AT&T; BREAKUP II : Breaking Up Isn’t So Hard To Do

AT&T; Corp.’s plan to split into three pieces is the latest in a string of voluntary deals that broke apart major corporations. Here are some others:

ITT Corp.: Once the prototypical conglomerate, plans to split itself into three companies involved in manufacturing, entertainment and insurance; transaction pending.

General Motors Corp.: Plans to spin off Electronic Data Systems computer-services subsidiary; transaction pending.

Sears, Roebuck & Co.: Abandoning effort to create a “financial supermarket,” spun off 80% interest in Dean Witter, Discover & Co. and sold Coldwell Banker real estate division in 1993; divested 80% interest in insurer Allstate Corp. in 1995.

American Express Corp.: Sold Shearson retail-brokerage unit in 1993, and divested Lehman Bros. investment banking group in 1994.

Pacific Telesis Group: Spun off cellular-telephone operations in 1994, creating AirTouch Communications.

Marriott Corp.: Spun off hotel-management group in 1993, creating Marriott International Inc. Changed name to Host Marriott Corp. and continues to own hotel properties and provide food services.

UAL Inc.: United Airlines’ parent, then known as Allegis Corp., sold Westin and Hilton International hotel groups and Hertz rental-car operation in 1987. Changed name back to UAL the next year.