After putting together the list of the top global 100 companies in 1960 I came to realize this would be a good exercise for every liberal arts student in America (so they could have some connection to reality) and every MBA student. (See the blog below.)
First, it raises the question of why any one company should be
considered one continuous company over time. There is no clear
answer. My answer is: 'If the same piece of stock ownership
certificate in 1960 entitled you to ownership at a future date, it is
the same company.'
Second, how has American business changed? In 1960 the big companies were autos, steel, oil and aircraft and there were many of each. That has changed; there are only few of each of the old companies and completely new fields dominate the top 100 including retail, electronics and finance.
Third, what happened to some of the giants of America: Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, National Dairy Products, Continental Can, United Aircraft, Cities Service, American Stores and Anderson Clayton?