The transformation plan

"Screw those guys." Tony didn't like reporters, only female reporters. But that was only true of the reporters themselves; as for their reports—he never linked a report with a particular beauty.

Tony then said with a hint of disdain, "I think the old man's biggest problem is that he wants to do everything, dabbles in everything, and then isn't really good at anything."

"Of course, I don't mean the product isn't good enough, but rather that its competitiveness in the market hasn't been fully realized. This is related to the fact that we're involved in too many industries, making it difficult for our marketing and public relations department to exert its full potential."

Naming the marketing and public relations department is practically a veiled criticism of Obadiah Stane. After all, his division of labor with the Old Man Stark was that Howard focused on research, while Stanislavski focused on marketing.

So, the bald Obadiah said with dissatisfaction, "Discussing this won't solve your problem, Tony. This is a mess your father left behind; we can figure out a solution later. But right now, we need to find a way to squeeze out the taxes you have to pay."

"This is the solution I'm proposing: I plan to streamline Stark Industries ' structure and sell off some assets. In other words, I'll adjust our strategic layout for more targeted development, rather than making decisions based on my mood."

At the same time, Tony handed over a piece of paper, saying, "These are the properties I plan to sell."

Seeing that the documents included Stark Industries ' Texas oil fields, overseas mines, and other potentially lucrative assets, both Obadiah and JARVIS instinctively felt this was a spendthrift, and said with a pained expression:

"Tony, are you serious? These are lucrative businesses, you're just going to sell them like that?"

Tony Stark said, "Only things that can make money can fetch a price. If someone tries to lower the price, we'll find other buyers. Those loss-making properties wouldn't even be worth a penny, let alone being given away as toilet paper."

"But that's no excuse for such a waste," Obadiah said with heartache. The old man is unreliable, and the young man is just as unreliable! This damned father and son.

Tony then laid out two more sheets of paper and said, "This sheet lists the companies I think should be retained, but require adjustment or merger. This sheet lists the companies I need to sell or eliminate."

"We can transfer employees to other units that are short-staffed or preparing for expansion, but they can also choose to leave with a generous severance package. We don't force them to do this."

Both lists were filled with dense writing, some even on both sides. Neither Obadiah nor JARVIS could be easily deciphered.

Tony continued, "I also plan to take all the companies under my name that can be listed on the stock exchange, including those that I'm planning to sell."

"Young Master," JARVIS said, "While going public is beneficial for raising funds, it's also difficult to control. That's why the Master has always been averse to Wall Street."

"I know. But we can use the public market to divest some of the burdensome companies and cash out. As long as we firmly grasp the key points of our future development, that will be fine."

Hearing the key point in the question, Obadiah stepped forward and asked, "What are our priorities for future development?"

Tony placed the last sheet of paper on the table and explained, "Stark Industries' strongest ally has always been the United States. military. But I don't think they're reliable. They'll not hesitate to side with someone else if we can't provide what the military needs."

"Therefore, I believe that this supporter should not be given up easily. In my view, Stark Industries will focus on military-related industries as its main development direction in the future."

"In the manufacturing of consumer goods, any products related to the military industry should be downsized into manufacturing departments and incorporated into the main industry. Then, the marketing department should be eliminated and the R&D department should be merged."

"If someone is willing to take it over, we'll sell it. If no one wants to take it over, we'll keep it and stop focusing on its development. In this way, the market share that we give up should be enough to confuse and satisfy most of our business competitors."

"What we need to do is, before others can react, build an impregnable fortress around the key areas we have in our hands, preventing others from interfering. Concentrate our resources on developing these key areas. We don't need to care about the other petty gains."

After hearing Tony's explanation, Obadiah and JARVIS looked at the four lists he provided and understood their true value.

This young master truly understood the current state of Stark Industries before making this list and assessment, rather than making these decisions on a whim or by slapping his forehead.

Obadiah, in particular, had had enough of Old Man Stark's haphazard and unpredictable approach. Following behind that genius who was constantly spouting wild ideas was exhausting for him, a mere mortal.

JARVIS, however, considered another issue, saying, "In that case, getting everything done within nine months, before the estate tax deadline, is extremely urgent."

"No," Tony said, "We should be able to raise enough money to resolve the inheritance tax issue before the entire plan is complete. But Stark Industries ' transformation won't stop because of that."

"Aren't we considering retaining equity in those key industries, avoiding the public market, and bringing in too many shareholders to prevent losing control?" JARVIS asked.

Tony shook his head and said, "Today we're going to stir things up and make it difficult for people to see our true intentions, so we can avoid being ambushed."

"Furthermore, regarding those military industries that we intend to retain and develop, the issued stocks can be dispersed to attract key figures and tie them to our cause. In this way, things can be made even more foolproof."

"For this part, we'll have to rely heavily on you, Uncle. Once the group's restructuring is complete, your shares will be converted into group stock. I believe that's a pretty good reward."

JARVIS was indifferent to this, but for Obadiah, it was like being injected with adrenaline, making him so excited that his face turned bright red.

"Let's do it. I'll find trustworthy people and assemble a strategic team right now. I'll have a draft plan ready for you within a few days."

Tony nodded, then turned to his old butler and said, "JARVIS, the phone, please."

JARVIS immediately stood up and pulled the phone from his desk to the meeting table. He asked, "Young Master, is there anyone you need me to contact?"

"No need, I'll call an old classmate." He dialed the number himself, and soon heard the other end answer with a greeting. Tony happily replied, "Hey, Rhodey, this is Tony."

"I'm calling you to ask you to help me with some work. Stop expecting to go to the front lines. In the British Empire, that was called a letter of marque; in modern times, it's called an overseas garrison. All you do is kill, burn, and rob other people's property."

"No, no, no, I'm not asking you to leave the military. I want you to become Stark Industries ' liaison within the military. What If...? the U.S. military can't send a blonde, curvy girl, I'd prefer someone I know."

"What! Watching the news? What's so interesting about the news?"

"Okay, okay, let me see."

Tony gestured to JARVIS to turn on the television on the low cabinet in the office. CNN was broadcasting breaking news about the collapse of the Red Empire!

Even Tony Stark, whose father had just died unexpectedly a few days prior and whose funeral had just been held, was so shocked by the report that he didn't know what to say.

He, Obadiah, JARVIS looked at each other, all thinking the same thing: their luck was just too good!