So declares Matt Wadley, a member of Wachovia’s corporate communications team, writing on the new Wells Fargo-Wachovia Blog (One team, twice as strong).
Yes, this freshly-crunched banking duo are going to share the integration process with us all in pixelated form:
Whether you’re a current Wachovia or Wells Fargo customer, in a way, we’re like The Brady Bunch — two families joining together (minus Alice the live-in maid). But, hey, you’ve got Ann Marie and me, your very own live-in bloggers instead!
Clicking over to the welcome note from Wells Fargo president John Stumpf (“We’re one team, twice as strong and committed to make the ride as smooth as possible for everyone on the stagecoach.”), we are compelled to scroll down to the comments…
From Evelyn “Wee” Weasly:
I am so excited about this merger. I have been with Wells Fargo (then called Kelly Field) for 35+ years. I have been with Wachovia for over 20 years so I am in a win-win situation. I am retired military (Air Force). I feel as if I have the best of both financial worlds. Thanks Wells Fargo and Wachovia for being financially strong during this extremely difficult financial crisis.
And from Cheryl:
I am in a 29 year love affair with Wachovia! They have been my bank for a very long time, and I have absolute faith in the decisions and choices they make! I am also a new fan of Wells Fargo!
I believe in the wisdom and broad intelligence of those leading us, so far Wachovia has never guided me wrong! I am saying Prayers for both companies, and the management teams guiding them! Deep in my heart of hearts I truly feel safe, and I know things will be O.K. I’m wishing all well! I like having a blog to see what others are thinking and what is going on and getting a real and clear idea of how any decisions made for these companies will affect me, and the decisions I must make in my life! Thanks Wells Fargo Thanks Wachovia! I will keep you both in a very good place in my heart! Take Care!
Meanwhile, in the real world…
Wells Fargo on Tuesday lost the bragging rights to a top notch triple A rating when Moody’s downgraded the west coast lender after the completion of its $15bn takeover of stricken rival Wachovia.
Analysts said that Moody’s decision to lower the ratings of Wells’ US banking subsidiary by two notches was less important to the company’s funding costs than the downgrade in the parent company’s debt rating from Aa1 to Aa3.