Links Between U.S., Britain Grow in New Global Market : Trade: As dealings increase, it has become both easier and more essential for companies to cement ties.

Whether you are putting Shell gasoline in your car, Pillsbury biscuits in your mouth, USAir on your itinerary or, maybe soon, MCI on your telephone bill, you are doing business with Britain.

Business dealings between the United States and Britain are growing as close as the countries’ shared history, language, culture and legal tradition.

As corporate ties increasingly blur national boundaries and trade within Europe and North America becomes less restricted, it has become easier--and essential--for companies to cement their links with foreign markets. And for British companies looking to expand abroad, the United States presents an enticing and practical market.

The weak dollar has made everything American--from autos to airplanes--cheaper for foreigners.

Moreover, “there’s a great interchange of human resources that make deals, lawyers and investment bankers” that help U.S.-British transactions move at a rapid rate, said Irwin Stelzer, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

Two of the latest deals not only represent the expanded business links between the two countries, but also stand to benefit from them as well. Greater traffic in people and information means more opportunities for a transnational airline or telephone company.

British Telecommunications is buying 20% of MCI Communications Corp. for $4.3 billion. The deal would give each company broader reach into each other’s markets and marry MCI’s marketing savvy with British Telecom’s financial strength.

British Airways reached into the U.S. market by purchasing a 19.9% stake in USAir for $300 million earlier this year and won U.S. approval for the two airlines to coordinate operations.

“Borders are irrelevant to airlines and communications companies,” Stelzer said. “They’re physical fictions created by governments. . . . Those seem to be disappearing. That’s what prompts these two.”

The United States has long been a favorite of British investors, well before fears of the Japanese buying America were inflamed.

Shell, whose gas stations dot street corners across the country, is owned by the British-Dutch oil company Royal Dutch-Shell. And the Pillsbury Doughboy answers to the parent company in Britain, Grand Metropolitan.

Transatlantic Business

The United States is a popular place for investment among British companies, and vice versa.

British Companies in the U.S.

British Telecommunications Bought 20% of U.S. long distance company MCI for $4.3 billion.

British Airways Bought 20% of USAir for $300 million.

Royal Dutch-Shell British-Dutch oil company conducts petroleum exploration and gasoline retailing.

Gran Metropolitan Owns Pillsbury, Burger King, Green Giant, Alpo and Pearle Optical.

SmithKline Beecham Makes Tums, Aquafresh, Contac and the ulcer drug Tagamet.

U.S. Companies in Britain

Ford Motor Co. Britain’s biggest auto maker, with two assembly plants.

American Airlines Biggest U.S. carrier in Britain, with 16 daily flights.

Hertz Rent A Car No. 1 U.S. car rental company is fifth-largest in Britain. Peak season car fleet of 12,000.

Esso Petroleum Co. Owned by Exxon; 1,000 company-owned service stations and 1,500 independent dealers.

H.J. Heinz Co. Market leader in ketchup, baked beans, soups, baby food and canned pasta. In U.K. since 1886.

Source: Listed companies