As its core business of desktop computer products slows, he said, Intel is pressing more urgently into chip products for faster-growing businesses like mobile and server systems.

But the company has had a difficult time competing in the faster-growing business of making software to manage computer networks and large databases of information.

Coastal, based in Houston, announced plans to sell the unit on Feb. 28 in an effort to free up capital for faster-growing businesses including natural gas and electricity.

It will also get Mellon's asset management, a faster-growing business that may increase its stock multiple.

The General Electric Company said yesterday that it expected profit to rise as much as 17 percent next year as its revamped portfolio of faster-growing businesses drives sales.

Viacom is preparing to split into two companies: one, to be called Viacom, will hold the faster-growing businesses like the cable networks, including MTV and Nickelodeon.

It would buy other companies, redefine its basic purpose and take other steps to maneuver into faster-growing businesses.

The erosion of long-distance revenue at AT&T has led to a search by communications concerns for ways to exploit faster-growing businesses, like high-speed data transmission and wireless communications.

To increase the share of profits from its faster-growing wireless business, Verizon has been eager to buy the 45 percent of Verizon Wireless held by Vodafone.

But in an acknowledgment that property-casualty insurance does not mix well with banking, Mr. Weill is cutting Travelers loose so he can concentrate on faster-growing businesses.