Business Notes Corporations

A lot of old familiar names are disappearing from the roster of prominent corporations. U.S. Steel said last week that since oil production, real estate and other operations now account for 70% of its sales, the firm would drop the word steel from its name. After considering more than 200 possibilities, including Amcor and USSA, the company decided to call itself USX because its symbol on the New York Stock Exchange is X. In London, BL, the financially struggling government-controlled auto group formerly known as British Leyland, said it hopes to spruce up its image by renaming itself the Rover Group.

Now that Burroughs and Sperry are merging, the computer companies have hired a consultant to think up a new name for the combined firm. They are offering a $5,000 prize if an employee comes up with a better moniker.