Read more Gregory Fleming stories on Newserhttp://www.newser.com/taggrid/15878/gregory-fleming.htmlhttp://img1-cdn.newser.com/images/newser-black250x40.gifhttp://www.newser.com/2012 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorWed, 23 May 2012 05:47:18 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/10461/embattled-merrill-chief-stepping-down.htmlWesley Oliver<img src='http://img1-cdn.newser.com/getimage.aspx?mediaid=40262&width=45&height=45&crop=Y&updateddate=20110401030536' border='0' />Merrill Lynch CEO Stan O’Neal has decided to step down, the Wall Street Journal reports, after days of speculation about his likely ouster following $8 billion in writedowns for the bank, and reports that he had discussed a merger with Wachovia without board authorization. The list of potential successors is...Stanley O'Neal, Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch & Co., is seen in New York in this Nov. 1, 2006 file photo. Merrill Lynch & Co., the world's biggest brokerage, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007 said the summer's credit crisis triggered a bigger-than-expected $7.9 billion writedown during the third quarter. O'Neal said the company continues to face uncertainty on the impact of its mortgage-related investments. He also said the company, to help lessen any risk on its balance sheet, might shed noncore businesses. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano, file)http://www.newser.com/story/10461/embattled-merrill-chief-stepping-down.htmlSun, 28 Oct 2007 18:53:21 CDT