18 Jul 2009

New name for Sears Tower in Chicago

11:55 am on 18 July 2009

The Sears Tower in Chicago - one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world - has a new name.

The 110-storey structure, which opened in 1973, was renamed the Willis Tower on Thursday.

London-based insurance brokerage Willis Group Holdings has secured the naming rights as part of an agreement to lease space.

Tourists from around the world visit the tower's gallery to see views of Chicago.

The BBC reports that Willis Group Holdings is hopeful that the name change will catch on.

The building's original tenant, Sears Roebuck & Co, moved out in 1992 but its sign stayed on.

A real estate investment group, American Landmark Properties of Skokie, Illinois, now owns the building.