Merrill and BofA....will it work?

After Bank of America announced their intent to purchase Merrill Lynch earlier this month, I am not convinced that this deal will actually go through.  On the surface it sounds like a great deal for both firms, but BofA is still digesting its purchase of Countrywide Financial.  There are many skeletons in that closet.  Adding the integration of Merrill Lynch into the mix greatly increases Bank of America's exposure from a risk perspective.

Only time will tell if I am right or just blowing hot air, but the deal just does not feel right, and although that is not the most technical analysis, gut feelings are right a lot of the time.