Chapter 139: The Transformation Plan

"Let those guys go eat shit." Tony had no affection for reporters, only for beautiful female reporters. But that was limited to the individuals themselves; as for the reports... he had never connected a specific report with a specific beauty.

At this moment, Tony said with a hint of disdain: "I think the old man's biggest problem is that he wanted to do everything, touched on everything, and then wasn't very good at anything."

"Of course, when I say 'not very good,' I don't mean the products weren't good enough, but that the products' competitiveness in the market was not well leveraged. This is related to the fact that we ventured into too many industries, and the market public relations department could not exert effective force."

Specifically mentioning the market public relations department was, in effect, almost like accusing Obadiah Stane. After all, his division of labor with Old Stark was that Howard led research and development, while he led marketing.

So the bald Obadiah said with dissatisfaction: "Discussing this problem cannot solve your predicament, Tony. This is the mess your father left behind; we can figure out how to solve it later. But for now, we still need to figure out how to squeeze out the taxes you have to pay."

"This is the method I want to propose. I plan to streamline the structure of Stark Industries and sell off some industries. That is, adjust the strategic layout and develop with more targeting, rather than making decisions based on mood."

At the same time, Tony handed out a piece of paper in his hand and said, "These are the industries I plan to sell."

Seeing that the documents included Texas oil fields under the name of Stark Industries, overseas mines, and some industries that could be considered golden geese. Whether it was Obadiah or Jarvis, they both instinctively thought this was a prodigal son, and said with aching hearts:

"Tony, are you serious? These are money-making industries; you just say sell and sell them?"

Tony Stark said, "It is precisely because things can make money that they can be sold at a high price. Whoever wants to lower the price, we will find other buyers. Those losing industries, even if given to people as toilet paper, would be despised; how much money can we expect to get in return?"

"But... this is not a reason to waste them for nothing." Obadiah said heartbrokenly. The old one was unreliable, and the young one was equally unreliable! That damn father and son pair.

Tony laid out two more pieces of paper and said, "This one records the companies I feel are necessary to retain but need adjustment or consolidation. As for this one, these are the companies we need to find a way to sell off or cut."

"Employees can be transferred to other units that are short-staffed or preparing to expand, but they can also choose to take a generous severance package and leave. We do not force this part."

Both lists were written densely, even on both sides. Whether it was Obadiah or Jarvis, they could not make sense of it at the moment.

Tony continued, "I also plan to have all the companies under my name that can go public, go public. Including those preparing to be sold, they should also prepare for an IPO."

"Young master." Jarvis said, "Although listing stocks is beneficial for raising funds, it is detrimental to control. This is also the reason why the old master always rejected Wall Street."

"I know. But we can use the public market to cash out some burdensome companies by selling them off. As long as we firmly grasp the focus of our future development."

Hearing the highlight in the words, Obadiah leaned forward and asked, "What is the focus of our future development?"

Tony placed the last piece of paper on the table and explained, "Stark Industries' most powerful ally has always been the US military. But I do not think they are reliable; as long as we cannot provide what the military needs, they will turn to others without hesitation."

"So I think this supporter cannot be easily abandoned. In my idea, the future direction of Stark Industries' development will be primarily in military-related industries."

"For manufacturing of civilian products, as long as it is related to the military, shrink it into a manufacturing department according to the situation and merge it under the main industry. Then cut the marketing department and merge the R&D department."

"For those unrelated, if someone is willing to take over, sell them. If no one wants to take over, keep them, but no longer prioritize their development. In this way, the market share yielded should be able to confuse and satisfy most business competitors."

"What we need to do is, before others react, build an impregnable fortress around the focus we hold in our hands, so that others cannot interfere. Concentrate forces, focus on development. The rest of the small profits are not worth worrying about."

After listening to Tony's explanation, Obadiah and Jarvis looked at the four lists he gave again, and the gold content within them became clear.

This young master had indeed figured out the current situation of Stark Industries before making such lists and judgments. It was not a decision made on a whim, slapping his forehead in a fit of heat.

Especially Obadiah, he had had enough of Old Stark's approach of hitting here and there. Following that genius who constantly emitted strange ideas, he, a mere mortal, was really tired.

Jarvis considered another issue and said, "In this case, trying to get all this done within nine months, before the inheritance tax deadline, is extremely urgent."

"No." Tony said, "We probably won't have to wait until the entire plan is complete to raise enough funds to solve the inheritance tax trouble. But the transformation of Stark Industries will not stop because of this."

"Not considering retaining equity in those key industries, not entering the public market, and introducing too many shareholders to avoid losing control?" Jarvis asked.

Tony shook his head and said, "Today, we are just going to stir up the situation, making it difficult for people to see our true intentions, so as to avoid being targeted."

"Besides, for those military industries prepared for retention and development, the issued stocks can be dispersed to woo key figures and tie those people to our wagon. In this way, the matter can be made even more foolproof."

"This part will heavily rely on Uncle. Once the group adjustment is complete, your shares will be converted into group stocks. I believe this compensation is quite good."

Jarvis was indifferent to this, but for Obadiah, it was like being injected with chicken blood; the whole person was so excited that his face turned red.

"Let's do it. I will find trustworthy people right now to form a strategic team. Within a few days, I will organize a draft plan for you."

Tony nodded his head, turned to look at his old butler, and said, "Jarvis, the phone, please."

Jarvis immediately stood up, pulled the phone from the office desk to the guest table. At the same time, he asked, "Young master, do you need me to contact anyone for you?"

"No, I'm calling an old classmate." He then dialed the number himself, and soon heard the greeting sound of the other party answering the phone.

Tony said happily, "Hey, Rhodey, this is Tony."

"I'm calling you to ask you to come work for me. Don't always count on going to the front lines. During the British Empire era, that was called a letter of marque; in modern times, that's called overseas garrison. It's all about killing, setting fires, and stealing other people's stuff."

"No, no, no, I'm not asking you to retire. I hope you can become Stark Industries' liaison within the military. If the US military can't send a blonde, curvy girl, I hope at least it's someone I know."

"What! Watch the news? What's so good about watching the news?"

"Okay, okay, okay, let me see."

Tony signaled Jarvis to turn on the TV on the low cabinet in the office. The CNN news channel was reporting breaking news about the collapse of the Red Empire!

Even Tony Stark, whose biological father had unexpectedly died just a few days ago and whose funeral had just been held, was shocked by this report to the point of not knowing what to say.

He, Obadiah, and Jarvis looked at each other. They all had the same thought in their hearts: the luck was really too good!

(End of this chapter)