SSB.  They have a much more sophisticated managed money platform, plus, the backing of the largest bank in the world.  MSDW is prime for a buyout, although it is too soon to tell as to whether or not this will happen. 

Within a year business cards will read… HSBC Morgan Stanley… That bank has the assets to buy MS and they have long desired to gain a foothold in the American brokerage industry… My buddy is an FA with HSBC back east, and he says the buzzing has already begun…

Any thoughts on how a buyout of MS will affect current brokers? We
received a memo today (also published in the news media) regarding the
cuts intended to lift profitability. (period) [Could it be to raise the
stakes and comand a premium?]



For the older crowd, what happened when Dean Witter and MS merged? How did that affect brokers?

I have heard the slashing of brokers at MS has already begun.  Be careful…

Its amazing that there is more money out there then ever, but MS is cutting back.

I wonder if the independents are doing well in this enviroment? I mean the banks, JP, city, B of A and others are coming out with some great numbers. But MS and S&B are having issues.

Well its interesting times.

[quote=SaySo]Any thoughts on how a buyout of MS will affect current brokers? We
received a memo today (also published in the news media) regarding the
cuts intended to lift profitability. (period) [Could it be to raise the
stakes and comand a premium?]



For the older crowd, what happened when Dean Witter and MS merged? How did that affect brokers?

[/quote]



Companies often go through a period of sprucing up prior to putting
themselves up for sale.  You made an excellent point.  It
could be that they are grooming themselves for a sale.  Or they
could just be refocusing their energies.  It’s a bit too early to
tell at this point.



If you were going to sell your business, you’d probably want to get rid of all the dead weight beforehand, right?



Given the unyielding greed and general incompetence of brokerage
management, it seems quite plausible that Morgan Stanley’s new
leadership will be looking to cash out as quickly as
possible.   But again, it may be a bit early now to judge.



 

[quote=inquisitive]

Given the unyielding greed and general incompetence of brokerage management, it seems quite plausible that Morgan Stanley's new leadership will be looking to cash out as quickly as possible.   But again, it may be a bit early now to judge.
 
[/quote]

Would you please define "greed?"