Richard Cook, Co-Founder of Cook and Bynum, stops by The Business Brew to discuss his approach to global investing. Richard discusses his concentrated investment strategies, focusing on emerging markets, government dynamics, consumer behavior, and intrinsic value. Highlighting key investments in markets like Mexico, Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Richard discusses operational execution, investor relations, and long-term strategic planning. The episode also covers strategic investments during the Greek financial crisis, the role of conservative management, and the importance of understanding market dynamics. With reflections on experiences in South Africa, Costa Rica, and Turkey, this conversation offers invaluable insights into global investment strategies and the essential qualities of successful business leaders. Tune in to gain expert knowledge on navigating global investments and building a successful investment firm. 00:00 Welcome to The Business Brew 00:07 Introducing Richard Cook 00:45 Investment Philosophy and Strategy 01:09 Shoutout to the Editing Team 02:30 Starting the Interview with Richard Cook 03:02 Emerging Markets and Government Influence 04:15 Investment Holdings and Long-Term Strategy 07:47 The Power of Buybacks and Controlling Shareholders 14:44 Avoiding Bias in Investment Decisions 19:08 Lessons from Past Investments 24:54 Navigating Market Cycles 34:18 Insights on Bottling Businesses 46:58 Premiumization in the Beverage Industry 48:15 Global Consumption Patterns 49:53 Investment Strategies and Intrinsic Value 51:29 Challenges in Forecasting Business Durability 53:32 Insights on Company Valuation 55:15 Case Study: Kraft and Mondelez 59:01 AB InBev and Craft Beer Market 01:09:59 Investment in Jumbo During Greek Crisis 01:20:39 Evaluating Emerging Markets 01:25:55 Building an Investment Firm 01:28:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
