TREND WATCH

A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications.

Uncovered: If you work for a small company, it’s likely that you don’t have a pension fund or, if you do, it may not last long. Pension funds, especially at small businesses, are falling to complex and changing regulations, the high cost of expert help and mistakes in paper work. Between 1979 and 1988, the number of American workers covered by pension plans fell to 46% from 50%. Among companies with fewer than 10 employees, 11% of workers are covered, compared to 22% in companies with 10 to 24 workers and 67% in companies employing more than 250. Atlanta Constitution

Newsprint: Stone Consolidated of Montreal plans to open a de-inking plant in late 1991, responding to pressure from newsprint customers who may soon be required by the United States and Canada to buy prescribed amounts of recycled paper. The subsidiary of Stone Container Co. has divulged neither the cost of the project nor the plant’s eventual capacity but does say total newsprint capacity will not increase in the near future. Toronto Globe and Mail

Burger Kingdom: Grand Metropolitan PLC, parent company to Burger King, is turning its 150 newly acquired Wimpy’s restaurants into Burger Kings and will embark on an American-style media campaign to conquer the United Kingdom’s fast-food market. The marketing budget is estimated at $16 million, up $1.6 million from 1989. With an eye to Asia, Burger King recognizes the potential for European development, using the United Kingdom as its base. McDonald’s, the top fast-food chain in the United Kingdom, spent $22 million on advertising last year and has begun a $6.4-million ad campaign, the biggest media shot since its 1974 debut. Minneapolis Star Tribune