Company History Timeline 

1971
After years of planning, Merrill Lynch goes public, the second Big Board member to do so, but the first to have its shares listed on the exchange.

During a baseball World Series that saw the Pittsburgh Pirates edge out the Baltimore Orioles, Merrill Lynch introduces its "Merrill Lynch is bullish on America" ad campaign in a television commercial.

1973
To provide more flexibility, the firm becomes the first in the securities business to adopt a holding company format, with Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. as the parent and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith as the operating subsidiary.

1974
Symbolizing growth, strength, optimism and confidence, the Bull logo is introduced and becomes the trademark on which all of the financial service subsidiaries of Merrill Lynch & Co. will be identified.

1976
Merrill Lynch Asset Management (MLAM) is created as an integral business unit in the Merrill Lynch family.

1977
The Cash Management Account, CMA ®, is introduced. This landmark consumer product combines a securities margin account with a money market account plus a checking account and a VISA debit card.

1978
To strengthen its investment banking division, Merrill Lynch acquires White, Weld & Co., Inc, an old-line international investment banking house.

 View 1980s