Chapters 8 and 9 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 8

Rich set up operations in Zug, Switzerland, a safe headquarters for thousands of public and private trading firms. The town allowed individuals to conduct business by simply putting up a sign. Also appealing to Rich was Switzerland's legendary secrecy laws which allowed for the unrestricted movement of capital. The town of Zug encouraged the presence of anyone with money.

Rich registered his company as Marc Rich + Co. AG. Listed as a trading company, the organization would be allowed to conduct business anywhere in the world under the protection of Switzerland's secrecy laws. Although most competitors were frightened of Philipp Brothers' power, many thought Rich still wanted to extract revenge from his alma mater. The traders who left with Rich were not paid well but were promised a share of the profits. Rich made sure to make quick deals...