Super-predadores

«While the company was formed by acquisitions, Mr. Dimon proved to be notably cautious about further big deals. And while losses from mortgage-related securities drove profits down at the end of 2007, JPMorgan in early 2008 appeared to have avoided the worst of the battering damaging its competitors. The company was in a good position to move quickly when Bear Stearns came face to face with bankruptcy in March 2008. Known as a tough negotiator, Mr. Dimon struck a bargain that had Wall Street gasping when it was announced on March 16, buying Bear Stearns for a mere $2 a share -- a tenth of its closing price -- together with a Federal Reserve loan for $30 billion secured by Bear Stearns's shaky portfolio.»