The
merger with Datek stands out as a landmark achievement in the industry.
Ameritrade is now the largest brokerage firm in the world as measured
by online equity trades for the third quarter of the 2002 calendar
year. But this merger is not about being the biggest. It’s
about providing independent investors the right tools to find financial
opportunities in any market environment. We want to be the champion
of our clients’ interests.
The Internet has revolutionized the brokerage business. Through
effective control over execution, Internet technology allows us
to offer better client service than traditional brokers at lower
prices when buying and selling. The number of households investing
online today is expected to double by 2006, and Ameritrade has
the competitive advantages to profit from this incredible growth
opportunity.
Our clients are the focus of our business. As part of our merger
integration planning, we formed client advisory groups, who helped
us optimize the products and service we provide. We conducted surveys
to thousands, held focus groups and responded to more than 1,300
client emails.
We also have a strong new Board - an experienced, financially sophisticated
group of Directors who understand the industry and are committed
to the growth of Ameritrade.
The
merger with Datek stands out as a landmark achievement in the industry.
Ameritrade is now the largest brokerage firm in the world as measured
by online equity trades for the third quarter of the 2002 calendar
year. But this merger is not about being the biggest. It’s
about providing independent investors the right tools to find financial
opportunities in any market environment. We want to be the champion
of our clients’ interests.
