The bank said today that gaining full ownership of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Holdings LLC, which operates under the name Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, is one of its key strategic priorities.
Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Group and Citigroup Inc.'s Smith Barney merged in 2009 during the recession.
Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO James Gorman says full ownership will help expand its deposit base and offer unique syndication and distribution capabilities.
The deal is expected to close on June 28. Shares of Morgan Stanley slid nearly 3 percent, or 66 cents, to USD 24.49 in early trading.