Pensions & Investments' recent web poll on names for a combined BlackRock Inc. and Morgan Stanley became a non-starter when talks broke down and Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. swooped in to do the deal with BlackRock.
But one name from the old engagement could work in the new marriage: StanRock. Now, the "Stan" would be for Stanley O'Neal, Merrill's chief executive; before, of course, it was for Morgan Stanley.
The new firm formed from the Merrill/BlackRock deal will carry the BlackRock name, executives at both companies said in a statement. But just in case they change their minds, one P&I reader and pionline.com user suggested Fink Doll. The "Fink" is for BlackRock CEO Laurence D. Fink, who will lead the combined company, and the "Doll" is for Robert C. Doll, president and chief investment officer of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. Mr. Doll will be a vice chairman and CIO of global equities at the combined firm.
