Bailed-out BofA still enjoys its U.K. football

Americans, here's your tax dollars at work: In the U.K., Liverpool's football team has just signed up Bank of America as a major sponsor. BofA, which has received about $45 billion in U.S. federal rescue money after its acquisition of Merrill Lynch and its toxic assets, is the parent of MBNA, which supplies Liverpool's credit card for supporters. (At the end of the year, MBNA announced major worldwide layoffs, so it's a safe bet many of those on the street might have liked a little of the cash that will now underwrite the careers of Bentley-driving footballers and their high-maintenance WAGs.) Liverpool, currently sitting at No. 3 in the U.K.'s Premier League, has a rich history, and wants to leverage its potential globally. (The club also demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.) Team manager Rafael Benitez has made no secret of his frustration that Liverpool doesn't get the same place on the world stage as Manchester United. But Liverpool already has deep pockets, with revenues of more than $277 million annually—hardly in need of a bailout money from the U.S. government.

—Posted by Noreen O'Leary

Published on March 11, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Bank of America, Europe, O'Leary, Soccer

BofA's college videos not like actual college

Bank of America has introduced Morris on Campus, a series of online videos and tips targeting college kids who are opening their first bank accounts. To my way of thinking, Morris lacks any real credibility. First off, he's supposed to be an upperclassman, but he's sober in all the vignettes. (Even his super-sized spring-break beverage is labeled "non-alcoholic.") Plus, he drones on about how college students should manage their money but never touches on the key skill: how to shake down their parents for every last dime. What a nerd. He must go to Emerson. Oh, there's a $25,000 prize for submitting the best college financial tip. Here's mine: If you win, use the 25 large to pay down your student loans. Those things can hound you for life. Oddly, that's a subject Morris never gets around to. Which leaves just one more thing to say: Beanpot '09: Revenge of the BU Terriers, baby! Woo-hoo!

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on September 2, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)
Filed under Bank of America, Digital, Finance, Gianatasio, Web video