S. The bank expanded into the Chicago market. Bank of America, with a strong California base, was already the largest bank in the U.S. By deposits at that time.

The company completed the largest bank merger in U.S. history with the acquisition of NationsBank. The next major step was the 2004 acquisition of FleetBoston, followed by MBNA, a major credit card company. The bank began to expand outside of the U.S. In 2006. Further additions have been the United States Trust Company in 2006, LaSalle Bank in 2007, Countrywide Financial in 2007 and Merrill Lynch in 2008. These deals have not only enhanced the Bank of America's retail footprint but they have also diversified the business considerably both in terms of geography and in terms of business line. Many of these acquisitions form the core of entire operating groups at Bank of America today. Mergers and acquisitions are a key...
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