Morgan Stanley (MS: Quote) and Citigroup (C: Quote) announced they have reached agreement for Morgan Stanley to purchase Citi's 14 percent stake in Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Holdings LLC, or MSSB, together with the transfer of approximately $5.5 billion of deposits at no premium, at an implied 100 percent valuation of $13.5 billion. Subject to obtaining the required regulatory approval, Morgan Stanley and Citi have reached agreement with respect to the purchase of Citi's remaining 35 percent stake in MSSB, inclusive of related deposits of approximately $48 billion, no later than June 1, 2015 at the same implied $13.5 billion valuation. Morgan Stanley has agreed to acquire the next 15 percent stake in MSSB from Citi by June 1, 2013, subject to regulatory approval.
James Gorman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley, said: "This mutually beneficial agreement gives both parties certainty and transparency on price and timing, and is a significant milestone for Morgan Stanley in the implementation of our strategy."
Vikram Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Citi, said: "Establishing certainty regarding the divestiture of this business is in the best interests of our shareholders. Since forming Citi Holdings, we have reduced its assets by over $600 billion, and we will continue to do so in an economically rational manner."
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by RTT Staff Writer
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