The Wells Fargo-First Interstate Merger : Voices

“Clearly, the market was talking.”

William E.B. Siart

First Interstate chief executive, on the pressure from Wall Street that finally led his bank to capitulate to Wells Fargo

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“I don’t think McDonald’s is necessarily a bad place to work, but I don’t think that’s the only alternative for people trained in banking.”

Paul Hazen

Wells Fargo chief executive, responding to a suggestion that fired workers might end up in the fast-food business

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“We’re really confident [Wells Fargo will come through] . . . simply because it’s a personal commitment from Paul Hazen himself.”

John Gamboa

Director of the Greenlining Coalition, on Wells’ $45-billion promise to boost lending in neglected and minority neighborhoods

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“Wells’ managers get painted as people who know how to cut deals, but they also know how to run a business.”

Doug Pratt

Manager of the Invesco Financial stock fund in Denver

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“The potential of this [First Interstate] franchise can finally be realized under Wells management.”

Harry Keefe

Veteran bank analyst and investor who began following First Interstate in the 1960s

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“The customers can leave but what do I do? I am 56 years old and I might not have a job soon.”

Nilda Herrera

First Interstate bank teller

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“Given what happened when Wells Fargo took over Crocker, it’s not going to be a pretty picture.”

Roger Miller

Partner in the executive search firm of Ryan Miller & Associates

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“I don’t believe in blending cultures. You kill one of them, and I think that’s what is going to happen here.”

Nicholas B. Binkley, former Security Pacific Corp. vice chairman