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Fed Holds Crisis Talks on Lehman With Top Bank Execs

Wall St. bigwigs in 'game of chicken' with government officials

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2008 6:39 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The New York Fed called an emergency meeting of Wall Street heavyweights last night to try to avert a collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Wall Street Journal reports. Top execs of all the big financial firms were urged by NY Fed Chief Timothy Geithner to work together to save the bank, the New York Times reports, arguing that if they failed, other banks would be in jeopardy. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and SEC Chairman Christopher Cox were also in attendance.

The meeting was reminiscent of one called 10 years ago to rally banks to prevent the collapse of hedge fund Long-Term Capital Management. But this time, most of the potential saviors are themselves wounded by the credit crunch. Would-be buyers, including Bank of America, want a Bear Stearns-like package in which the government absorbs some of Lehman's losses. Insiders say Paulson made it plain at the meeting that he is opposed to using taxpayer money to bail out Lehman.

Traders, specialists and officials gather around the trading post where Lehman Brothers stock is traded on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as the market opens Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008.
Traders, specialists and officials gather around the trading post where Lehman Brothers stock is traded on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as the market opens Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Karp)
Lehman Brothers headqaurters is seen on Wednesday, June 10, 2008 in New York. Lehman Brothers, in a desperate bid to survive, announced plans Wednesday to sell a majority stake in its prized investment management business and said a sale of the entire company was possible.
Lehman Brothers headqaurters is seen on Wednesday, June 10, 2008 in New York. Lehman Brothers, in a desperate bid to survive, announced plans Wednesday to sell a majority stake in its prized investment...   (AP Photo/Jin Lee)
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Jr is said to be opposed to using public money to prop up Lehman Brothers.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Jr is said to be opposed to using public money to prop up Lehman Brothers.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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Wall Street • Bank of America • Henry Paulson • Lehman Brothers • financial institutions • Federal Reserve Bank of New York • financial crisis

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