BofA - ML

Hi guys!

I am just finishing my degree and I am preparing now my thesis.

I am doing it about the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by BofA.

I would really appreciate if you could help me in two points:

A.- I am deciding the structure of my paper. It will be something like this:

1.- Description of the sector. 1.1.- Sector structure and brief summary of what have happened in the last years 1.2.- Main players: brief profile of each one. 1.3.- Current trends.

2.- The players 2.1.- The buyer: Bank of America. Detailed profile 2.1.1.- BofA CEO (or whoever was responsible for the acq. ¿CFO?) 2.2.- The target: ML. Detailed profile 2.2.1.- ML CEO (or whoever was responsible for the acq. ¿CFO?)

3.- Rationale 3.1.- Strategical reasons. "Soft Sinergies" 3.2.- Hard sinergies

4.- The operation 4.1.- Detailed description of the operation. 4.2.- The negotiation process. 4.3.- Final price and payment method.

5.- Post acquisition 5.1.- Reached sinergies 5.2.- Value for shareholders 5.3.- Strategic position after the operation

6.- Conclusion. Succeed?

--> QUESTION: What do you think about this structure? Is there something else you would add?

B.- I need to get some information about this operation, and I have not any network within BofA. Do you know where could I find some good and reliable info to base my thesis on?

THANK YOU, I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!

Kind regards and happy Christmas to everybody. ;)

5 Comments
 
Best Response

Structure looks fine, don't be afraid to edit once you start writing and using data.

I am not sure if there are any text books on the merger, probably just case studies and news archives. I suggest you use those with books such as Wiley's Applied Mergers and Acquisitions, or something less dense as the text is difficult, to have as a benchmark.

Also, be sure to interview a lot of people (use a recorder as misquotes are a pain). While I don't have names, if you lurk around I am sure you will find something. If not, call local offices. All the Best.

 

Thank you!

That was really helpful!

Another thing...in order to do the sector analysis, do you know where could I find info?

Thanks!

 

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