9 Brands That Had to Change Their Name
Altria Group Inc.
Formerly: Philip Morris Companies Inc.
Year Changed: 2003
The official reason given for Philip Morris Companies’ 2003 name change was to provide greater “clarity” reflecting the “evolution” of the company. The more likely reason is that the company wanted to escape the ugly connotations attached to the tobacco giant’s former name. Fortunately for Altria, the name change has succeeded in clearing their domestic image. Altria, while still primarily a tobacco company, no longer suffers the same animosity that was once directed at it under the Philip Morris Companies brand. However, the company does still own Philip Morris USA.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Year Changed: 2003
The official reason given for Philip Morris Companies’ 2003 name change was to provide greater “clarity” reflecting the “evolution” of the company. The more likely reason is that the company wanted to escape the ugly connotations attached to the tobacco giant’s former name. Fortunately for Altria, the name change has succeeded in clearing their domestic image. Altria, while still primarily a tobacco company, no longer suffers the same animosity that was once directed at it under the Philip Morris Companies brand. However, the company does still own Philip Morris USA.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
More From 24/7 Wall St.:
Best- and Worst-Run Cities in America
8 Beers Americans No Longer Drink
States Where People Pay the Most (and Least) in Taxes
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.



