Company History Timeline 

1990
Merrill Lynch acts as sole underwriter for the Walt Disney Company's $2.25 billion Liquid Yield Option Notes (LYONS).

1993
Under the leadership of newly elected Chairman of the Board and CEO Daniel P. Tully, the Merrill Lynch Principles are formalized. The five Principles, based on the nine precepts found in the Declaration of Policy, emphasize the firm's philosophy on Teamwork, Integrity, Responsible Citizenship, Respect for the Individual and, most importantly, Client Focus.

The People's Republic of China honors Merrill Lynch with an invitation to become the first U.S. securities firm to open an office in China. A representative office opens in Shanghai.

1995
With the acquisition of Smith New Court, Merrill Lynch becomes the largest equity organization in the world, with unsurpassed research, trading sales capabilities.

1996-1998
Merrill Lynch expands its worldwide presence through a series of acquisitions and office openings:

• McIntosh and Centaurus in Australia
• Phatra Thanakit Securities in Thailand
• FC Inversiones Bursatiles in Spain
• Midland Walwyn in Canada
• 33 new branch offices in Japan
  

1997
Merrill Lynch acquires Mercury Asset Management, an international asset management group based in the United Kingdom. The acquisition adds to the firm's worldwide and institutional investment management expertise.    More Info

Merrill Lynch becomes the first financial services company to surpass $1 trillion in client assets under management.    More Info

1998 
Merrill Lynch goes live as a member of the Korean Stock Exchange.

Merrill Lynch OnLine marks a milestone in serving clients' needs via the Internet by signing up its 300,000th customer.

Founding partner Charles Merrill is named one of the "People of the Century: 20 Who Changed Our Lives" by CBS Network and Time magazine.

Merrill Lynch Direct is introduced in December and is designed for clients preferring a self-directed approach to investing. In addition to online equity trading, clients can purchase and sell mutual funds, receive Merrill Lynch research and purchase fixed-income products.    More Info  

1999
Merrill Lynch receives the President's Award medal for the ScholarshipBuilder Program.    More Info

Merrill Lynch launches the Global Investor Network, becoming the first financial firm to combine the use of two dynamic forms of media — video news and the Internet — in the delivery of investment research.    More Info

For the fourth straight year, Working Mother magazine names Merrill Lynch one of the 100 best companies for working mothers.    More Info  

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