Merrill Lynch & Co.

Merrill Lynch & Co.

A formerly independent financial services company. Founded in 1914, it has been publicly traded since 1971 and specializes in investment management and advising, insurance, banking, and capital markets services, among others. It is perhaps best known for its global private client services, especially wealth management for individuals and businesses. Because of its over-exposure to mortgage-backed securities in the credit crunch that began in 2007, Merrill Lynch was acquired by Bank of America in January 2009.