Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Paul Lester

What's in a name? Blackwater Worldwide changes name to Xe

Blackwater Worldwide has changed its name to Xe (pronounced zee).

A spokesman said the company's rebranding effort reflects a change of business focus. Like Philip Morris (aka Altria) and ValueJet (now AirTran), the timing makes us think different.

In January five former Blackwater contractors pleaded not guilty to charges linked to the killing of 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad. The firm was involved in nearly 200 shootings in Iraq since 2005, according to a congressional report.

Famousnamechanges.net tracks those who seek to reinvent themselves in a word - whether Backrub (we call it Google) or Natalie Hershlag (Star Wars star Portman).

Do you think this Xe will make us forget about Blackwater?

Share your thoughts by sending us a response on our GuardianUS Twitter page. You can do this by logging on to your Twitter account, typing @GuardianUS and then your comment of 140 characters or less. Of course, you can always comment on this blog post.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.