The Merrill Lynch logo is iconic, particularly due to its bull symbol, which has remained a core part of the brand despite the company’s evolution and eventual acquisition by Bank of America.

Meaning and History of the Merrill Lynch Logo

Merrill Lynch was founded in 1914 by Charles Merrill and Edmund Lynch, growing into one of the most prominent investment firms in the U.S. The company's aggressive marketing and widespread brokerage services earned it the nickname "the thundering herd," which was symbolized by a bull in its logo. This bull represented strength, aggression, and the "bull market", which signifies a market where share prices are rising, encouraging buying. The bull’s image also promised prosperity and success, perfectly aligning with the company’s mission.

Logo Evolution

1. 1914 – 2009
The original logo featured elegant, decorative typography for "Merrill, Lynch & Co." alongside a charging bull, symbolizing energy and financial strength. The bull image was paired with a bold, business-like typeface for the company’s name, adding a sense of reliability and professionalism.

2. 2009 – 2019
After Merrill Lynch was acquired by Bank of America, the logo underwent a slight transformation. The bull remained central, but the company name was updated to a simpler sans serif font. The new design added "Bank of America Corporation" below, marking the merger and change in ownership. The color scheme shifted to a brighter blue palette, making it more modern and cohesive with Bank of America's visual identity.

3. 2019 – Today
The current logo represents a further simplification, with Merrill in all-caps sans serif. The bull icon is moved to the right, with the new tagline "A Bank of America Company" underneath, further emphasizing its integration with the parent company. The color palette has also been adjusted to a darker blue, aligning with Bank of America’s branding.

Font and Style

Over the years, Merrill Lynch's logo has transitioned from an ornate, decorative typeface to a more modern, clean sans serif style. This shift reflects the company's move from a more traditional investment house to a streamlined, contemporary financial services division under Bank of America.

Current Status

Today, Merrill operates as the wealth management division of Bank of America, specializing in investment and brokerage services, with a team of over 14,000 financial advisors. Despite its rebranding, the bull symbol remains a powerful reminder of Merrill Lynch’s historical roots and its legacy in the financial sector.