Fitch Assigns Initial 'A' L-T IDR to Merrill Lynch B.V.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fitch Ratings has assigned an initial long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'A' to Merrill Lynch B.V. and has subsequently withdrawn the IDR and support ratings of Merrill Lynch S.A. Fitch notes that the obligations of Merrill Lynch B.V. are guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation.

Fitch assigns the following ratings:

Merrill Lynch B.V.

--Long-term IDR 'A';

--Long-term Senior Debt 'A';

--Long-term marked linked securities 'Aemr'

--Support '1'.

Fitch withdraws the following ratings:

Merrill Lynch S.A.

--Long-term IDR 'A';

--Support '1'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

--'Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria' (Aug. 15, 2012);

--'Securities Firms Criteria' (Aug. 15, 2012);

--'Rating FI Subsidiaries and Holding Companies' (Aug. 10, 2012);

--'U.S. Banks - Sovereign Support - When Does it End' (Dec. 15, 2011).

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=686181

Securities Firms Criteria

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=686137

Rating FI Subsidiaries and Holding Companies

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=679209

U.S. Banks -- Sovereign Support: When Does it End -- Amended

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=662250

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