The Deal
Saturday, November 21, 
8:19 am

Report: Wachovia hires Goldman

  Share     E-Mail    Discussion    Print Story
Grappling with the subprime mortgage crisis, Wachovia Corp. is now the subject of takeover speculation.

Continue reading below

Also on Dealscape

Shares of Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia rose 2% to $17.22 early Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that word had leaked out that the bank hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to advise it, citing unidentified people familiar with the situation.

Wachovia may also be benefiting from another rumor that Warren Buffett is considering an investment in the bank.

While there is speculation about a potential deal, Goldman is also advising Wachovia on the search for a permanent successor for CEO Ken Thompson. Thompson was ousted earlier this month in part because of his ill-advised $24 billion purchase of Golden West Financial Corp. in 2006.

Wachovia named director Lanty Smith as an interim replacement for Thompson. The Journal reported Smith has told top executives at the bank that Wachovia intends to remain independent, citing the unnamed sources. Instead of an outright sale, the Journal noted that Wachovia may decide to rethink its business model and perhaps get out of investment banking or cut back on its West Coast mortgage operations. -- Donna Block

See full story on TheDeal.com
See Wall Street Journal story
See related: Wachovia board ousts CEO




Post a comment





The Deal Pipeline

Deal Video


Inside The Deal: Avaya Inc.'s Mohamad Ali on the company's next target.


More video...

Crisis On Wall Street
Technology
Deals of The Decade

Community

Industry Insight

Managing your shareholder base

Growth companies and their PE sponsors should be wary of the pitfalls that arise when they layer on tiers of preferred stock.


Industry Insight

Easing the stress of distressed M&A

Corporate buyers face numerous complexities when trying to identify the right moment to purchase a distressed asset.


Editor's Note

Editor's letter: Nov. 16, 2009

Beneath the veneer of Wall Streeters beats the same heart, stirred by the same determinants of behavior.


footspacer.jpg footspacer.jpg footspacer.jpg footspacer.jpg footspacer.jpg


©Copyright 2009, The Deal, LLC. All rights reserved. Please send all technical questions, comments or concerns to the Webmaster.