Chapter 159
"From, now on, if you have any tasks, I will definitely do my best."
After drinking, the atmosphere became lively, especially with the presence of George Jefferson, the multi-talented individual. Everyone gradually opened up.
The first half focused entirely on building relationships and made no mention of business matters.
We drank three bottles of white wine, and we were a bit tipsy.
At this moment, Charles Williams slowly brought up the topic. "Mr. Allen, you are a genius in the Sevan business world. In just a few months, you have been able to capture eighty percent of the Sevan fast-moving consumer goods market. I admire you!"
"Mr. Williams, you’re flirting with me. I only benefit from my ancestors’ reputation."
This statement was half-truths and half-lies.
Gary Allen's position as a top executive at a state-owned enterprise with a wide network proved to be accurate. People were willing to cooperate with him.
In addition, the Allen family was now the leading enterprise in Sevan's manufacturing industry, with prestigious status. Everyone aspired to benefit from their success.
But then again, out of sight means out of mind. Even if Gary Allen was impressive, it was only within the manufacturing industry, which was far from the fast-moving consumer goods sector. So, the quick takeover of the Sevan market was also due to Frank Allen's strong business acumen.
"Cheers."
Charles Williams was generous at the table, and so was Frank Allen.
After the drink, Charles Williams said, "It's fate that we met today. I also want to take this opportunity to cooperate with Mr. Allen."
Frank Allen smiled and said, "Yes, it's fate. I wonder how Mr. Williams wants to cooperate. However, I must say in advance that cooperation is mutually beneficial. If things don't work out, please don't be upset, Mr. Williams."
"Of course, friendship is friendship. Business is business. Let's talk business. Even if we can't reach cooperation, our sentimentality still remains," Charles Williams said.
In fact, when the channels were under Frank Allen's control, he had a tight grip on Charles Williams.
To put it bluntly, he had no other choice.
Don't say that the wine sold well and had high profits.
With a supportive channel, even a miscellaneous brand of wine could sell well.
It was a time when channels ruled supreme.
"That's good."
Frank Allen nodded with a smile.
Charles Williams said, "Sevan Old Cellar has a relatively high market share in Sevan, but other high-end liquor brands still firmly hold nearly eighty percent of the Sevan market. I want to entrust Mr. Allen's company with the distribution of a new high-end liquor from Sevan Old Cellar. I can offer a 30 percent profit and a 3-million-dollar annual commission."
I see that Charles Williams wanted to dominate the high-end market.
Indeed, the profits involved were staggering.
If Sevan Old Cellar could dominate the high-end market in Sevan, the profits would be immense. Charles Williams was indeed generous, offering three million dollars plus a thirty percent profit.
Frank Allen tapped his fingers on the table, making a sound. "I understand Mr. Williams' intentions. You are indeed shrewd."
"Actually, Sevan also approached me, but I didn't agree. The conditions they offered were similar to Mr. Williams'."
Sevan, a local liquor product, also had a strong advertising presence.
Charles Williams gritted his teeth. "Five million commission dollars, forty percent profit!"
"Alright, I agree to the cooperation."
Frank Allen said, "Actually, it offered a $5 million commission and split the profit in half. The reason I didn't agree is simple. I believe the grade is too low to generate a significant buzz.”
Split the profit in half?
That was too generous. Making money in distribution was really easy.
Charles Williams raised his glass. "A pleasant cooperation!"
Frank Allen also raised his glass. "A pleasant cooperation!"
They settled a project worth over a billion dollars with a clink of glasses.
The atmosphere became even more harmonious afterwards, and everyone relaxed completely.
George Jefferson suggested going out for fun later. I was considering returning to Rita, but it wouldn't be beneficial if I left as the intermediary.
Fortunately, Frank Allen helped me out. "Mr. Williams, Mr. Jefferson, I have an important meeting tomorrow, and I can't accompany you both. Next time, it's on me. I'll treat you both."
George Jefferson nodded. "Work is important!"
Charles Williams said, "I'll treat you next time, Mr. Allen. Please honor us then."
I said, "How about this? Each of us treats once. That way, it's fair."
"John is right. Each one treats once!"
"Exactly. John's idea is reasonable."
The three of them laughed simultaneously, and as they exited the private room in front of me, I stood by the slightly inebriated Frank Allen. "Frank, thank you for today."
Frank Allen patted my back with a smile. "We're like brothers. There’s no need for thanks. It's all about cooperation, and Sevan Old Cellar has great potential for speculation and high profits."
His voice was low, and with the noise outside, there was no need to worry about Charles Williams or George Jefferson overhearing.
"That's good. Just make sure not to harm your own interests."
"Let me tell you a secret."
Frank Allen whispered in my ear, and my expression changed instantly. "Damn, is that so?"
Frank Allen quickly made a gesture to keep quiet. "Keep it down. Only you and I know about this. Don't let a third person find out."
I nodded, thinking Frank Allen was really cunning. It turned out that Charles Williams had contacted him a while back, but he deliberately avoided meeting him, just to make him anxious.
Frank Allen had long set his sights on several big brands. As their agent, the profits were transparent to him. To achieve high profits, one would have to resort to bottling fake liquor or counterfeit products.
But Frank Allen won't do such a thing.
That would be self-destructive. Those with experience have sharp tongues and can tell real from fake with just a sip. If they tasted fake once, your wine would never make it to their table again.
If they wouldn't drink, the underlings would follow suit. There were really no secrets in that circle. Once one person knew, everyone would know.
Frank Allen's original intention was to make Charles Williams anxious, but he didn't expect that he would come looking for me.
"You can pretend not to know. You're doing me a favor. He won't treat you unfairly, understand?"
I swallowed hard. "Isn't it a bit inappropriate?"
"What's wrong with that? You're my brother, and of course you can get a little benefit. What's wrong with that? If it weren't for your face, I would have taken fifty percent profit of his profit, and he wouldn't even think about a commission of less than ten million dollars."
I grinned, "Okay, I understand."
As we descended the stairs, I said to Frank Allen, "Frank, I'll go settle the bill."
"Do you believe that someone has already settled your bill?" Frank Allen chuckled.
"No way? Who settled it?"
I was a bit incredulous.
"Just go ask."
I nodded and walked to the counter. "Check out the Azure Dragon Room!"
"Sir, we have settled the bill for the Azure Dragon Room," the beautiful receptionist said with a sweet smile.
What? It's really settled!
I turned to Frank Allen and silently gave him a thumbs up.
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