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. ;)

 
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.

 

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