Stark Industries' Transformation

Since Howard Stark's unexpected death, the Stark Group has undergone a tremendous transformation.

Led by Obadiah Stane, who had previously served as Howard Stark's deputy, the restructuring, reorganization, listing, and trading were completed in a remarkably short period of time.

This was done while taking into account employee welfare, rather than abruptly laying off a bunch of people and selling the company.

In this way, not only were enormous inheritance taxes raised for Tony Stark, but the vast and chaotic Stark Group also transformed into a more clearly defined military-industrial complex.

Furthermore, because the Red Empire collapsed at the same time, all the major players' attention was drawn to that frigid land, giving the Stark Group, who were also at the mercy of the enemy, an opportunity to break through the encirclement and achieve unexpected success.

Obadiah Stane graced the cover of Time magazine for this, with the article detailing this textbook-worthy corporate transformation case, which speaks volumes about the value of Stark Industries after its restructuring.

No one considers Stark Industries, which abandoned a significant number of industrial projects, to be a loser; many financial magnates lamented missing this opportunity.

Although they acquired a significant number of shares in companies that were formerly owned by Stark Group after their IPO, and even took control of some of them.

But those were all smokescreens that were abandoned. The truly important core stocks in the military industry are not under the control of Wall Street.

Because the stocks are already listed, and these are not bearer shares, Wall Street bigwigs can naturally find out the background of the shareholders. Just look at those generals, active duty and retired, no hothead would dare to reach out.

Even though the revelry over the collapse of the Red Empire had already made them a fortune, human desires are insatiable, aren't they? Nevertheless, Stark Industries, once a juicy piece of meat, was no longer something they could touch.

However, one thing cannot be ignored in this series of actions. That is, from the former Stark Group to the current Stark Industries, they have cut off a considerable number of unrelated industries, or streamlined them into a department and incorporated them into the main body.

It's a common perception that any industry unrelated to the core military industry was sold off by the spendthrift Stark! The sold-off assets included some mining and oil companies, which are generally considered to be easy money.

Some of these sold-off assets were directly merged into the buyer's entity, and the company's legal representative no longer exists. Examples include certain factories or production lines.

Some have changed their names and returned to the market with a fresh new look.

Some are merely given a limited time to change their names, a period that could last five or even ten years. They still bear the "Stark" name, but in reality, they have nothing to do with the Stark anymore.

Most of these were companies that, after going public, were bought up in large quantities by Wall Street wolves, eventually turning shareholders into owners, allowing Stark Jr. to successfully escape.

They were certainly unwilling to accept that their products had inexplicably gone bad. However, Stark Industries remained largely intact, and they couldn't win a trademark lawsuit unless they were willing to pay licensing fees.

After several rounds of negotiations, a decision was reached to change the name within a specified period.

Regardless, these people didn't take over these companies voluntarily; they were mostly manipulated by the cunning Obadiah Stane. Becoming a shareholder through stock speculation is uncommon, but becoming the boss is a different story!

To reduce these people's resistance, Stark Industries made a concession by allowing them to continue using the "Stark" name for a while longer.

Of course, there are some things you can't do if you're branded as "Stark." Otherwise, Stark Industries ' legal team is not to be trifled with, and even if they were to resort to underhanded tactics, Stark Industries, backed by the military, would only be more assertive!

This is why, when Tony Stark mentioned "Stark Studios," Henry assumed that this business, which wasn't part of the military industry, had been sold off by the young master.

Tony tried to explain himself, but it sounded more like a resentful complaint.

He said, "The old man left behind many strange things, things that people would reject even if given away for free, let alone sell."

"So I've ended up supporting a lot of useless people. I'll probably close down the business once everyone in the company retires. For now, I'll just treat it like a retirement home and keep an eye on things."

"But Stark Studios is different. The old man has poured too much effort into it. Moreover, Stark Studios is profitable on its own and has many valuable assets, so I have other plans for it."

Hearing the young master's earnest answer, Henry chuckled and said, "Could it be that keeping this business is more beneficial to your womanizing career?"

Tony was taken aback, then covered his face and said, "Am I supposed to tell girls, 'Come have a drink with me, and I'll rent you a camera and you'll get a discount?' Do I need to go through all that trouble to pick up girls? According to you, isn't all I need to do is show my face?"

Clearly, he has a good understanding of his own businesses, which is why he could make such a sarcastic remark. He's not the kind of rough-and-tumble warlord who doesn't know anything about guns or concubines and only knows how to fight anyone who disagrees with him.

Henry didn't give a direct answer, but instead said, "Since you have other plans for Stark Studios, and you don't intend to use it to pick up girls, then you should take responsibility for it yourself."

"What do you mean by throwing this at me? What If...? you think you can bribe me with this kind of bargaining chip, I can only say that's not smart at all, not the kind of decision your genius brain should make."

Tony said with dissatisfaction, "Walter! What's your problem with Stark Studios? Even if some of their connections are no longer useful, at least the framework is still there. As long as the team is put together, it'll still be a Hollywood film production company."

Henry replied with a smile, "To join a circle and benefit from it, I must at least abide by its rules, and even maintain it."

"Reason, once I agree to become your employee, in order to protect my employee rights, I must first protect the company's profits and positive reputation. This means I have to act and speak from your perspective."

"But this is too torturous. I told you a long time ago that I can't stand working under you."

Since I can't bring myself to do something like "biting the hand that feeds me," the best thing to do is simply not to accept your help in the first place.

At this moment, Tony asked with a strange expression, "Do you really have such a big problem with me? You can't even get a job working under me?"

Henry said matter-of-factly, "Strictly speaking, I treat everyone this way. The only exception is Ms. Audrey Hepburn. It's hardest to work with acquaintances or relatives; I always reject any talk of personal relationships."

Catherine Hepburn, who had been listening in silence, then said with a hint of jealousy, "Little Henry, are you implying that I can't be a good boss to you either?"

"How could that be, Catherine? It's just that you don't usually need me. What If...? there's anything you need me for, just say the word, and I'll go through fire and water for you. Talking about payment would be underestimating our friendship," Henry said obsequiously.

"Ah, good boy." The old lady patted Henry's head with satisfaction.

As the CEO of Stark Industries, Tony was so jealous he was grinding his teeth.