburg ventured further.

Since the topic was now laid bare, Max Warburg decided to speak more openly.

Donnie smiled and said, "The Warburg Family indeed has assets that appeal to me, but Mr. Warburg, I think you’ll be unwilling to part with them!"

Max Warburg pressed, "You’ll have to name them to find out!"

Donnie nodded and straightforwardly said, "Of course. If you, Mr. Warburg, are willing to offer shares in Deutsche Bank, I’m willing to negotiate a share exchange with you!"

Max Warburg had guessed Donnie would make an ambitious demand, but he hadn’t expected it to be this grand!

Donnie wanted to invest in Deutsche Bank!

It was known that after becoming a private bank, Deutsche Bank retained its currency-issuing rights. In a sense, Deutsche Bank practically functioned as Germany’s central bank!

Currently, control over Deutsche Bank was firmly in the hands of the Warburg Family.

By cooperating with the Rothschild banks in England, France, and Austria, two Jewish families had secured dominance over Europe’s financial markets.

Deutsche Bank was the very foundation on which the Warburg Family depended for survival.

"If Donnie, you are willing to relinquish some shares in Venus Bank, I might consider this proposal!"

Since Donnie’s demand was excessive, Max Warburg naturally countered with his own bold proposal.

Donnie smiled lightly and said, "It seems our negotiations have fallen through this time!"

Donnie made up his mind that once he returned from Europe, he would focus even more intensively on Janine Woburg. Originally, he thought he could acquire a stake in Deutsche Bank now, but it seemed more time was still needed!

Max Warburg nodded helplessly, silently deciding he needed to have a good discussion with his daughter Janine Woburg after this negotiation. If she could conceive Donnie’s child sooner, the Warburg Family could better infiltrate the Venus Consortium!

Ultimately, the outcome of their negotiation was the joint establishment of an insurance company by Venus Bank and Warburg Company, with each party owning 50% of the shares. The newly established company’s board of directors would appoint representatives from both companies to serve as chairpersons in rotating terms!

Of course, the hidden clause stipulated that Venus Bank would not contribute any cash, while Warburg Company would provide all the funds. In exchange, United States Logistics had to ensure cooperation with the insurance company’s operations!

After the talks concluded, Donnie enjoyed a lunch with the Warburg Family and then returned to his hotel.

Following this, Donnie moved beyond Hamburg and began his tour of Germany.

First, Donnie scheduled a meeting with Gustav Krupp, the head of the Krupp Family!