Bank Gains, Job Losses

Investor relations officers are deeply caught up in the whirlwind of bank mergers that have been sweeping the US. They are in an awkward position, aware that what they do might make their organisation attractive as an acquirer or an acquiree. If it's the latter, there's a strong chance they'll find themselves out of a job. Lou Thompson, president of the National Investor Relations Institute, points out that in mergers, bank or non-bank, IR people from the dominant partner tend to win out.