17.7 In an effort to increase shareholder value, USX announced its intention to split US Steel and Marathon Oil into two separately traded firms. The breakup gives holders of Marathon Oil stock an opportunity to participate in the ongoing consolidation within the global oil and gas industry. Holders of USXeUS Steel Group common stock (target stock) would become holders of newly formed Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corporation.

What alternatives could USX have pursued to raise shareholder value? Why do you believe they pursued the breakup strategy rather than some of the alternatives? (Appendix)