A supplier name changes, should the name be modified on the vendor record or should a new vendor rec

 I'm faced with this dilemma, a vendor is being forced to change its name due to legal reasons (another outfit with similar name sued them).

If I create a new vendor record, I will lose the history accumulated under the old vendor name; if I change the name on the record I can no longer search under the old name (and all past PO's change to the new name).

I figure there are other repercussions such as in A/P.

Could anyone having faced this situation share their experience?

thanks