America's Road to Wealth

Of course.

Abel is in Los Angeles.

It's not like I just thought about singing "Back Garden Flowers" with Annie all day long.

Or play red couch with Charlize.

Here, in addition to taking care of Dark Horse Comics and AMC TV station.

In addition to opening a new real estate company.

There are also serious things.

Just like the 11th and 25th.

He negotiated another deal.

He bought a bank.

The bank's name is big, American Pacific Bank of Commerce.

But in fact, the bank only has $165 million in assets.

There are a total of 4 branches with approximately more than one billion US dollars in assets under custody.

According to the classification of the U.S. FDIC, which is the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

American Pacific Commercial Bank is a small bank.

The FDIC divides banks into three levels: large, medium and small based on asset size:

Large banks are those with assets greater than $250 billion.

Mid-sized banks have assets between US$10 billion and US$250 billion.

Small banks are those with assets less than US$10 billion.

By this standard, there are actually only three large banks in the United States now.

The three banks are Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Bank of America.

Other well-known investment banks such as Goldman Sachs are only medium-sized banks by this standard.

The U.S. banking industry is very developed. At its peak, there were more than 50,000 banks in the United States.

If you count those small credit agencies in the countryside.

At its peak, there were estimated to be hundreds of thousands.

Even now in 2000, according to FDIC data, there are currently 9,613 banks in the United States.

In the number of 9613, it is obvious that there are more small regional banks such as Pacific Bank of Commerce.

It is a small bank with only a few branches, limited to a few places in a certain region of the United States.

Such small banks have thin capital, high capital costs, concentrated customer base, and poor risk tolerance.

The Society of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) once released a study showing:

[In the United States, more than 2% of small banks fail or are on the verge of failure every year]

“A pleasure to work with~”

After shaking hands with Richard, the chairman of Pacific Commercial Bank, who came all the way from Northern California.

Abel said with a smile.

The latter showed a wry smile and had no choice but to smile back: "It's a pleasure to cooperate and thank you for lending a helping hand."

Pacific Commercial Bank is headquartered in Northern California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Its headquarters happens to be in Palo Alto, one of the centers of Silicon Valley.

Abel has been there many times.

However, this small bank was not managed well and had been losing money for many years.

In parallel time and space, it will also be acquired three years later.

This time Abel made an early move and bought the bank directly.

On the contrary, it allows Richard, the chairman, and his family to breathe a sigh of relief.

After watching Richard leave, Abel immediately said to Alan Baker next to him:

"Let's start negotiations. Our goal is to expand the number of branches to more than 50 in the shortest possible time. According to the plan, the next ones are Desert Bank, Lianhua Bank, and major banks."

"Understood! BOSS! We will execute it immediately!" Alan Baker said quickly with a respectful expression.

In the following period, Abel's special advisory team represented him throughout Los Angeles and the West Coast of the United States.

Started a crazy journey to acquire small banks.

In just half a month, it successively won over a dozen small banks including major banks, Lianhua Bank, and Desert Bank.

Among them, the main bank (named just the main bank) has only one head office and has assets of US$108 million.

Lianhua Bank, which has four branches, has total assets of US$235 million.

The bank's main business is in the Chinese community in Los Angeles, which is a disguised increase in the proportion of Abel's bank in the Chinese community.

Desert Bank has nine branches and assets of US$532 million.

Desert Bank is also the bank with the highest price and the most assets in Abel's series of mergers and acquisitions.

Wait until December 5th.

The New York Observer, a biweekly magazine based in New York, published such a piece of news.

This news reports on the business operations of its boss, Abel Smith, over the past ten days.

The title of the report is——

"Fifteen banks in ten days, will a new banking giant emerge?" 》

[As we all know, Mr. Abel Smith, the chairman of this newspaper, is the top rich man on the Forbes rich list! 】

[But now Forbes needs to update Mr. Abel Smith’s ranking in other lists! 】

[According to the author's calculations, Mr. Abel Smith has now become the 16th largest banking giant in the United States. 】

[Because he continuously acquired and merged fifteen commercial banks in just ten days! 】

[Now it is under the name of the beloved chairman of this newspaper. There was already a bank called Pacific Bank of Commerce. 】

[This bank is on the West Coast and currently has a total of 51 branches, with total assets of more than 4 billion U.S. dollars and assets under custody of 27 billion U.S. dollars. It ranks 16th in the U.S. bank rankings! 】

[It is reported that its fund Smith Capital has an annual return rate of more than 289.3%. 】

[The latest two phases of private equity funds will be underwritten by Pacific Commercial Bank]

[This newspaper has reason to believe that under the leadership of Abel Smith. The young Pacific Commercial Bank will become another new giant in the United States! 】

[At the same time, this newspaper has deep doubts about Mr. Abel Smith’s position in the list of the richest people in the United States as claimed by Forbes. 】

[With the financial resources shown by the beloved chairman of this newspaper, Forbes obviously did not do a qualified job when collecting information]

[This makes us question whether Forbes is as authoritative as its other rankings? 】

[Writer of this newspaper.]

This report gave a positive account of Abel's frenzied acquisition of closed small banks on the West Coast.

And secretly at the same time.

By the way, it also took a small bite of the "Forbes" magazine, which is the same as the "New York Observer", which is bimonthly or biweekly.

This report caused a stir.

It has also caused great repercussions in the banking and financial industries across the United States.

The Wall Street Journal quickly interviewed some banking giants and management in New York and the United States.

For example, Mr. Richard Fuld, the president of Lehman Brothers Bank.

When being interviewed, he said this to the media:

"Mr. Abel Smith is indeed an excellent investment genius. But that does not mean that he is also good at managing banks."

"The management and development of a bank are different from pure investment."

"I personally have a conservative wait-and-see attitude towards Mr. Abel Smith entering the banking industry!"

Except for Richard Fuld.

The Wall Street Journal also immediately interviewed Mr. Paulson, the president of Goldman Sachs.

Paulson's words were much calmer. He smiled in front of the camera:

"Goldman Sachs is willing to work with Pacific Commercial Bank. Just as Goldman Sachs is willing to continue working with Mr. Abel Smith."

"We are willing to work with other bank colleagues to build a better U.S. banking order so that everyone can feel more secure about their deposits in the bank."

“Let everyone’s financial management and investment achieve steady and stable returns!”

If there is something good to be done.

At this time, I will investigate Paulson’s remarks and tone when speaking in the media from last year to this year.

They will be surprised to find out.

The bald bank executive's words in front of the media have become increasingly smooth and official.

Wait another year.

Everyone will know why Paulson changed like this when he was interviewed at this time.

Because just next year, he will become everyone's finance minister!

It was obvious that before that he had been in contact with the people who would live in the White House.

Otherwise, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal today.

You wouldn't say something very official like this.

in various series of interviews.

on this matter.

Most of the CEOs of the major investment banks on Wall Street are concerned about the emergence and rise of Pacific Commercial Bank.

Be "cautious".

As for those large banks, like Wells Fargo and Citigroup.

They basically didn't express their opinions.

But in private, Abel's cell phone rang much more frequently.

Just like December 6th.

Beverly Hills, 1414 Seabright Pl.

The edge of the outdoor skyline pool on the terrace overlooking the entire night view of Los Angeles.

Abel lay on Jessica Alba's soft, white thighs.

In heated pool water.

He then took a call from Morgan Stanley CEO Philip Purcell.

"~Ha, Philip, I'm serious."

"I have already spoken to the Texas consortium and Warren about this gambling agreement."

"That's right, they, like you, don't agree with my offer."

"Like you, they all think that my offer is too high. Even if they don't say it, I think they must be saying that I am arrogant."

"But I say to you, Philip. Just as I say to them."

"That's why in my heart, I think this price is really not high!"

"Ha~ I'm not kidding, I'm serious."

"Philip, please think about it. I'm still in Los Angeles, so I'm going to say this first!"

Abel hung up the phone first.

After hanging up the phone, he had a bad expression on his face.

This worries Jessica Alba a little bit.

The beautiful woman full of mixed-race amorous feelings stretched out a pair of catkins and gently massaged his forehead.

"Hey Jessica, it's only been two days. You've learned so well!"

Abel, who was in a bad mood, enjoyed the beauty's flattery.

he said to Jessica Alba with a smile.

Jessica Alba has a bright smile on her face.

She has just completed special training and will start filming the latest version of "007" next year.

Jessica Alba is taking some time off next.

She won't have to work for at least half a month.

She'll be back from Seattle soon.

Rather than being too smart, Annie is a little less smart when it comes to choices.

Jessica is about the same age as Anne.

But from beginning to end, she knew what she wanted.

From beginning to end, she knew who could better bring all this to herself.

Compared to Annie, Abel needs to use some methods and let Jin Na guide her.

Let Abel worry.

Jessica Alba really made Abel so relieved.

What appeared in front of Abel's eyes was that Jessica Alba was very obedient.

And he is the kind who becomes more and more obedient as his status and wealth rise.

When she was in New York, Jessica still had some intention of pursuing free love.

Now, after becoming the heroine of "007".

Jessica became obedient to Abel.

Even the scandals that Abel was exposed in the media.

Jessica Alba has the attitude of not even asking.

It seems to be saying, as long as you keep feeding me, feed me until I am full.

Then I don’t care how many fish you have in your pond!

She is a smart and sensible girl.

And this time she came back, in this villa.

In a spa.

When Abel praised the spa master's performance.

She even directly proposed on the spot that she wanted to learn the other person's massage techniques.

Then she really learned it, and spent a little extra money to let the masseuse teach her some massage techniques.

Then she used this relaxing massage technique on Abel.

Maybe not as good as the professional spa therapist, but she is more beautiful.

You can also wear a bikini and let Abel enjoy the massage while reaching up...

In contrast, of course Jessica's service that included sight, touch, smell, and hearing made him even more satisfied!

"As long as you like it." Jessica Alba smiled sweetly and bent over slightly, making it easier for him to play with...

Abel held his cell phone in one hand and

He soaked most of his body in the heated pool water, which was as warm as December.

Accept Jessica Alba's flattery.

He closed his eyes slightly, thinking about his next plan.

This radical plan to enter the banking industry went well in terms of acquisitions and mergers.

There are more than 9,000 banks in the United States.

It is not difficult to acquire dozens of companies.

Of the more than 9,000 U.S. banks, it is estimated that at least 9,000 are small-scale banks like Pacific Bank of Commerce.

The total assets of these banks are only one to two billion US dollars.

Even if it is purchased at a premium, it will not be much more expensive.

What's more, most small banks are having difficulty operating in the current environment.

Many times you can get them directly without paying a premium.

Like this time, it took less than half a month.

Abel acquired fifteen such small banks on the West Coast.

The total cost is only about US$4.5 billion, and the total premium is less than US$500 million.

Now he has integrated these banks, as well as their branches and businesses, into Pacific Commercial Bank.

This makes the current Pacific Commercial Bank a "large" small bank with total assets of US$4 billion and funds under custody of US$27 billion.

Yes, if it follows FDIC standards.

Its own assets are only US$10 billion, so it is a small bank.

The reason why Abel did this was that he was so eager to enter the banking industry.

It was because half a month ago, after Smith Capital’s year-end investment reception.

He's already taking on investment banks and Wall Street.

After that, he stabbed many Wall Street companies in the back.

This is already considered a feud.

Even if the hatred is not very big, he still has to be cautious.

Plus he felt the time was right.

Wall Street can no longer be allowed to monitor its own capital flows at will.

So now, he only has two options.

One is to have your own bank, preferably a medium or large bank.

This is relatively difficult.

Because for medium and large banks, if the timing is bad, the cost of forced acquisition will be too high.

Another way is to invest heavily in these medium and large banks.

After becoming their shareholders, you should be able to obtain certain confidentiality and protection in terms of capital flow.

But it's not safe, because Wall Street is also prone to collusion.

When there is a profit to be made.

Trap major shareholders and small shareholders, as long as they are not shareholders with a relative controlling share or above.

That's not unusual for banks or Wall Street.

Abel decided to take a two-pronged approach and take two steps directly.

One is to acquire a small bank first and then expand through acquisitions and mergers.

Although this is not as fast and direct as acquiring a medium-sized or large bank, there is also the possibility of failure in operation and development.

But it saves money, and you can also control your own fund transfer station.

Another one is to continue to invest in big banks.

By taking both steps, you should be able to better ensure the safety of your capital flow.

So far he has only completed one step.

Acquired Pacific Bank of Commerce and expanded this small bank on the West Coast.

This is the first step.

But if he does this, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction on Wall Street.

Because obviously, after he has his own bank.

A lot of money from Smith Capital.

It will definitely be placed with Pacific Commercial Bank.

Although this does not prevent him from continuing to cooperate with other investment banks.

But his approach will obviously reduce the profits other banks can earn from him.

Of course they are dissatisfied.

That's why these days.

The reason why all his cell phones except for No. 1 were almost exploded.

Those Wall Street giants have two main purposes for calling.

One is to continue to cooperate with Smith Capital.

An investment company like Smith Capital is short-term, fast, and has such a large transaction volume.

It has always been their favorite.

Another purpose is to inquire about the possibility of investing in Smith Capital or Pacific Commercial Bank.

Like the call just now from Philip Purcell of Morgan Stanley.

That's what I'm asking about.

But when it comes to price, these guys are too expensive.

With a valuation of US$500 billion, it only has the fixed assets of one building.

Smith Capital’s valuation was unacceptable to them.

Even if the gambling agreement is very attractive, these profit-oriented guys are still dissatisfied.

In the face of these guys, they were not busy and even gave vague warnings.

Abel was unmoved.

He is no longer the rookie he was when he first entered Wall Street last year.

At that time, he had a clean slate on Wall Street.

He had nothing but his talent and his family's cattle.

At that time, he had to be careful, be polite to everyone, and behave like a social terror.

At the same time, in terms of cooperation and interest, they were very generous and smooth.

That was him last year.

He now has a place on Wall Street.

Smith Capital investment cocktail party.

289.3%, and possibly even higher annualized returns.

It has also spread throughout the United States through the wealthy circles of New York.

The Smith Capital Phase II and Phase III funds have not yet been formally established.

Within a few days, more than two to three hundred people came to inquire.

The funds expressed to subscribe have been far exceeded.

More importantly, he can already guarantee himself on the physical level.

He would not be arbitrarily wiped out directly. This was what he worried about the most.

With the Texans taking over next year, he will be a little more secure in this regard.

Under this circumstance, Abel is no longer willing to pay large amounts of protection fees to Wall Street.

It's time to show its claws on Wall Street.

Let them know, the Dixie guys from Texas.

Already planning to be on an equal footing with them.