Merrill to stick by policy shifts for its analysts.

Financial News, September, 2002

Merrill Lynch said Tuesday it will adopt all reform measures under a settlement with New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer even if the few remaining states don't sign onto the deal.About 40 states have now adopted the landmark $100m ([euro]100.4m) settlement announced in May and other adoptions are 'imminent,' according to the North American Securities Administrators Association.

Merrill Lynch spokesman William Halldin wouldn't say if the nation's largest brokerage will commit to the $100m penalty if Spitzer fails to get all states on board as required under the settlement.