Merging to Build New Empires

Smokestack America seeks strength through size

Only a decade ago such big deals would never have been seriously considered for fear that Government antitrust officials would stop them dead. But the merger plans announced last week by two pairs of leaders in the railroad and steel industries have a good chance of winning Washington's approval. With Smokestack America in a period of decline and retrenchment, the Reagan Administration tends to look favorably on consolidations that could make weak companies stronger. In addition, stiff competition from abroad has made the antitrust laws increasingly irrelevant...