Merrill closer to selling BlackRock stake

As it faces $6 billion in new write-downs, Merrill Lynch may sell its BlackRock and Bloomberg interests.
JUL 07, 2008
Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. is moving closer to selling its stakes in BlackRock Inc. and Bloomberg LP, as it looks to make up for $6 billion in new write-downs, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. The New York-based brokerage firm will likely seek about $5 billion for its 20% stake in Bloomberg, a price lower than it might fetch on the open market, according to the report. The New York-based business news and information company has the right of first refusal over the stock sale. Merrill also expects to meet with high-ranking officials at BlackRock, the New York-based money manager in which it owns a 49% stake, valued at more than $12 billion. If Merrill does not sell its BlackRock stake, it is likely that it will sell part of its interest and attempt to maintain a strategic alliance with the company, the Journal reported. Merrill cannot sell its BlackRock stake before 2009 without the agreement of BlackRock's board. Merrill said it will post second quarter earnings on July 17.

Latest News

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up
Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up

Shareholder targets FS KKR Capital's directors over alleged portfolio valuation and dividend missteps.

UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin
UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin

UBS has a history of costly litigation stemming from the sale of volatile investment products.

'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds
'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds

New director David Woodcock puts firms on notice over fees, conflicts, and liquidity risk as private credit shows signs of stress.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline